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Kia Picanto vs Subaru Forester comparison

Compare performance (68 HP vs 136 HP), boot space and price (15,100 £ vs 35,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Kia Picanto or Subaru Forester?

Kia Picanto vs Subaru Forester: Key differences

Kia Picanto

4.4 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • significantly more efficient
  • significantly lighter
details

Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • somewhat quicker 0–100 km/h
  • considerably more trunk space
details

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

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Picanto

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Kia Picanto is substantially cheaper – starting at 15,100 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 35,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 20,057 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Kia Picanto uses 5.5 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.6 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Subaru Forester offers considerably more power – delivering 136 HP compared to 68 HP. That’s roughly 68 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Subaru Forester is somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 12.2 s, while the Kia Picanto takes 14.6 s. That’s about 2.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Subaru Forester delivers significantly more torque with 182 Nm compared to 96 Nm. That’s about 86 Nm more.

Picanto

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 Picanto is significantly lighter – 1,124 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 569 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Subaru Forester offers considerably more boot space – 508 L compared to 255 L. That’s a difference of about 253 L.

When it comes to payload, the Subaru Forester carries clearly more – 492 kg compared to 332 kg. That’s a difference of about 160 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Subaru Forester comes out clearly 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 £35,100
Forester

Subaru Forester

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 136 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 8.1 L/100km
details

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Kia Picanto

Kia Picanto is a cheeky city hatch that squeezes surprising style, practicality and a smile-inducing drive into a pocket-friendly package. It’s ideal for urban buyers who want fuss-free running, effortless parking and a car that punches above its class without pretending to be anything it’s not.

details
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Kia Picanto X-Line_02
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Reviews Kia Picanto

4.4 (4 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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

3.8 (3 Reviews)
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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
15,100 - 19,500 £
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.5 - 5.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
126 - 134 g/km
co2
183 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
4 - 5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,124 - 1,131 kg
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Trunk capacity
255 L
Trunk capacity
508 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,595 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
253 - 332 kg
Payload
446 - 492 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual
Transmission Detail
CVT
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
68 HP
Power HP
136 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
14.6 - 17.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
96 Nm
Torque
182 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
50 kW
Power kW
100 kW
Engine capacity
998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
Kia
Brand
Subaru
What drivetrain options does the Kia Picanto have?

The Kia Picanto 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.