Kia Sportage vs Subaru Outback
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Subaru Outback
Overview
| Spec | Kia SportageLX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | LX | Premium |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2027 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Kia SportageLX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $28,990 (best) | $34,995 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $19,995 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $19,995 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $19,995 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 1 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Kia SportageLX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG (best) | 27 MPG |
| City MPG | 25 MPG | 25 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG (best) | 31 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14.3 gal | 18 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Kia SportageLX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 187 hp (best) | 180 hp |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | flat 4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Kia SportageLX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 74.1 cu ft | 80.5 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | 2,500 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 3,434 lbs (best) | 3,741 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 7.1 in | 8.7 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 108.5 in (best) | 108.1 in |
| Length | 184.4 in | 191.7 in (best) |
| Width | 73.4 in | 74 in (best) |
| Height | 65.4 in | 67.5 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Kia SportageLX | Subaru OutbackPremium |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (driver) | — | Not Rated |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side pole | — | Not Rated |
| Rollover | — | Not Rated |
| 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 Sportage | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | LX $28,990 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Premium $34,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LX $30,790 MSRP | Limited $41,715 MSRP |
| 3 | LX $30,590 MSRP | Limited XT $44,365 MSRP |
| 4 | EX $30,790 MSRP | Wilderness $44,995 MSRP |
| 5 | EX $32,590 MSRP | Touring $45,395 MSRP |
| 6 | S $31,290 MSRP | Touring XT $47,995 MSRP |
| 7 | S $32,890 MSRP | — |
| 8 | EX $32,290 MSRP | — |
| 9 | EX $33,890 MSRP | — |
| 10 | SX $34,590 MSRP | — |
| 11 | X-Line $34,790 MSRP | — |
| 12 | X-Line $35,790 MSRP | — |
| 13 | X-Line $40,590 MSRP | — |
| 14 | SX-Prestige $36,590 MSRP | — |
| 15 | SX-Prestige $38,390 MSRP | — |
| 16 | SX-Prestige $40,690 MSRP | — |
| 17 | X-Pro Prestige $39,890 MSRP | — |
| 18 | X-Line Prestige $47,390 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Subaru Outback1 for sale
See all
Kia Sportage vs Subaru Outback FAQ
- Which is better: 2027 Kia Sportage or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2027 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Subaru Outback on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2027 Kia Sportage or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2027 Kia Sportage starts lower at $28,990. Live Subaru Outback listings start at $19,995.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2027 Kia Sportage or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2027 Kia Sportage leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (28,990).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2027 Kia Sportage or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2027 Kia Sportage leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (41).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2027 Kia Sportage or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2027 Kia Sportage leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (33).
- Which has better horsepower: 2027 Kia Sportage or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2027 Kia Sportage leads on horsepower in this comparison (268).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2027 Kia Sportage or 2026 Subaru Outback?
- The 2027 Kia Sportage leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (2,500).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2027 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Subaru Outback?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Subaru Outback (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).