Kia Sportage vs Subaru Forester
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.
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.
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Comments
Have you considered the Subaru Outback?
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.
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.
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!
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.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt2qo8Uu3d4