2025 Kia Niro vs. 2025 Subaru Forester Review

Picture of the 2025 Kia Niro

2025 Kia
Niro

MSRP*: $26,990 to $35,390
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Picture of the 2025 Subaru Forester

2025 Subaru
Forester

MSRP*: $29,695 to $39,995
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MPG - City 53 MPG 25 - 26 MPG
MPG - Hwy 45 - 54 MPG 32 - 33 MPG
Seating Capacity 5 seats 5 seats
Cargo Space 63.7 ft3 69.1 - 74.4 ft3
Engine
  • 139-hp, 1.6-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gas/Electric Hybrid)
  • 180-hp, 2.5-liter, 4 Cylinder Engine (Gasoline Fuel)
Transmission Automatic Continuously Variable
Drivetrain Front Wheel Drive All Wheel Drive
Horsepower 139 hp 180 hp
Towing Capacity Info not available 1,500 lbs
Exterior Length 174.0 in 183.3 in
Exterior Width 71.9 in 72.0 in
Leg Room Front 41.5 in
Rear 39.8 in
Front 43.3 in
Rear 39.4 in
Head Room Front 40.5 in
Rear 39.6 in
Front 40.0 - 41.2 in
Rear 37.7 - 39.6 in

*MSRP and Invoice prices displayed are for educational purposes only, do not reflect the actual selling price of a particular vehicle, and do not include applicable gas taxes or destination charges.

Comparison Review

Comfort
Rear passengers will be able to stretch out a lot more in the Kia Niro than in the Subaru Forester. The Subaru Forester offers just a little more front head- and legroom than the Kia Niro, offering the driver and front passenger a bit more room and comfort.

Convenience
You'll be making about the same number of stops at the gas station with the Kia Niro as you will with the Subaru Forester, as they are both able to travel similar distances on a tank of gas.

Cost
There are a lot of factors to consider when calculating the overall cost of a vehicle. The main consideration is Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). When looking only at MSRP, the Kia Niro will have less of an impact on your bank account than the Subaru Forester.

Dimensions
The Kia Niro is about the same width as the Subaru Forester. If you go with the Kia Niro, you'll have a much easier time finding a large enough space to park than you will with the Subaru Forester.

Handling
The Kia Niro has the same turning radius as the Subaru Forester, so they both maneuver the same in and out of tight spots.

Performance
When it comes to horsepower, the Kia Niro has a lot less horsepower than the Subaru Forester.

Powertrain
The Kia Niro has much lower torque than the Subaru Forester, which generally means that it won't feel as fast or powerful.

Utility
In terms of seating, you'll be able to fit about the same number of people in both the Kia Niro and the Subaru Forester. The Kia Niro has less cargo space than the Subaru Forester, which is okay if you don't need to move a lot in one trip.