Kia Forte vs Subaru WRX
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru WRX
Overview
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | WRX (Base) |
| Body style | Sedan | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2024 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $19,990 (best) | $32,495 |
| Lowest listing price | $18,198 (best) | — |
| Median listing price | $19,390 (best) | — |
| Highest listing price | $19,390 (best) | — |
| For sale now | 3 (best) | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 34 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| City MPG | 30 MPG (best) | 19 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 41 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal | 16.6 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 271 hp (best) |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 258 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 15.3 cu ft (best) | 12.5 cu ft |
| Payload | 884 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 2,908 lbs (best) | — |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 5.4 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in (best) | 105.2 in |
| Length | 182.7 in | 183.8 in (best) |
| Width | 70.9 in | 71.9 in (best) |
| Height | 56.5 in | 57.8 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia ForteLX | Subaru WRXWRX (Base) |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 3 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Side pole | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Rollover | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Kia Forte | Subaru WRX |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $19,990 MSRP(Currently comparing) | WRX (Base) $32,495 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LXS $20,490 MSRP | Premium $33,995 MSRP |
| 3 | GT-Line $22,490 MSRP | Limited $38,995 MSRP |
| 4 | GT $24,690 MSRP | Limited $39,995 MSRP |
| 5 | GT $25,390 MSRP | GT $44,995 MSRP |
| 6 | — | tS $44,995 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Series.Yellow $45,995 MSRP |
Live inventory
Kia Forte vs Subaru WRX FAQ
- Which is better: 2024 Kia Forte or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2024 Kia Forte vs 2026 Subaru WRX on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2024 Kia Forte or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2024 Kia Forte starts lower at $19,990. Live Kia Forte listings start at $18,198.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2024 Kia Forte or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2024 Kia Forte leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (19,990).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2024 Kia Forte or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2024 Kia Forte leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (34).
- Which has better horsepower: 2024 Kia Forte or 2026 Subaru WRX?
- The 2026 Subaru WRX leads on horsepower in this comparison (271).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2024 Kia Forte vs 2026 Subaru WRX?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Kia Forte (4/5 NHTSA overall); Subaru WRX (5/5 NHTSA overall).