Kia Sportage vs Subaru Outback

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Kia Sportage at 5 stars (2022) and the Subaru Outback at 5 stars (2021). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2021). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 87% for the Kia Sportage and 88% for the Subaru Outback, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Outback, against 5 on the Kia Sportage.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Kia Sportage and 9 in the Subaru Outback.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

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 and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Subaru Outback counters with panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Kia Sportage gets cloth upholstery while the Subaru Outback offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Kia Sportage and 2-zone in the Subaru Outback.

Drivetrain

The Kia Sportage uses a Petrol producing 115kW and 192Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout.

The Subaru Outback responds with a Petrol making 137kW and 254Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Subaru Outback has the clear power advantage at 137kW vs 115kW. 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, 195mm shorter than the Subaru Outback at 4,880mm (2,745mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia Sportage generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 543L in the Kia Sportage and 530L in the Subaru Outback, giving the Kia Sportage a 13L advantage. Fold the rears and you get 1829L vs 1267L.

For towing, the Subaru Outback leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,650kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Subaru Outback's turning circle is 0.3 m tighter, 11.1 m against 11.4 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Kia Sportage costs about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km) and fuel for the Subaru Outback about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 7 years / unlimited km (Kia Sportage) and 5 years / unlimited km (Subaru Outback). Capped-price servicing: no data (Kia Sportage), 5 years (Subaru Outback).

Where each one leads

The Kia Sportage: the lower starting price ($38,490 against $48,990), the bigger boot with the seats up (543L against 530L) and the longer warranty (7 years against 5).

The Subaru Outback: more power (137kW against 115kW) and the higher braked towing limit (2,000kg against 1,650kg).

The Verdict

Level at 76: here's what splits them

The Kia Sportage and Subaru Outback are level on the CarSorted Score at 76 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: value (Kia Sportage ahead by 6 points), reliability (Kia Sportage ahead by 5 points), safety (Subaru Outback ahead by 4 points). Warranty: 7 years on the Kia Sportage, 5 on the Subaru Outback.

Common questions