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 | — | $12,522 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $12,522 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $12,522 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
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 |
