Kia Sportage vs Subaru Forester

cdndrivercdndriver Member Posts: 86
I'm thinking of leasing a CUV. I've had Legacy wagons in the past, but that option is gone. So I'm thinking of the Sportage or Forester.
The Sportage has more standard features than the forester, but I'm concerned about the AWD (I'm a ski instructor and need it) and build quality. Is the Kia up to the same standard as the Subie?
I welcome your feedback.
I miss the legacy, but not sure what other wagon like options there are.
thanks.

Comments

  • dcm61dcm61 Member Posts: 1,567
    I miss the legacy, but not sure what other wagon like options there are.

    Have you considered the Subaru Outback?
  • cdndrivercdndriver Member Posts: 86
    Yes, I have considered it. I don't like it.
    I was not happy when they dropped the Legacy wagon. It was sporty, and met the needs of lots of people. Had that group of customers wanted the Outback, they could have bought one. Subaru cut us loose when they discontinued the Legacy. What irks me is that I was told it had to do with standards compliance. I never believed that. They still sell them in Europe, and meeting standards here in Canada was not a problem before. I think it's just a matter of pushing customers to the Outback and consolidating sales.
    I also don't like that they've taken away safety features like the turn signals on the mirrors, gone to electronic parking brakes, and other things. And I just don't like the bulkiness of the Outback. The Forester is the only one I'd consider now.
    There aren't many AWD wagons out there, at least not ones I can afford: Saab, Audi, are all more money.
    The Kia has more features than the Subie for the same money, but I'm not sure how good the Kia's AWD is, and the build quality.
    I'd like to hear from others who've gotten or driven them. or other recommendations. I'd prefer a wagon to the CUV, but don't think I'll find one.
    thanks.
  • dcm61dcm61 Member Posts: 1,567
    I agree with most of what you say. Seems pretty dumb to discontinue the only remaining affordable AWD wagon.

    I personally have an '02 OB, but was considering getting a Legacy wagon as a replacement. Well, you know the rest of that story.

    I don't care for the new OB (Mom has a 2011), but want a CVT vs. a 4-spd AT. No CVT in the Forester leaves it off my list for at least another year.

    I'm now leaning toward a 2012 Impreza hatchback. Based on the specs, it appears that the 2012 has equivalent interior room to pre-2010 Legacy/Outback, but I would be giving up a good bit of cargo room. Also, I give up some ground clearance vs. my 2002 OB.

    With that said, it seems like a 2012 Impreza hatchback is the closest affordable replacement for a pre-2010 Legacy wagon.
  • peggyhpeggyh Member Posts: 8
    I have a honda CRV. I too am looking for an awd vehicle. I don't HAVE to have a wagon/cuv. I am considering the legacy sedan or the impreza 2012. It got a good write up.

    FYI my sister has a KIA....the minivan. It was not very old but something happend to it and it would have been soooooo expensive to fix, they just junked it. I would not trust KIA. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!
  • themanindboxthemanindbox Member Posts: 11
    If you are looking for AWD then why not look at the sienna AWD rather then the KIA?

    Or if you are comparing a Forester, i would look at a Toyota Rav4 or a Honda CRV with AWD. Depending on how tall you, depends on what i would recommend. I have driven the Sienna AWD and the Rav4 in some deep snow, and never gotten stuck, although the stock tires suck, but after they were shot i got some good light truck tires on the rav and some good all seasons on the van.. Now forget it, they do not get stuck. The Honda is not good for tall people, I am 6'2" and i dont really fit in the CRV well..

    If you want a small wagon, the Toyota Matrix also comes with AWD, and the dealer sells ski-racks for the roof.

    Anyway, just trying to give you some good options... The Kia is a little heavy, which in the snow is good to go, but a handful to stop. Also the Build quality is not nearly as good at the Subaru or a Honda or Toyota.

    For the record i had a Legacy Outback sedan with a stick a few years ago, and i kick myself daily for selling it.
  • erics6erics6 Member Posts: 684
    I looked at the Kia before buying my Forester. The Kia AWD system seems pretty good and would be fine for snow. Kia electric steering is a bit vague on center. Deal breaker for me was no manual transmission and AWD on the Kia. On the other hand, if you are going automatic the Kia has 6 speeds, not 4 like the Subaru. Kia styling is cool, but the C pillers create huge blind spots. Kia build quality is much better than it used to be. Kia parts and service will probably be about the same as Subaru. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Kia, but I like the Subaru better for my needs.
  • bar20bar20 Member Posts: 15
    Who told you the build quality of the KIA Sportage is inferior to the Toyota? It's every bit as good. I have owned four Toyotas. I now have a Sportage SX AWD. It's an outstanding vehicle. Go check out the 2011/2012 KIA Sportage board. Everyone that owns the SX AWD loves it. If you live in the West or South good luck in finding an SX AWD because there arn't any, and KIA has said they won't have any until at least April 2012.
  • peppapeppa Member Posts: 1
    Won't have any EVER in the West..or just not until April? I can wait until April, but I think we're going another car if I'm waiting in vain.
  • tonytsuitonytsui Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2014 Kia Sportage EX AWD and it is pretty good. I also test drove the Subaru Forester with the 2.5L engine and it wasn't bad either. If you want the best off-road capability, get the Forester. I chose the Sportage because the interior is nicer, it had more features, and I got a great deal on it.
  • motoentmotoent Member Posts: 8
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