Comparison - Kia Sportage SX 2017 - vs - Subaru Outback 2017

General

Other Names:

Also called:

Kia KX5

Also called:

--

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Make: 
Average Price: 
33,595
Updated: 
30 Nov 2016
28,298
Updated: 
01 Dec 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2017
2017
Total Seating: 
5
5
Transmission: 
7-speed Shiftable Automatic
Continuously Variable-speed Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
no
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
16.40gals
18.50gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Black Cherry
#6E7377
Burnished Copper
#97775D
Hyper Red
#A93341
Mineral Silver
#8D8D90
Pacific Blue
#3C4D5D
Snow White Pearl
#B3B2B7
Sparkling Silver
#7A797E
Color: 
Carbide Gray Metallic
#505666
Crystal Black Silica
#000000
Crystal Black Silica
#000000
Crystal White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Crystal White Pearl
#E7E7E7
Ice Silver Metallic
#B7B8C5
Lapis Blue Pearl
#294989
Tungsten Metallic
#BAB690
Twilight Blue Metallic
#566B99
Venetian Red Pearl
#8D1111
Wilderness Green Metallic
#97A497

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

It's hard to find style and versatility in the same place, but the redesigned Kia Sportage delivers on both counts. You'll like the number of features that Kia has packed into this small crossover, too. It's one of our top choices for 2017.When a vehicle's been around for a few generations, as the Sportage has, its basic characteristics are usually well-established, so you know what to expect from the next one. But for the fully redesigned 2017 Sportage, Kia directly addressed two of our primary complaints about the previous model. First, the formerly cramped backseat is now remarkably roomy, to the point that a family might not need anything more. And second, the formerly firm ride is now relatively compliant.
If there's one thing that still holds the Sportage back, it's lackluster fuel economy, which we called out last year and must underscore again for 2017 despite mild improvements. This is a predictable problem, as both available engines and the mandatory six-speed automatic transmission are largely carryover items from the outgoing Sportage.

Pros
Rides smoothly over bumps
Quiet interior at highway speeds
Spacious seating front and rear
Attractive dashboard layout with many appealing features
Feels nimble around turns.

Cons
Fuel economy isn't as good as some top rivals
Relatively modest cargo capacity
Optional turbocharged engine doesn't pack a big punch

By: 
edmunds.com

We won’t call the redesigned 2017 Kia Sportage ugly, but it is an odd-looking sort of Korean Peugeot. Leading with a Gallic nose, it’s handsome enough along the sides and in back and hardly forgettable. While such bold restyling does not always guarantee notable advancements underneath, this new model is another case of the Korean manufacturer making meaningful generation-over-generation improvements.
The new front end flirts with the “quirky” label, what with its collection of seemingly disparate styling elements, including the so-called “ice cube” running lights below the headlamps.
Kia product planners note that it’s increasingly difficult to stand out in the crowded compact-crossover field, which prompted some liberation from me-too design constraints. And if quirky is the right word, well, Kia has already proved that while it might be a gamble, it’s not necessarily a liability. Consider the boxtastic Soul, Kia’s second-bestselling model.

By: 
caranddriver.com

The 2017 Kia Sportage isn’t quite the most spacious, the sharpest-performing, or the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class. But it’s shaping up to be the one that’s just right—sporty-driving, but without a sacrifice in ride; versatile and accommodating in all the right ways; and far quieter and more refined than its predecessor.
Kia has made quite a name for itself with its Optima mid-size sedan and Sorento crossover; and now the brand has brought some of the same refinement magic that’s graced recent redesigns of thos models into the Sportage, Kia’s compact crossover model that takes on models such as the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape.

Pros
Quiet cabin
Standout styling
Strong turbocharged engine option
Spacious, well-designed interior

Cons
Transmission hunts on hills
Far from class-leading mpg

All-new for 2017, the Kia Sportage compact SUV is sharply dressed inside and out, boasts loads of technology, safety and comfort amenities, and continues to offer one of the best warranties in the business. As a rival to best-selling crossover SUVs such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape, the Kia Sportage more than holds its own. Introduced over two decades ago, the Sportage is Kia's long-running nameplate, but this new, 4th-generation model is further proof of Kia’s setting the pace or at least keeping right on top of it in a competitive segment. The Sportage touts good value, great looks and a strong roster of available features, but trails others in fuel economy, especially when outfitted with the uplevel turbocharged engine.

Likes
If you want a small SUV with high style, an excellent warranty and the latest safety features like automatic emergency braking, put the Kia Sportage on your shopping list. Available features like climate-controlled seats, harman/kardon audio system and turbocharged engine can make this mainstream SUV feel like a premium one.

Dislikes
The Sportage is neither the most fuel-efficient nor most spacious compact crossover SUV. The Honda CR-V tops it in both. If you need a smaller SUV with three rows of seating, try the Mitsubishi Outlander or the Kia Sorento. If efficiency is most important, wait for the forthcoming Kia Niro hybrid.

By: 
kbb.com

There are vehicles roughly in the same ballpark as the 2017 Subaru Outback, but nothing plays the same position. The Outback is a midsize wagon with standard all-wheel drive and about the same ground clearance as a Jeep Grand Cherokee. It's definitely an alternative choice but also checks so many practical boxes that it's a must-drive for anyone looking for a reasonably priced crossover SUV.

The Outback has the interior space of midsize models such as the Ford Edge and Kia Sorento, but its lower roof makes it easier to load gear, and its higher ground clearance gets it over rocks and through deep snow without a snag. The Outback holds similar advantages over smaller SUVs including the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Subaru's own Forester, with the further benefit of greater comfort and refinement. And with fuel economy rated at 28 mpg combined (with the four-cylinder) and 22 mpg combined (six-cylinder), the Outback offers good efficiency for its size and purpose. If you like wagons, the 2017 Outback offers a just-right mix of attributes that could make your vehicle search a one-stop affair.

For 2017, the Subaru Outback gets a new, snazzier Touring model that trades some utility for added style. The Outback's excellent safety credentials are further burnished with the addition of reverse automatic braking and automatic high beams to the well-regarded Eyesight suite of accident avoidance tech.

Pros
More spacious and comfortable cabin than many of its competitors
Roof and cargo loading heights are lower than those of most SUVs
Excellent visibility in all directions
Off-road ability is above average

Cons
Acceleration is lackluster, especially with four-cylinder engine
Gas and brake pedal feel make it hard to drive four-cylinder smoothly

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Subaru Outback two-row midsize crossover features exclusive all-wheel drive, two engine options, and six trim levels.

The 2017 Subaru Outback features a new, top-of-the-line trim Touring Trim model, adding exterior and interior enhancements, as well as an updated EyeSight Driver Assist Technology suite.

The Subaru Outback crossover adds a new range-topping model to the lineup, featuring a dark gray grille, 18-inch alloy wheels with a machined finish with dark gray accents, along with silver-finish roof rails, lower body side cladding, and Outback badges in a chrome finish. Subaru has also adds Brilliant Brown to its list of exterior color options.

Inside, the new Touring model adds a new Java Brown perforated leather trim with contrasting ivory stitching on the seats, door panels, and armrests. It also features a unique woodgrain trim with piano-black panel accents. Standard features on the newest edition to the Outback lineup include a heated steering wheel and the automaker’s StarLink infotainment system on a 7.0-inch touchscreen with navigation.

Power for all 2017 Subaru Outback models comes from a 175-hp 2.5-liter flat-four that delivers 174 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.6-liter six-cylinder that pumps out 256 hp and 247 lb-ft. Both engines are paired with a CVT with a manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Pros
New Touring trim level
Comfortable, high-quality interior
Good fuel economy

Cons
Engine computer takes time to shift from using paddle shifters to Drive
Navigation screen subject to glare
2.5 models could be quicker

By: 
motortrend.com

Subaru enjoys a reputation for off road-capable cars, but I still managed to get the 2017 Outback stuck in the snow. Although its crossover SUVs still come standard with all-wheel-drive, Subaru made some changes to its drivetrains over the past couple of years, such as replacing gearboxes with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and adding what it calls X-Mode, a traction control and throttle program designed for slippery surfaces.

Amongst five-passenger crossover SUVs, the 2017 Subaru Outback stands out for its standard all-wheel drive and unique culture around the brand. Advanced safety is on par with competitors, but dashboard electronics lag the market a little. The new Touring trim gives the Outback premium style.

The Outback vies with the Forester for the top sales spot in Subaru's line-up, achieving success with its crossover functionality, giving it a high riding position, seating for five and useful cargo space. Subaru reliability and standard all-wheel drive are points in its favor. This practical car serves well as a family vehicle.

Pros
Standard all-wheel drive and good ground clearance make the 2017 Subaru Outback more capable than the typical crossover SUV, and its EyeSight system adds collision prevention. The new Touring trim brings premium cabin appointments.

Cons
Buyers will have to wait another model year or two for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The adaptive cruise control feature, enabled by the EyeSight system, brakes a little too abruptly when approaching stopped traffic.

By: 
cnet.com

The 2017 Subaru Outback ranking is based on its score within the Wagons category. Currently the Subaru Outback has a score of 8.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 33 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.

The 2017 Subaru Outback has class-leading cargo capacity, excellent passenger space, and a well-built, durable cabin that makes it a good fit for families on the go

The Outback’s intuitive standard features, like an easy-to-use infotainment system and a rearview camera, make it an attractive choice. You can also opt for all the latest advanced safety technologies so you can feel confident and protected every time you go for a drive.

The Subaru Outback combines the comfortable cabin and composed handling of a car with the country-road readiness of an SUV. It will be a great wagon to take you to your next camp site, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and generous cargo room. Still, if you spend most of your time around town, you might be better off with the Volkswagen Golf SportWagen. The Honda CR-V is another option worth a look since it has more features and an even larger cargo area than the Outback

Pros
Roomy interior and back seat
Best-in-class cargo capacity
Good capability on slippery roads

Cons
Underpowered base engine

By: 
cars.usnews.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Regular Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
20.00mpg
25.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
23.00mpg
32.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
16
16
Cylinders: 
4
Inline
4
Flat
Engine Size/Displacement: 
2.00L
2.50L
Torque: 
260ft-lbs
at 1 450rpm
174ft-lbs
at 4 000rpm
Horsepower: 
237hp
at 6 000rpm
175hp
at 5 800rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
34.80Feet
36.10Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
yes
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
no
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system
Keyless ignition
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)
Roadside Assistance
Destination Download
Electric power steering

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
176.40in
189.60in
Width: 
73.00in
72.40in
Height: 
65.20in
66.50in
Ground Clearance: 
6.80in
8.70in
Front Track: 
63.30in
Rear Track: 
63.80in
Wheel Base: 
105.10in
108.10in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
37.60
40.80
Rear Head Room: 
37.90
38.90
Front Leg Room: 
41.50in
42.90in
Rear leg room: 
38.20in
38.10in
Front Hip Room: 
54.30in
55.50in
Front Shoulder Room: 
57.10in
58.10in
Rear Hip Room: 
51.20in
55.00in
Rear Shoulder room: 
55.10in
57.30in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
60.10cu.ft
73.30cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
2000lbs
2700lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
30.70cu.ft
35.50cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
28.00degrees
Angle of Departure: 
24.60degrees
Curb Weight: 
3997.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
no

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
1 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors
Hands-free entry
Heated mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
8 -way power driver seat
8 -way power passenger seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable driver seat
Height adjustable passenger seat
Leather
Multi-level heating driver seat
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Ventilated driver seat
Ventilated passenger seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Bucket front seats
Cloth
Height adjustable driver seat
Rear Seats Features: 
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts
Reclining rear seats
Split-folding rear seatback
Folding center armrest
Split-folding rear seatback
Reclining rear seats

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
Rear stabilizer bar
Rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Four-wheel independent suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
no
More Comfort Features: 
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Heated steering wheel
Leather steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Air conditioning

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
no
More Entertainment: 
3 Months of provided satellite radio service
1 subwoofer
320 watts stero output
8 total speakers
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Harman/kardon premium brand stero system
Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
12 total speakers
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
STARLINK Multimedia
7-inch high-resolution touch screen
576-watt-equivalent amplifier

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
yes
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Extended sunroof
Fixed glass rear sunroof
One-touch power sunroof
Privacy glass
Rear window wiper
Roof rack
Variable intermittent wipers
Intermittent rear wiper
Roof rack
Variable intermittent wipers
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
19
17 x 7.0
Wheels more: 
Inside mounted spare tire
Temporary spare tire
Null spare wheel
All season tires
All season tires
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
245.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
45
Diameter: 
R19
Width: 
225.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
65

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Ventilated front disc brakes
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
solid rear disc brakes
rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
no
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Rear height adjustable headrests
Turn signal mirrors
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Pre-collision safety system
Xenon high intensity discharge headlamp
Emergency Service
Rear height adjustable headrests
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation

Options

Packages: 
Standard Model - 2.5i
Exterior Options: 
Mud Guards
Cross Bars
Bumper Applique
Paint Protection Package
Wheel Locks
Snow White Pearl Paint
Interior Options: 
Cargo Tray
Interior Light Kit
Interior Light Kit
Cargo Mat
Cargo Net
Cargo Cover
SX Brown Leather Interior
SX Cool Grey Leather Interior
SX Beige Leather Interior

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Beige, leather
#BD9A7F
Black, leather
#070707
Brown, leather
#393129
Gray, leather
#A0A0A0
Grey, leather
#6A6A6A
Color: 
Slate Black Cloth, cloth
#29292B
Warm Ivory Cloth, cloth
#8C867E