2017 Subaru Forester vs. 2017 Kia Sportage
When comparing the 2017 Subaru Forester's and the 2017 Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the 2017 Subaru Forester has the advantage in the areas of reliability, resale value, interior volume and overall quality score. The 2017 Kia Sportage has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2017 Subaru Forester's and the 2017 Kia Sportage's specifications and ratings, the 2017 Subaru Forester is a better car than the 2017 Kia Sportage.
2017 Subaru Forester vs. 2017 Kia Sportage Pricing
A used 2017 Subaru Forester ranges from $13,999 to $24,999 while a used 2017 Kia Sportage is priced between $11,989 to $20,998.
2017 Subaru Forester vs. 2017 Kia Sportage Resale/Retained Value
Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2017 Subaru Forester loses 38.4 percent of its value and the 2017 Kia Sportage loses 42.8 percent of its value. This means the 2017 Subaru Forester retains 4.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2017 Kia Sportage.
2017 Subaru Forester vs. 2017 Kia Sportage Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10 while the Kia Sportage's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Forester being ranked 3 out of 66 Best Crossover SUVs and the Kia Sportage being ranked 14 out of 66. Out of 19 Best Small SUVs, the Subaru Forester is ranked 3 and the Kia Sportage is ranked 6. The Subaru Forester is also ranked 4 out of 56 Best 5-seater SUVs while the Kia Sportage is ranked 16 out of 56.
2017 Subaru Forester vs. 2017 Kia Sportage Reliability Rating
iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Forester is 8.6 out of 10. For the Kia Sportage the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Forester a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Kia Sportage.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the 2017 Subaru Forester’s base engine makes 170 horsepower, and the 2017 Kia Sportage base engine makes 181 horsepower. The Forester is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 445 miles. The Sportage is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 476 miles. This gives the 2017 Kia Sportage the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2017 Subaru Forester. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison
While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the 2017 Subaru Forester has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2017 Kia Sportage has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2017 Subaru Forester and the 2017 Kia Sportage have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
13999 - 24999
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.383753
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
11989 - 20998
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
0.427825
Subaru Forester Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.563112 / 10
Reliability:
8.589335 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Kia Sportage Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1594 / 10
Reliability:
7.8782 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Subaru Forester Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 27Ranking
3 out of / 26Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 10Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 56Ranking
4 out of / 21Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 56Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
11 out of / 56Ranking
12 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 56Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 56Ranking
17 out of / 58Ranking
17 out of / 49Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 56Ranking
46 out of / 66Kia Sportage Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 11Ranking
11 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 56Ranking
16 out of / 58Ranking
16 out of / 56Ranking
16 out of / 49Ranking
16 out of / 26Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 56Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
32 out of / 56Ranking
33 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 56Ranking
38 out of / 66Ranking
38 out of / 56Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
43 out of / 66Ranking
43 out of / 66Summary Review
The Subaru Forester is a five-seat, compact SUV that foregoes the station wagon styling of other Subaru models for a more utilitarian, square-bodied design. The Forester has earned a reputation as a reliable and capable all-weather SUV with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo space. New models of the Forester cost an average of $32,632 and 3-year-old models average $23,752.
Summary Review
The Kia Sportage is a compact sport utility vehicle and a mainstay of Kia’s model line, going through several generations prior to the current Sportage, which debuted in 2017. The Sportage is known for its sharp looks, feature-packed interior, and low cost of entry, with new models costing an average of $28,105 and 3-year-old models averaging $20,380.
Pros and Cons
- All-wheel drive is standard
- Better-than-average ground clearance and off-road capability
- Large cargo area
- Engine power could be stronger
- Low tow rating may not match many buyers’ lifestyles
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) not to everyone’s liking
Pros and Cons
- Smooth ride quality with a quiet interior
- Spacious seating front and rear
- Smart instrumentation and control layout
- Smaller cargo capacity than many rivals
- Acceleration can be sluggish
- Fuel economy adequate at best
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2017 Subaru Forester Trim Levels
2.0XT Premium, 2.0XT Touring, 2.5i, 2.5i Limited, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Touring
2017 Kia Sportage Trim Levels
EX, LX, SX Turbo
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
174 foot-lbs @ 4100 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
175 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.055 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 28 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
350 / 445 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 29 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
361 / 476 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple Car Play:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Android Auto:
Available
Apple Car Play:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Equipment
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
34.4 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
74.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
142.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
30.7 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
60.1 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
129.3 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3322 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
181.5 inches
Wheelbase:
103.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3305 lbs
Width:
73 inches
Height:
65.2 inches
Length:
176.4 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
steel
Tire Size:
P225/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/60R17