Kia vs. Subaru

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from Kia and Subaru contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both Kia and Subaru cars.

When comparing the Kia brand to the Subaru brand, Kia has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, fuel efficiency and variety of models offered. Subaru has the advantage in the areas of used car pricing, depreciation, horsepower, towing capacity, overall quality, reliability, safety, retained value and vehicle rankings.

Kia versus Subaru: Pricing and Value: Analyzing Kia versus Subaru pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Kia in 4 out of 7 vehicle comparisons. In contrast, Subaru has lower used vehicle starting prices in 6 out of 7 vehicle comparisons. Subaru models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 7 out of 8 comparisons.

Kia versus Subaru: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Subaru vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 4 out of 8 model comparisons, with Kia offering more horsepower in 4 comparisons. Kia offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 1 out of 2 comparisons. Both Kia and Subaru vehicles have the same MPG in 1 comparisons. Kia offers a longer driving range in 1 out of 1 model comparisons. Subaru offers a greater towing capacity in 2 out of 5 comparisons. Kia offers greater towing capacity in 2 out of 5 comparisons, and in 1 comparisons Kia and Subaru have the same towing capacity.

Kia versus Subaru: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of Kia versus Subaru overall quality ratings shows Subaru with higher quality ratings in 2 out of 2 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Subaru has the advantage in 2 out of 2 comparisons. Subaru has better safety ratings in 5 out of 8 comparisons. Kia and Subaru tie for safety in 3 comparisons. Subaru shows higher ratings for retained value in 7 out of 8 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Subaru has better car rankings in 6 categories: Subaru Crosstrek in Best 5-seater SUVs, Subaru WRX in Best Compact Cars, Subaru Crosstrek in Best Crossover SUVs, Subaru Legacy in Best Midsize Cars, Subaru WRX in Best Small Cars, and Subaru Forester in Best Small SUVs.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Subaru has better car rankings in 4 categories: Subaru Crosstrek in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Subaru Legacy in Most Reliable Midsize Cars, Subaru Impreza in Most Reliable Small Cars, and Subaru Forester in Most Reliable Small SUVs.

Safest Car Rankings: Kia has better car rankings in 3 categories: Kia Telluride in Safest Crossover SUVs, Kia Telluride in Safest Midsize SUVs, and Kia Telluride in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows. Subaru has better car rankings in 4 categories: Subaru Solterra in Safest Electric SUVs, Subaru Forester (hybrid) in Safest Hybrid SUVs, Subaru Legacy in Safest Midsize Cars, and Subaru WRX in Safest Small Cars.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Forte in Best Small Cars for the Money. Subaru has better car rankings in 2 categories: Subaru Crosstrek in Best Crossover SUVs for the Money and Subaru Forester in Best Small SUVs for the Money.

Available Body Styles: Kia offers 13 SUVs, 1 wagon, 3 sedans, and 2 minivans. In comparison, Subaru offers 7 SUVs, 1 wagon, 2 sedans, and 1 coupe.

Drivetrain Options: Kia offers 9 gasoline vehicles, 4 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles. Subaru offers 8 gasoline vehicles, 2 hybrids, and 1 electric vehicle.

Kia offers 11 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models. Subaru offers 8 all-wheel-drive models and 1 rear-wheel-drive model.