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 6 out of 11 vehicle comparisons. In contrast, Subaru has lower used vehicle starting prices in 6 out of 8 vehicle comparisons. Subaru models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 12 out of 12 comparisons.

Kia versus Subaru: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Subaru vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 7 out of 12 model comparisons, with Kia offering more horsepower in 5 comparisons. Kia offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 4 out of 6 comparisons. Both Kia and Subaru vehicles have the same MPG in 2 comparisons. Kia offers a longer driving range in 1 out of 1 model comparisons. Subaru offers a greater towing capacity in 4 out of 5 comparisons.

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 5 out of 5 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, Subaru has the advantage in 3 out of 5 comparisons. Kia has higher reliability ratings in 1 out of 5 comparisons, and Kia and Subaru tie in 1 comparisons. Subaru has better safety ratings in 4 out of 11 comparisons while Kia has better safety ratings in 3 out of 11 comparisons. Kia and Subaru tie for safety in 4 comparisons. Subaru shows higher ratings for retained value in 12 out of 12 comparisons.

Best Car Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Optima in Best Midsize Cars. Subaru has better car rankings in 9 categories: Subaru Forester in Best 5-seater SUVs, Subaru Impreza in Best Compact Cars, Subaru Forester in Best Crossover SUVs, Subaru Crosstrek (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Crossover SUVs, Subaru Crosstrek (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Subcompact SUVs, Subaru Crosstrek (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid SUVs, Subaru Crosstrek (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV), Subaru Impreza in Best Small Cars, and Subaru Forester in Best Small SUVs.

Most Reliable Car Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Rio 5-Door in Most Reliable Small Cars. Subaru has better car rankings in 5 categories: Subaru Outback (suv) in Most Reliable Crossover SUVs, Subaru Crosstrek (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Hybrid SUVs, Subaru Legacy in Most Reliable Midsize Cars, Subaru Crosstrek (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV), and Subaru Outback (suv) in Most Reliable Small SUVs.

Safest Car Rankings: Kia has the better car ranking in 1 category: Optima in Safest Midsize Cars. Subaru has better car rankings in 5 categories: Subaru Ascent in Safest Crossover SUVs, Subaru Solterra in Safest Electric SUVs, Subaru Ascent in Safest Midsize SUVs, Subaru Impreza in Safest Small Cars, and Subaru Ascent in Safest SUVs with 3 Rows.

Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Subaru has better car rankings in 2 categories: Subaru Forester 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, 4 sedans, 1 hatchback, and 1 minivan. In comparison, Subaru offers 6 SUVs, 1 wagon, 3 sedans, and 1 coupe.

Drivetrain Options: Kia offers 11 gasoline vehicles, 3 hybrids, 3 plug-in hybrids, and 3 electric vehicles. Subaru offers 8 gasoline vehicles, 1 plug-in hybrid, and 1 electric vehicle.

Kia offers 12 all-wheel-drive models, 15 front-wheel-drive models, and 3 rear-wheel-drive models. Subaru offers 8 all-wheel-drive models and 1 rear-wheel-drive model.