Kia Niro vs Subaru Forester
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru Forester
Overview
| Spec | Kia NiroLX | Subaru ForesterForester SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | Forester SUV |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | hybrid | gas |
| Model year | 2026 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia NiroLX | Subaru ForesterForester SUV |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $27,090 (best) | $29,995 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia NiroLX | Subaru ForesterForester SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 53 MPG (best) | 29 MPG |
| City MPG | 53 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 54 MPG (best) | 33 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 11 gal | 16.6 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Kia NiroLX | Subaru ForesterForester SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 139 hp | 180 hp (best) |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft (best) | 178 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 1.6 L | 2.5 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia NiroLX | Subaru ForesterForester SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | — | 74.4 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,071 lbs (best) | 3,510 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 6 in | 8.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 107 in (best) | 105.1 in |
| Length | 174 in | 183.3 in (best) |
| Width | 72 in | 72 in |
| Height | 61 in | 68.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia NiroLX | Subaru ForesterForester SUV |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 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 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| 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 Niro | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $27,090 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Forester SUV $29,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | EX $29,890 MSRP | Premium $33,385 MSRP |
| 3 | SX $33,090 MSRP | Premium Hybrid $34,730 MSRP |
| 4 | SX Touring $35,490 MSRP | Sport $36,105 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Limited $37,695 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Sport Hybrid $37,930 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Wilderness $38,385 MSRP |
| 8 | — | Limited Hybrid $38,995 MSRP |
| 9 | — | Touring Hybrid $41,545 MSRP |
| 10 | — | Touring $41,595 MSRP |