VS
At a Glance
Power
130kW@6000
136 kW
Torque
227Nm@4000
247 Nm
Fuel
9.2
7.9 l/100km
Towing
1600
1500 Kg
0-100 km/h
10
—
Engine
2359
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 130kW@6000 while the Subaru Forester produces 136 kW. On fuel, the SPORTAGE returns 9.2 while the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R372 995 for the SPORTAGE and R699 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
130kW@6000
136 kW
Torque
227Nm@4000
247 Nm
0-100 kph
10
—
Top Speed
185
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2359
2498 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
UNLEADED
petrol
Transmission
AUTOMATIC
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
ALL
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
9.2
7.9 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
—
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
—
Fuel Tank Capacity
58
63 l
CO2 Emissions
219
180 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4445
4655 mm
Width
1855
1830 mm
Height
1635
1730 mm
Wheelbase
2640
2670 mm
Ground Clearance
172
220 mm
Kerb Weight
1492
1595 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
496-1174 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1600
1500 Kg
Load Capacity
1887
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
ESC
✓ 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
Satellite Navigation
✗
—
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
✗
—
Electric Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
60
5
Warranty Distance
100000
150000 Km
Service Plan
S
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Forester
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
SPORTAGE
Practicality
SPORTAGE
Pros & Cons
KIA SPORTAGE
Lower starting price (R372 995)
Higher towing capacity (1600)
Higher fuel consumption (9.2)
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (7.9 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the SPORTAGE or Forester?
The SPORTAGE uses 9.2 and the Forester uses 7.9 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Forester 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 130kW@6000 and 227Nm@4000 of torque while the Forester delivers 136 kW and 247 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the SPORTAGE and Forester?
The SPORTAGE starts from R372 995 and the Forester from R699 000. The SPORTAGE is cheaper by R326 005 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 1600 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.