Current compact SUV comparison · Delray Beach, Florida
2026 Subaru Forester vs. 2027 Kia Sportage
For Delray Beach shoppers who want AWD, the 2026 Forester makes the stronger starting-value case: AWD is included at $29,995, compared with $30,790 for the 2027 Sportage LX AWD, and Forester Base publishes higher city and highway MPG plus more ground clearance. The Sportage may fit shoppers who prefer FWD availability, an eight-speed automatic, more published rear legroom and more cargo space behind the rear seat. Compare the exact drivetrains and keep gas and hybrid choices separate.
Which compact SUV fits your priorities?
Both are five-passenger compact SUVs, but their starting configurations solve different problems. Use this shortlist, then compare the exact Subaru in stock with the Kia trim you are considering.
Put the 2026 Forester first if you prioritize:
- AWD included at the base MSRP, without moving to an AWD option
- 26 city / 33 highway MPG and 8.7 inches of clearance in the Base AWD configuration
- Gas, Hybrid and Wilderness choices within one current Forester lineup
- Up to 74.4 cubic feet of published maximum cargo volume on Forester Base
Put the 2027 Sportage first if you prioritize:
- A $28,990 FWD starting MSRP; Forester costs more at Base but includes AWD, and its $29,995 AWD MSRP is $795 below Sportage LX AWD
- An eight-speed automatic and 187-horsepower gas engine; Forester is seven horsepower lower, matches the published 178 lb-ft of torque, and pairs that output with standard AWD
- 41.3 inches of rear legroom and 39.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat; Forester gives up upright volume but slightly leads the published maximum with the Base rear seat folded and adds standard AWD and more clearance
- A 2,500-pound rating with trailer brakes and required equipment; regular Foresters are rated to 1,500 pounds, while Forester Wilderness is rated to 3,500 pounds for shoppers who need more
2026 Forester Base AWD vs. 2027 Sportage LX gas specifications
This gas-to-gas table identifies the exact model years, base trims and drivetrains. It shows both Sportage LX drivetrains because Kia's advertised starting MSRP applies to FWD, while the Forester's starting MSRP includes AWD.
| Decision point | 2026 Subaru Forester Base 2.5L gas / CVT / AWD | 2027 Kia Sportage LX 2.5L gas / 8-speed automatic / FWD or AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP before destination | $29,995; AWD included | $28,990 FWD; $30,790 AWD |
| Engine output | 180 hp / 178 lb-ft | 187 hp / 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Lineartronic continuously variable transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard | FWD standard; AWD available |
| EPA-estimated MPG, city / highway | 26 / 33 AWD | 25 / 33 FWD; 24 / 30 AWD |
| Minimum ground clearance | 8.7 inches | 7.1 inches FWD; 8.3 inches AWD |
| Rear legroom | 39.4 inches | 41.3 inches |
| Cargo volume, rear seat up / folded | 29.6 / 74.4 cu. ft. on Base; other trims publish 27.5 / 69.1 | 39.6 / 74.1 cu. ft. with dual-level floor in low position |
| Maximum towing with trailer brakes | 1,500 lb.; Forester Wilderness is rated up to 3,500 lb. | 2,500 lb.; additional equipment required |
Starting MSRPs exclude destination and handling, taxes, title, registration, options and dealer charges. Actual selling prices vary. Cargo methods may differ by manufacturer. EPA estimates are for comparison; actual mileage varies. Schumacher Subaru of Delray can quote and sell Subaru vehicles; we do not quote Kia vehicles, incentives or payments.
What changes when you compare AWD with AWD?
The Sportage's $28,990 headline price is for LX FWD. Kia publishes $30,790 for LX AWD, while the Forester Base includes AWD at its $29,995 starting MSRP. That is a $795 manufacturer-published MSRP difference before destination, options and dealer charges. This is a current-shopping comparison across two model years, so use the individual window labels and current Subaru inventory rather than treating it as a same-year price contest.
Forester Base also publishes 26 city / 33 highway MPG and 8.7 inches of clearance with AWD. Sportage LX AWD publishes 24 city / 30 highway MPG and 8.3 inches. Sportage offers an FWD choice that the Forester does not; the right comparison depends on whether AWD is actually on your requirement list.
Which has more room: Forester or Sportage?
The Sportage has a real published advantage in rear legroom and cargo space behind an upright rear seat: 41.3 inches and 39.6 cubic feet, compared with 39.4 inches and 29.6 cubic feet for Forester Base. Forester answers a different carrying need with 74.4 cubic feet behind the front seats, just above Sportage's 74.1, while also including AWD and 8.7 inches of clearance. That does not erase Kia's upright-cargo lead; it makes Forester the stronger fit when folded-seat capacity, standard AWD and clearance matter more than maximum room behind seated passengers. Other Forester trims publish 27.5 / 69.1 cubic feet because equipment and roof configuration affect the measurement.
Those figures do not describe opening shape, liftover height, outward visibility or whether your own stroller, pet crate, golf bags or luggage fit. Use them to narrow the list, then load the items you actually carry into the Forester you are considering.
Compare Forester Hybrid and Sportage Hybrid separately
2026 Forester Hybrid: Subaru publishes a $34,730 starting MSRP for Premium Hybrid, standard AWD on every Forester Hybrid, estimated 194-horsepower total system output, and 35 city / 34 highway MPG. It is a conventional hybrid that does not need external charging.
2027 Sportage Hybrid: Kia publishes a $30,590 starting MSRP for an LX FWD Hybrid, while AWD begins with S AWD at $32,890. Kia publishes 40 city / 42 highway / 41 combined MPG for FWD trims and 35 / 36 / 35 for AWD trims, so Kia retains a published price and fuel-economy advantage in these examples. Forester Hybrid does not fully overcome those figures; its counterbalance is AWD on every trim, 194-horsepower estimated total system output and 8.7 inches of ground clearance for shoppers who place that standard capability ahead of the lowest price or highest MPG.
Kia also lists a separate 2027 Sportage Plug-in Hybrid; Forester does not offer a plug-in configuration. Shoppers who want to charge externally should compare that Kia separately. Shoppers who prefer a conventional hybrid with no plug and standard AWD can compare an actual Forester Hybrid with an AWD Sportage Hybrid, then review installed equipment, destination charge and the selling price of each specific vehicle.
How should you compare driver-assistance technology?
Every 2026 Forester includes EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Kia lists Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go as standard on 2027 Sportage LX. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic functions vary by trim or package on both lineups. These systems assist the driver and have operating limits; compare the exact trim controls and keep full responsibility for safe driving.
Make a Delray Beach comparison drive answer real questions
A useful drive can include South Federal Highway traffic, a short I-95 segment, a tight parking maneuver and a rough or uneven section of pavement. Shoppers coming from Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth or coastal Delray can tell our team which cabin, visibility and carrying needs matter before arriving.
- Set the same seating position: adjust the driver seat, then check rear-seat entry, outward visibility and space behind the driver.
- Bring one everyday item: load a stroller, golf bag, pet crate or beach gear and compare the opening and usable floor shape.
- Choose the drivetrain first: decide whether FWD is acceptable or AWD is required before comparing headline prices.
- Compare the powertrain you would buy: gas, Hybrid and Wilderness Foresters have different economy, cargo and towing figures.
Visit Schumacher Subaru of Delray: 2102 South Federal Highway, Suite C, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Call Sales at 561-760-1512 or contact us before traveling so we can confirm the Forester trim and test-drive timing you want.
Forester vs. Sportage questions
Why does this page compare a 2026 Forester with a 2027 Sportage?
As of October 26, 2026, Subaru's current U.S. Forester specifications identify the 2026 model, while Kia's current U.S. Sportage page and pricing identify the 2027 model. The year difference is shown throughout so an older 2026 Sportage is not substituted for Kia's current listing. Model years, inventory and pricing change; verify the exact vehicle before buying.
Is AWD standard on the Forester and Sportage?
AWD is standard on every 2026 Forester. The 2027 Sportage LX and EX start with FWD and offer AWD; X-Line and X-Pro Prestige include AWD. Kia's FWD choice lowers the entry price, while Forester's counterbalance is AWD included from Base; Forester Base AWD also starts $795 below Sportage LX AWD before destination and other charges.
Which gas SUV has the higher published fuel economy?
For the base AWD configurations compared here, Subaru publishes 26 city / 33 highway MPG for Forester Base and Kia publishes 24 / 30 / 26 for Sportage LX AWD. Sportage LX FWD publishes 25 / 33 / 28. Hybrid ratings belong in a separate powertrain comparison.
Which has more cargo room?
Kia publishes more space behind the rear seat: 39.6 cubic feet versus 29.6 for Forester Base. Subaru does not erase that upright-cargo advantage, but Forester Base publishes a slightly higher folded-seat maximum—74.4 cubic feet versus 74.1—and includes AWD and more clearance. Shoppers who prioritize rear-seat-up volume may prefer Sportage; those who prioritize folded capacity, standard AWD and clearance should put Forester high on the list. Manufacturer methods and equipment can differ, so test your own gear.
Do both offer a hybrid?
Yes. Kia offers FWD and AWD Sportage Hybrids plus a separate plug-in model, which gives it the broader electrified range. Forester does not offer a plug-in; its counterbalance is standard AWD on all four Forester Hybrid trims, 194-horsepower estimated system output and no need for external charging. Compare exact hybrid trims and choose based on charging plans, drivetrain and published efficiency.
See whether the Forester belongs ahead of the Sportage on your shortlist
Tell our Delray sales team which Sportage year, trim and drivetrain you are considering. We can help you match it to the right Forester, compare the manufacturer-published equipment and MSRP, confirm current Subaru availability, and provide itemized pricing for the Forester we sell.
