VS
At a Glance
Power
132 kW
136 kW
Torque
265 Nm
247 Nm
Fuel
6.3 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Towing
1650 Kg
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.8 s
—
Engine
1598 cc
2498 cc
Choosing between the Kia Sportage and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Kia Sportage delivers 132 kW while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the Sportage returns 6.3 l/100km while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R823 995 for the Sportage and R790 000 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
132 kW
136 kW
Torque
265 Nm
247 Nm
0-100 kph
8.8 s
—
Top Speed
201 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1598 cc
2498 cc
Engine Layout
inline
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
front
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
6.3 l/100km
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
63 l
CO2 Emissions
149 g/km
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4515 mm
4655 mm
Width
1865 mm
1830 mm
Height
1650 mm
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2680 mm
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
170 mm
220 mm
Kerb Weight
1497 Kg
1636 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
591-1780 l
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1650 Kg
1500 Kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
9
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
150000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
—
Service Plan Years
6
—
Service Plan Distance
90000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Sportage
Value
Forester
Practicality
Sportage
Pros & Cons
Kia Sportage
Better fuel economy (6.3 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (1650 Kg)
Factory service plan included
Less power than rival (132 kW vs 136 kW)
Higher starting price
Subaru Forester
More powerful engine (136 kW)
Lower starting price (R790 000)
Higher fuel consumption (7.9 l/100km)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Sportage or Forester?
The Sportage uses 6.3 l/100km and the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Sportage is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Sportage or Forester?
The Sportage produces 132 kW and 265 Nm of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. The Forester is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Sportage and Forester?
The Sportage starts from R823 995 and the Forester from R790 000. The Forester is cheaper by R33 995 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Sportage or Forester?
The Sportage has a braked towing capacity of 1650 Kg and the Forester can tow 1500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Sportage or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.