The Quick Answer
- Sportage Hybrid wins on price: AWD from $32,890 (S AWD) versus $34,730 for the Forester Hybrid Premium, and a FWD version from $30,590.
- Same AWD mpg: both are rated 35 mpg combined with AWD. The FWD Sportage Hybrid gets 41.
- Forester wins on clearance and range: 8.7 in. versus 8.3 (AWD Sportage), and 581 miles of range versus 480 (Kia est., AWD).
- Sportage wins on power, towing and room: 232 hp versus 194, 2,000 lbs of towing versus 1,500, and more rear legroom and cargo space.
- Warranty: Kia covers the powertrain and hybrid battery for 10 years/100,000 miles; Subaru covers the powertrain for 5 years/60,000 miles and the hybrid system for 8 years/100,000 miles.
Sportage Hybrid vs. Forester Hybrid: Side by Side
| 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid | 2026 Subaru Forester Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $30,590 (LX FWD) | $34,730 (Premium Hybrid, AWD standard) |
| AWD from | $32,890 (S AWD) | $34,730 |
| Top trim | $40,690 (SX Prestige AWD) | $41,545 (Touring Hybrid) |
| Hybrid system | 1.6L turbo, 232 hp / 271 lb-ft, 6-speed automatic | 2.5L boxer 4-cylinder, 194 hp, CVT |
| EPA combined | 41 mpg FWD; 35 AWD | 35 mpg (AWD) |
| Driving range | 562 mi FWD; 480 mi AWD (Kia est.) | 581 mi (Subaru) |
| Max towing | 2,000 lbs | 1,500 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 7.1 in. FWD; 8.3 in. AWD | 8.7 in. |
| Rear legroom | 41.3 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Cargo behind 2nd row / max | 39.5 / 73.7 cu ft | 27.5 / 69.1 cu ft |
| Standard touchscreen | 12.3 in. | 11.6 in. |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5-yr/60K / 10-yr/100K | 3-yr/36K / 5-yr/60K |
| Hybrid battery / system warranty | 10-yr/100K | 8-yr/100K |
| Destination | $1,495 | $1,450 (2027: $1,475) |
2027 Sportage Hybrid data from Kia; 2026 Forester Hybrid data from Subaru and fueleconomy.gov, as of October 2026. MSRP excludes destination. The 2027 Forester Hybrid, arriving late 2026, keeps the same prices and adds a Wilderness Hybrid; Subaru's 2027 spec sheet lists cargo as 33.1 / 64.1 cu ft, measured differently from the 2026 figures above.
Price and Value
With AWD, the Sportage Hybrid S starts $1,840 below the Forester Hybrid Premium, and the Sportage also offers a FWD LX Hybrid at $30,590. Subaru doesn't offer a FWD Forester; AWD is standard on every trim.
The Forester's base trim is well equipped, with a power rear gate, an 11.6-in. navigation screen, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Sportage Hybrid S adds blind-spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist and heated front seats, and the EX adds a smart power liftgate.
Power and Fuel Economy
Kia's turbo hybrid makes 232 hp and 271 lb-ft, 38 more horsepower than the Forester Hybrid. Both are rated 35 mpg combined with AWD, and the FWD Sportage Hybrid gets 41 mpg.
The Forester's bigger 16.6-gallon tank gives it about 581 miles of range, versus about 480 for an AWD Sportage Hybrid (Kia est.). The turbo is also an advantage at altitude: the Sportage keeps more of its power on I-70 climbs.
Space and Practicality
The Sportage Hybrid has 1.9 in. more rear legroom and 12 cu ft more space behind the rear seat (39.5 vs. 27.5 cu ft for the 2026 Forester). With the rear seats folded, it has 4.6 cu ft more.
Towing, Snow and Trailheads
- Ground clearance: the Forester Hybrid's 8.7 in. beats the AWD Sportage Hybrid's 8.3 in. The new 2027 Wilderness Hybrid ($40,495) raises it to 9.3 in. with all-terrain tires.
- AWD: standard on every Forester. On the Sportage Hybrid, AWD is a $1,600 option on the S and EX and standard on the X-Line and SX Prestige.
- Towing: 2,000 lbs for the Sportage Hybrid versus 1,500 for the Forester Hybrid.
- Hybrid AWD options: compare every hybrid AWD Kia in our Kia hybrid AWD guide.
Warranty
Kia covers the Sportage Hybrid for 5 years/60,000 miles basic, 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain for the original owner and 10 years/100,000 miles on the hybrid battery. Subaru covers the Forester Hybrid for 3 years/36,000 miles, 5 years/60,000 miles on the powertrain and 8 years/100,000 miles on the hybrid system.
Where the Forester Hybrid Wins
An honest comparison names the Subaru's advantages:
- AWD on every trim.
- More ground clearance: 8.7 in., or 9.3 in. on the 2027 Wilderness Hybrid.
- About 100 more miles of driving range than an AWD Sportage Hybrid.
- A power rear gate, 11.6-in. navigation screen and blind-spot monitoring on the base trim.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Sportage Hybrid if…
You want the lower price, more power, more rear-seat and cargo room, 2,000 lbs of towing, the option of a 41-mpg FWD model or the longer warranty.
Choose the Forester Hybrid if…
Standard AWD and maximum ground clearance for snow and trailhead roads matter most, and you value the longer range between fill-ups.
Compare the Sportage Hybrid at Emich Kia
The Sportage Hybrid is one of our most-stocked models, with FWD and AWD trims on the lot. Bring your Forester quote and we'll compare equipment line by line.
- Family-owned since 1922 at 1260 S. Colorado Blvd. in Denver, a few minutes from I-25 and Cherry Creek.
- Not sure which trim has the feature you want? We'll check the window sticker on any vehicle before you visit.
- Schedule a test drive, apply for financing online or value your trade before you come in.
Sportage Hybrid vs. Forester Hybrid: FAQ
Is the Kia Sportage Hybrid better than the Subaru Forester Hybrid?
It depends on your priorities. The Sportage Hybrid costs less, makes more power (232 vs. 194 hp), tows more and has more rear-seat and cargo room. The Forester Hybrid has standard AWD, more ground clearance and longer range. Both get 35 mpg with AWD.
Which is cheaper?
The Sportage Hybrid. With AWD, it starts at $32,890 versus $34,730 for the Forester Hybrid. A FWD Sportage Hybrid starts at $30,590.
Which gets better gas mileage?
With AWD, they tie at 35 mpg combined. The FWD Sportage Hybrid is rated 41 mpg. Subaru doesn't offer a FWD Forester.
Which has more ground clearance?
The Forester Hybrid, with 8.7 inches (9.3 on the 2027 Wilderness Hybrid), versus 8.3 inches for an AWD Sportage Hybrid.
How much can each tow?
The Sportage Hybrid tows 2,000 lbs with trailer brakes. The 2026 Forester Hybrid tows 1,500 lbs.
Which has the better hybrid warranty?
Kia's. The Sportage Hybrid's battery is covered for 10 years/100,000 miles, versus 8 years/100,000 miles for the Forester's hybrid system, and Kia's powertrain coverage is 10 years/100,000 miles versus 5 years/60,000 miles.
Drive the Sportage Hybrid
Shop Sportage Hybrids in stock at Emich Kia and drive one back to back with the Forester.
Shop Sportage Hybrid View Hybrid Specials