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Kia Niro vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (138 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (29,100 £ vs 34,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Niro or Subaru Forester?

Kia Niro vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Kia Niro

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit cheaper
  • only slightly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • barely quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat lighter

Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Niro

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Kia Niro is a bit cheaper – starting at 29,100 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 34,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,571 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Kia Niro uses 4.5 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 3.6 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Kia Niro offers only slightly more power – delivering 138 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 2 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Kia Niro is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 11.1 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 1.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Kia Niro delivers noticeably more torque with 265 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 83 Nm more.

Niro

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Kia Niro is somewhat lighter – 1,474 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 219 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries only slightly more – 492 kg compared to 466 kg. That’s a difference of about 26 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia Niro is decisively ahead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,100
Niro

Kia Niro

  • Engine Type : Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 138 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
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In the battle of compact crossovers, the Kia Niro and Kia Stonic each bring their own unique strengths to the table. The Niro impresses with its hybrid efficiency and spacious interior, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious drivers. Meanwhile, the Stonic stands out with its sporty design and …
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Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Kia Niro

The Kia Niro blends clever packaging and modern styling into a compact crossover that’s refreshingly sensible for daily life. It’s comfortable, economical and packed with user‑friendly tech, so if you want a fuss‑free family car with a touch of green credibility, the Niro is worth a test drive.

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Reviews Kia Niro

4.5 (2 Reviews)
rate
Archi
25 Mar 2026, 13:11:41

Efficient, functional, understated, spacious and comfortable. No surprises: it delivers what it promises and does its job without fanfare. Good buy.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Wolfgang Schäfer
21 Oct 2025, 14:01:32

I've been driving the Kia Niro since 2019 and am still very happy with this car.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

4 (1 Reviews)
rate
Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

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Subaru Forester

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,100 - 33,800 £
Price
34,700 - 42,200 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 4.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
102 - 111 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,474 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,825 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
466 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
138 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
11.1 - 11.4 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
102 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
1,580 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Kia
Brand
Subaru
What drive types are available for the Kia Niro?

The Kia Niro is offered with Front-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.