Hicks Family Subaru
Shopping for a new crossover? Explore key differences between the Sportage and Outback in performance, tech, and space. Visit Hicks Family Subaru for a test drive.
When you’re deciding between the Subaru Outback vs. the Kia Sportage, you’re looking for a companion for your everyday journeys and weekend escapes. Whether your routine takes you down the open highway, through muddy trailheads, or into the heart of Corpus Christi traffic, both of these crossovers offer their fair share of benefits.
But if you want a vehicle built for the long haul with a sense of adventure, safety, and reliability baked into every mile, the Subaru Outback might just be your perfect match. Here’s how these two stack up when it comes to performance, fuel economy, tech features, and overall versatility.
The Subaru Outback is a true go-anywhere, do-anything crossover with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard across all trims. That means no guessing games or upgrades needed to take on rain-slick roads, rugged gravel, or even Texas-sized storms. Choose between a 2.5L BOXER® engine (182 horsepower) or the robust turbocharged 2.4L engine (260 horsepower), both paired with a responsive CVT for smooth power delivery.
With up to 9.5 inches of ground clearance on the Wilderness trim, plus X-MODE® and Hill Descent Control, the Outback gives you confidence where the pavement ends. This crossover says “yes” to your sense of adventure and is there for every visit to Padre Island and camping trip in the Hill Country.
The Kia Sportage starts with front-wheel drive and offers optional AWD on select trims like the X-Pro. Its 2.5L engine edges out the Outback’s base engine slightly in horsepower, and it pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission for a more traditional driving feel. The Sportage also offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants, which add versatility for drivers focused on eco-conscious performance.
In terms of off-road potential, the Sportage X-Pro AWD includes all-terrain tires and about 8.3 inches of ground clearance, which is solid for light adventures, but doesn’t quite reach the Outback’s level of rugged readiness.
Efficiency meets capability in the Subaru Outback. The base engine achieves up to 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway, which is outstanding considering its standard AWD and larger frame. Even with the more powerful turbo engine, you still get a respectable 22 city / 29 highway MPG.
This balance makes the Outback ideal for drivers who don’t want to compromise between daily driving efficiency and weekend off-road potential.
Fuel efficiency is where the Sportage Hybrid shines. Its most efficient configuration (FWD Hybrid) delivers up to 42 city / 44 highway MPG, making it an appealing choice for eco-focused commuters. The AWD Hybrid achieves about 38 MPG combined, impressive for any crossover.
If maximizing MPG is your top priority, the Sportage Hybrid delivers. But if you’re after a seamless blend of fuel economy, AWD confidence, and rugged versatility, the Outback is your well-rounded hero.
Every new Subaru Outback puts intuitive technology within easy reach. Most trims feature an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ (on newer models), integrated with SUBARU STARLINK® for smooth, smartphone-style functionality.
What sets Subaru apart is its commitment to safety. EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology (standard on every Outback) includes:
Higher trims enhance every road trip or routine drive with added DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, a Harman Kardon® premium sound system, and built-in navigation.
The Sportage shines in its top trims with a dual 12.3-inch panoramic display, offering an ultra-modern interface for both your instruments and infotainment. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard (wireless may vary by trim), and safety tech includes blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and available adaptive cruise control.
The available 360° surround-view monitor is a helpful bonus in tight parking lots, giving the Sportage an edge in urban maneuverability.
Both the Subaru Outback and Kia Sportage provide two rows of comfortable seating, perfect for families, pets, or road trip buddies. The Sportage offers 41.3 inches of rear legroom, making it slightly roomier for back-seat passengers. The Outback counters with 42.8 inches of front legroom, ensuring the driver and front passenger have ample space to stretch out.
Here’s where the Outback flexes its versatility muscles. Behind the second row, you’ll find 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space, and when the seats are folded, you get a generous 75.6 cubic feet. That’s plenty of room for coolers, strollers, hiking gear, and even your dog’s favorite bed.
While the Sportage edges it out slightly with 39.6 cubic feet behind the second row, it tops out at 74.1 cubic feet. The space is comparable, but without the Outback’s adventure-ready touches.
The Outback includes standard roof rails with integrated crossbars, making it ready for a kayak, bike rack, or cargo box right out of the gate. The Wilderness trim even supports a static roof load of up to 700 pounds, perfect for rooftop tents and overlanding excursions.
If towing is part of your lifestyle, the Subaru Outback has the edge. With its available turbocharged engine, the Outback can tow up to 3,500 pounds, while base models handle up to 2,700 pounds. When properly equipped, the Kia Sportage tops out at a towing capacity of 2,500 pounds. While both can manage light towing, the Outback’s higher capacity and standard AWD make it more confidence-inspiring for trailering gear on weekend getaways.
You want a sleek, modern crossover that excels in fuel efficiency, especially with the hybrid variants. Its high-tech interior and urban-focused features make it an excellent fit for commuters, tech lovers, and city dwellers who still want the flexibility of an SUV.
You see a road trip as an experience and not just a route. Whether you’re hauling paddleboards to Lake Corpus Christi, navigating unpaved paths in the Texas brushlands, or just taking your kids to school in unpredictable weather, the Outback rises to the challenge.
Its standard all-wheel drive, off-road-ready features, and trusted Subaru safety systems make it the crossover for people who don’t back down from a little mud, rain, or detour.
If your weekends are filled with trailheads and long drives with your dog in the back seat, the Subaru Outback is the partner you’ve been waiting for. Built to handle tough conditions and equipped with the comfort and technology to make every mile feel special.Visit Hicks Family Subaru in Corpus Christi, TX to explore our lineup, schedule a test drive, or get your trade-in value today. Let’s find the Subaru that fits your world, your way.
