Kia Sportage vs Subaru Outback

No model demonstrates Kia’s growth like the Sportage compact crossover SUV. The nameplate has been around since Kia’s early days in the United States, and has evolved into a true rival for popular crossovers like the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4. The current-generation Sportage was introduced for the 2023 model year; it gets revised styling for 2026.

Verdict: The refreshed Sportage arrives with the competent execution we’ve come to expect from Kia, but the X-Pro Prestige model doesn’t live up to the brand’s reputation for value.

The redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback may look like an SUV, but it retains all the advantages of its wagon predecessors. It's as impressive off-road as it is comfortable on pavement, while numerous feature enhancements are clear indications that Subaru pays close attention to how its customers use their vehicles.

Verdict: In terms of price, performance, and practicality, we found no notable flaws with the redesigned Outback, making it a top choice for adventure-bound shoppers.