If you go solely on size, you wouldn’t compare the Crosstrek to the Sportage. The 2025 Sportage is bigger with more wiggle room in the cabin. In fact, it has about five inches of additional legroom for second-row passengers. Furthermore, the standard storage hold is 2/3rds bigger!

The Crosstrek allows you only 19.9 cubic feet of space. Sportages boost that to 36.6 cubic feet with the floor in its highest position. Without the extra floor, it can handle up to 39.6 cubic feet, which makes it the compact SUV class leader.

However, the Crosstrek price starts at an MSRP of $27,115. That’s just a few hundred less than the much bigger Sportage (MSRP $27,390). So Crosstrek higher trims are priced right alongside both the Sportage and Sportage Hybrid.

At these similar prices, the only thing that boosts the Crosstrek is standard all-wheel drive. Beyond that, there is very little to distinguish it when compared to the Kia Sportage, which offers multi-terrain all-wheel drive as an upgrade.

You might think that a smaller SUV would have a sportier driving experience. However, the Sportage has much more horsepower. It’s the difference between a mere 152 horses and a much more vital 187 horses. Even if you choose a higher trim Crosstrek with a more potent engine, it still trails with 182 horses.  

2025 Kia Sportage vs Subaru Forester -- Prices, Size and Performance

Closer in size, the 2025 Subaru Forester price is about $3,000 more than the better equipped Sportage Hybrid and about $4,000 more than the similarly equipped Sportage. This difference continues throughout the trim levels.

While the Crosstrek has 36.5 inches of rear legroom, the Forester has 39.4 inches. Although bigger than its sibling, it lacks almost two inches compared to the Sportage with 41.3 inches.

If you seek organization, the Kia is definitely a better choice with its much larger cargo hold and dual cargo floor. Frankly, the Forester has far fewer cubbies than the more creative Sportage.

The Sportage compact SUV has retractable cupholders to make space for larger drinks or to create an additional bin. The center console dash bin lets you tuck in your phone or other small items. You can close the lid to further secure it while driving or while away from the Kia compact SUV.

Significantly, the Forester has received more updates for 2025, but it is still criticized for its performance. At 180 horsepower, it lags behind the Sportage with 187 horsepower. Of course, it has standard all-wheel drive, but for the price difference, a shopper could add that to the Sportage.  

One major critic has stated that the model year changes may have actually been a step backward for this Subaru Compact SUV. For instance, the upgrades to the Forester have made it quieter, but it still has a continuously variable transmission that is noisy during acceleration. Meanwhile, as one critic calls it, the Sportage can achieve luxury-car levels of hush.  

Kia vs Subaru Value and Ownership Experience

When it comes to value and ownership experience, there’s a lot more to compare than horsepower and size. You’ve got to consider the standard and available technology and the overall value packaging.

The 2025 Subaru Forester and Crosstrek offer a choice of a 7-inch or 11.6 inch touchscreen. Kia has that beat with 8-inch or 12.3-inch choices. Sportage shoppers can choose 24 inches of panoramic screens with the addition of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. 

Furthermore only Kia can coordinate its smart cruise control with its navigation system. Likewise, only Kia is offering Smart Park which can do all the maneuvering work for you.

If you look at efficiency, the Crosstrek and Forrester can earn 29 mpg combined compared to 28 mpg for the Sportage. That’s very close, and given the fact that the Sportage has more horsepower, it may not matter to many shoppers.  

On the other hand, if you look at the Sportage Hybrid, you discover that it can earn up to 38 mpg with its all-wheel drivetrain or up to 43 mpg with its front-wheel drivetrain. If you are all about efficiency, you may consider stepping up to the Sportage PHEV. This plug-in hybrid can go up to 34 miles on electricity alone. It earns an estimated 84 mpg-equivalent. Get more information in this 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid Review.  

Last but not least, it is important to keep in mind that the Kia warranties cover the powertrain for up to 100,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. The same Subaru warranty stops by 60,000 miles or 5 years.  

Conclusion

Whether you consider price, size, performance or value, the 2025 Subaru Forester and Crosstrek SUVs simply can’t keep up with the Kia Sportage and Sportage Hybrid.

If you are seeking the biggest, best equipped ride for your automotive dollar, you want to start your search with the Kia Sportage. Schedule a test drive at Earnhardt Peoria Kia.