Subaru
Subaru Outback (2026)
$34995
Released 2026
Best Cars · head-to-head
Subaru Outback (2026) vs Kia Sportage (2026)
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Kia Sportage (2026) is cheaper at $28790. Every spec and price links to its source.
Kia
Kia Sportage (2026)
$28790Cheaper
Released 2026
Which is better: the Subaru Outback (2026) or Kia Sportage (2026)?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Kia Sportage (2026) is the cheaper at $28790.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Subaru Outback (2026) | Kia Sportage (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $34995 | $28790 |
| Brand | Subaru | Kia |
| Released | 2026 | 2026 |
| Body style | midsize wagon/crossover | compact SUV |
| Mpg combined | 27 | 28 |
| Horsepower | 180 | 187 |
| Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo cuft | — | — |
| Powertrain | 2.5L flat-4 (Boxer) naturally aspirated, CVT AV-S8 | 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic |
| Release | 2026 | 2026 |
Sources — Subaru Outback (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15). Kia Sportage (2026): fueleconomy.gov (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Subaru Outback (2026) and Kia Sportage (2026)?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Body style: Subaru Outback (2026) midsize wagon/crossover vs Kia Sportage (2026) compact SUV
- Mpg combined: Subaru Outback (2026) 27 vs Kia Sportage (2026) 28
- Horsepower: Subaru Outback (2026) 180 vs Kia Sportage (2026) 187
- Drivetrain: Subaru Outback (2026) AWD vs Kia Sportage (2026) FWD
- Powertrain: Subaru Outback (2026) 2.5L flat-4 (Boxer) naturally aspirated, CVT AV-S8 vs Kia Sportage (2026) 2.5L inline-4 naturally aspirated, 8-speed automatic
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Subaru Outback (2026)
Only Car and Driver's live page survived skeptic verification with full instrumented data for the redesigned 2026 Outback; all quotes and measured values were confirmed against the fetched text. C/D rates it 8.5/10: roomy and comfortable with decent light-duty off-road ability, but numb handling and a sluggish base engine hold it back. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Spacious rear seat and expanded cargo area; Decent light-duty off-road capability; Friendly physical dashboard controls and faster 12.1-inch infotainment.
Flagged: Sluggish, unhurried base 2.5-liter engine; Numb steering and loose, unengaging handling; Jerky CVT blunts the turbo engine.
Kia Sportage (2026)
Both whitelisted hands-on reviews survived verification. Car and Driver (instrumented) and MotorTrend (hybrid first drive) rate the refreshed 2026 Sportage a comfortable, well-equipped value whose weak 2.5-liter non-hybrid gas engine is its main flaw; the hybrid supplies the missing pep. Car and Driver measured 9.1-sec 0-60 for the gas engine versus 7.4 for the hybrid, plus 31 mpg observed highway. Non-whitelisted outlets were excluded. (2 sourced reviews, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Comfortable, quiet, well-controlled ride; Strong value — low entry price and generous standard equipment; Hybrid powertrain adds welcome pep and refinement over the gas engine.
Flagged: Sluggish, underpowered 2.5-liter non-hybrid gas engine; Unengaging, dull driving dynamics (non-hybrid); Hybrid fuel economy regresses on larger-wheel SX/X-Line trims.