Kia Sportage vs Subaru Outback
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Kia Sportage starts from $38,490 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Outback opens at $48,990. That makes the Kia Sportage the more affordable entry point by $10,500.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $42,339 and $53,889 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Sportage by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Sportage and Subaru Outback hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Sportage and 88% for the Subaru Outback.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Outback packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Kia Sportage.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia Sportage and 9 in the Subaru Outback.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Sportage features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Outback gets a 12.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia Sportage stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Subaru Outback. The Subaru Outback counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.
The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 115kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Sportage is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Sportage measures 4,685mm long on a 2,755mm wheelbase, 185mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,870mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 975L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Subaru Outback a 432L advantage.
For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.4m
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Kia Sportage and $2,451/year for the Subaru Outback. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Kia Sportage.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Kia Sportage) vs $2,451 (Subaru Outback). The Kia Sportage saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Sportage) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Outback). The Kia Sportage has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Sportage if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Outback if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Sportage takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Sportage will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Outback has a clear edge. The Kia Sportage adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Sportage and Subaru Outback?
The Kia Sportage is the cheapest at $38,490 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Outback by $10,500.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Sportage uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Sportage and Subaru Outback all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Outback has the largest boot at 975L.
Which can tow the most?
The Subaru Outback has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Sportage has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Outback makes the most power at 137kW. The Kia Sportage is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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