Disclaimers

Kia Vs Subaru

Personality is the name of the game for a comparison between Kia and Subaru. Both competitors stand out from the mass of bland, sensible options that are as forgettable as they are “reliable.” In one corner, Subuaru, who have managed to become the unofficial mascot of the average “Burning Man” festival attendee – outdoorsy, vaguely spiritual and often criticized for lacking interior refinement.

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kia vs subaru model grilles compared for model comparison page

We like to Friendly tease, but Subaru deserves recognition. With its innovative Symmetrical AWD platform, emphasis on cargo space and push for environmental sustainability, Subaru vehicles have become favorites for high-altitude, Earth-friendly automotive conquests. They know what they’re good at, and they do it with fervor.

In the other corner, Kia has made a name for itself by listening to drivers and infusing creativity and sophistication at accessible price points. Their newest models are stylish, full of cutting-edge technology and built to fill needs, rather than compete in automotive segments. Between the two, there’s a lot to love!

Model Price Base MPG Notes
2018 Kia Forte $16,700* 32 Combined Fuel-efficient compact
2018 Kia Optima $22,500*  31 Combined Powerful and elegant midsize sedan
2017 Kia Cadenza $27,245* 23 Combined Flagship sedan. Luxurious refinements inside and out – power and tech
2018 Kia Niro $23,240* 50 Combined Hybrid compact crossover
2018 Kia Soul $16,100 28 Combined Personality-full crossover with turbo power
2018 Kia Sportage $23,500* 26 Combined Small SUV with massive personality and features list
2018 Kia Sorento $25,800* 26 Combined Decadent third-row midsize SUV with tech features and active safety
2018 Subaru Crosstrek $21,795 25 Combined Small crossover – Kia Soul, Kia Niro
2018 Subaru Impreza $18,495 32 Combined Compact sedan – Kia Forte
2018 Subaru Legacy $22,195 29 Combined Midsize sedan – Kia Optima
2018 Subaru Outback $25,895 22 Combined Midsize wagon – Kia Sportage
2018 Subaru Forester $22,795 24 Combined Small SUV – Kia Sportage

Head-to-Head Comparisons: Kia VS Subaru

Optima vs Legacy

In this showdown of midsize sedans, we compare the Euro-based style of the Kia Optima to the rugged minimalism of the 2018 Subaru Legacy. Which one comes out on top?

Optima vs. Legacy

Forte vs Impreza

Performance is on trial when these two efficient compacts square up. Who will come out on top? Will it be the feature-packed Kia Forte, or the versatile Subaru Impreza?

Forte vs. Impreza

Stinger vs WRX STI

In this matchup, we see the thrilling Stinger go up against Subaru's boy-racer legend WRX STI. It's a battle of who offers the most justfiable fun with some interesting twists.

Stinger vs. WRX STI

Sorento vs Ascent

Subaru's newest model, the Ascent, offers symmetrical AWD and Subaru styling in a third-row crossover. See how it compares to Kia's latest-and-greatest Sorento.

Sorento vs. Ascent

Niro vs Crosstrek

A lesser-known Kia Model competes against one of those blobs that eats the other ones under a microscope in zombie movies, when the Kia Niro plug-in hybrid contests the Subaru Crosstrek. Will efficiency, or poor eyesight rise victorious? Find out!

Niro vs. Crosstrek

Sportage vs Forester

Small SUVs cover the landscape, is there really a difference between them? Find out, when we pit the redesigned Kia Sportage against the Subaru Forester. It’s Catalina vs Colorado in terms of style, but who performs better?

Sportage vs. Forester

Soul vs Crosstrek

Two of the quirkiest competitors in the compact crossover class meet to decide who is the champion of offbeat design. The chunky Subaru Crosstrek battles it out with the “Threw away the car and kept the box” design of the Kia Soul.

2020 Soul vs. 2019 Crosstrek
2018 Soul vs. 2018 Crosstrek

Sorento vs Outback

Two popular family-movers compete against one another in this model comparison. On one hand, the low-profiled Outback wagon, on the other, the third-row Sorento. Is it really apples to oranges? Find out as we compare them to one another!

Sorento vs. Outback
2018 sportage in front of city skyline in red color near tampa fl
2018 kia soul in black shown with a bunch of soccer balls that are glowing floating around
2017 kia cadenza driving at night in city white color shown from front 3/4 angle
2018 kia sorento shown with power liftgate in gray silver color on flat cement road near st petersburg fl