Head-to-head
2027 Kia Niro vs 2027 Subaru Outback
The Kia Niro wins clearly, 95.1 to 84.1, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, price. The Subaru Outback is ahead on performance.
A*
2027 Kia Niro
The 2027 Kia Niro is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid compact SUV. The most efficient version, the Niro, is EPA-rated at 50 mpg combined. NHTSA lists no recall camp…
vs
A*2027 Subaru Outback
The 2027 Subaru Outback is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Outback AWD, is EPA-rated at 2…
Verdict · default weights
2027 Kia Niro
Clear winThe Kia Niro wins clearly, 95.1 to 84.1, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, price. The Subaru Outback is ahead on performance.
Fuel & range 2027 Kia Niro leads by 46
Performance 2027 Subaru Outback leads by 39.5
Tech & comfort 2027 Kia Niro leads by 23.6
| Category · weight | 2027 Kia Nirooverall 95.1 | 2027 Subaru Outbackoverall 84.1 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 90.6 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 54 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 98.1 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargonot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 60.5 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 76.4 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 95.1 | 84.1 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 5 of 7 categories compared
Kia Niro: base trim LX FWD · Subaru Outback: base trim Base AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2027 Kia Niro wins
- It costs $1,150 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,350 against $2,500).
- It is rated 50 combined against 27 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (36 points against 27.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
Where the 2027 Subaru Outback answers
- It makes 180 hp against 104.
- It turns out 178 lb-ft of torque against 106.
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 100.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
49 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Kia NiroLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $29,890 | $32,995 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | — | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 1,580 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 1.6L Gasoline Direct Injection Hybrid Engine | DOHC 4-cylinder horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER; aluminum cylinder block and heads |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | DOHC | DOHC |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 104 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 106 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 53 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 50 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 46 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | — | 4.111 |
| Transmission speeds | 6 | 8 |
| Transmission type | dct | cvt |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 6.3 in | 8.7 in |
| Overall height | 60.8 in | 67.5 in |
| Overall length | 174 in | 192 in |
| Overall width | 71.9 in | 74 in |
| Wheelbase | 107 in | 108 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | — | 80.5 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | — | 34.6 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | — | 112 cu-ft |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40.5 in | 41 in |
| Second-row headroom | 39.6 in | 40.5 in |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.5 in | 43 in |
| Second-row legroom | 39.8 in | 39.5 in |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,362 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,208 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,255 lbs | 5,027 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | Independent, MacPherson Strut, Stabilizer | MacPherson-type struts, lower L-arms, coil springs, dampers, stabilizer bar, hydraulic engine mounts |
| Rear suspension type | Independent, Multi-link | Double wishbone, coil springs, dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack & Pinion / Electric Motor | Electric Power Assisted Rack-and-Pinion (Dual Pinion) |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 36.5 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | 381 mm | 315 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | epb | electronic |
| Rear brake diameter | 356 mm | 300 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | ventilated disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | alloy |
| Wheel width | — | 7 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P205/60R16 | 225/60R18 100H |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 11.1 gal | 18 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Kia Connect | MySubaru Companion |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 56.3 in | 57.9 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | 55.4 in | 57.4 in |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
159 features · differences first, then sharedSafety46 differ · 48 listed
| Feature | Kia NiroLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA 1.5) Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist, Junction Tunring and Direct Oncoming | std | — |
| Smart Cruise Control 2 (SCC 2) | std | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA 1.5) Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist, Junction Tunring and Direct Oncoming | std | — |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA) | std | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) | std | — |
| Dual front advanced airbags | std | — |
| Dual front seat-mounted side airbags | std | — |
| Full-length side curtain airbags | std | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist | std | — |
| Rear-view Camera with dynamic guidelines | std | — |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) with Lead Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) | std | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control w/Lane Centering | — | std |
| Antilock Brakes System (ABS) | std | — |
| Auto Vehicle Hold | — | std |
| Auto Vehicle Shut Down | — | std |
| Automatic Emergency Steering | — | std |
| Brake Assist | — | std |
| Brake force Assist System (BAS) | std | — |
| Driver's knee airbag | std | — |
| DriverFocus® Driver Monitoring System | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Break (EPB) with Auto Hold | std | — |
| Emergency Lane Keep Assist | — | std |
| Emergency Stop Assist | — | std |
| EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology | — | std |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA 1.5) Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist, Junction Tunring and Direct Oncoming | std | — |
| High Beam Assist (HBA) | std | — |
| Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) | std | — |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | std | — |
| Lane Change Assist | — | std |
| Lane Departure & Lane Sway Warning | — | std |
| Lead Vehicle Start Alert | — | std |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) | std | — |
| Passenger Airbag ON / OFF Indicator | — | std |
| Pre-Collision Braking, Follow Distance Warning, and Throttle Management | — | std |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Warning | — | std |
| Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) Door logic type | std | — |
| Rear Radar Detection Sensors | — | std |
| Rear Seat Reminder | — | std |
| Rear-Vision Camera | — | std |
| Reverse Automatic Braking | — | std |
| Seatbelt: Driver's Warning Light & Chime | — | std |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with electronic traction control (TCS) and rollover sensors | — | std |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with electronic traction control (TCS) and rollover sensors | — | std |
| Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) | std | — |
| Immobilizer | std | — |
| Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) | std | — |
| Blind Spot Warning | std | std |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with electronic traction control (TCS) and rollover sensors | std | std |
Infotainment19 differ · 19 listed
| Feature | Kia NiroLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Hands-free with voice recognition | std | — |
| 6-speaker system | — | std |
| AM/FM Stereo HD Radio® | — | std |
| Bluetooth® Audio Streaming, Hands-Free Phone Connectivity, SMS Text Messaging | — | std |
| ccNC Lite 12.3-Inch LCD Display with HD Radio®, Wireless Apple CarPlay® & Android Auto™ | std | — |
| Front door speakers (x2) | std | — |
| Kia Connect and Over the Air Updates (OTA) | std | — |
| MySubaru Companion (5-Year Free Trial/Subscription Required After): SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Advanced Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Diagnostic Alerts, Vehicle Condition Check, Vehicle Health Report, Service Appointment Scheduler, Remote Vehicle Locator, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Immobilization | — | opt |
| MySubaru Companion+ (Subscription Required): Remote Engine Start w/Remote Climate Controls, Remote Lock, Unlock, Horn and Lights; Curfew, Boundary and Speed Alerts; Valet Mode w/Password Reset, Pin, and Speed Alert; Trip Logs; Driving Journal; MySubaru Personal Assistant | — | opt |
| Paddle Shift Control | — | std |
| Rear door speakers (x2) | std | — |
| SiriusXM | std | — |
| SiriusXM with 360L (4 Month Free Trial / Subscription required after) | — | opt |
| Steering wheel-mounted audio controls | std | — |
| Subaru 12.1-inch Multimedia System | — | std |
| Tweeter speakers (x2) | std | — |
| USB-c (Media Input x1, Front Tray Charging x1, Seatback Charging x2) | std | — |
| Voice Activated Controls | — | std |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ | — | std |
Convenience10 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Kia NiroLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Key with push button start, remote start, panic alarm and liftgate unlock | std | — |
| 12-Volt Power Outlet | — | std |
| 12V power outlet (x1): front console | std | — |
| Door Handles: w/ Driver & Front Passenger Door Unlock/Lock Sensor | — | std |
| Illuminated Engine Start / Stop Switch | — | std |
| Keyless Access w/ Push Button Start | — | std |
| Keyless entry with lock, unlock, panic and remote control | std | — |
| Manual Tailgate | std | — |
| Central door locks: driver and front passenger control | std | — |
| Power driver's window with auto up/down and pinch protection | std | — |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Kia NiroLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning, automatic dual-zone with Driver Only mode | std | — |
Seating7 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Kia NiroLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Front Seats (All-Weather Package) | — | std |
| Second row bench (3 passengers) 60/40 split-folding rear seats | std | — |
| 10-way Power Driver's Seat (includes 2-way Power Lumbar Support) | — | std |
| 6-way manual adjustable passenger seat with height adjuster | std | — |
| Rear Seatback 60/40 split | — | std |
| Reclining Seatback | — | std |
| Whiplash Reducing Front Seats | — | std |
| 6-way Manual Driver's Seat | std | std |
| Black Cloth Upholstery | std | std |
Interior22 differ · 23 listed
| Feature | Kia NiroLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cluster: Supervision 4.0" TFT display | std | — |
| 12.3-inch full digital instrument display | — | std |
| Bottle holder integrated into front door trim | std | — |
| Cargo light | std | — |
| Center Dash Panel: Black Tricot Cloth (No Stitch) | — | std |
| Cord Management Clip | — | std |
| Driver seatback pocket | std | — |
| Dual front cupholders | std | — |
| Front console arm rest with storage | std | — |
| Front door pockets | std | — |
| Metal paint inside door handle | std | — |
| Overhead console lamp | std | — |
| Rear Seatback and Cargo Floor (Carpeted) | — | std |
| Rear Seatback Release Levers | — | std |
| Room lamp | std | — |
| Second row arm rest with storage and cup holder | std | — |
| Soft Grip Urethane Steering Wheel | — | std |
| Sunvisor with vanity mirror and extendable | std | — |
| SynTex steering wheel | std | — |
| Welcome Lighting | — | std |
| Illuminated sunvisor vanity mirrors | std | — |
| Tilt and telescoping steering column | std | — |
| Rear View Mirror: Day / Night | std | std |
Exterior36 differ · 38 listed
| Feature | Kia NiroLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Power-Folding Mirrors | std | — |
| 16-inch Alloy wheels | std | — |
| Black Doot Waistline | std | — |
| Black Side Sill | std | — |
| Black Wheel Arch | std | — |
| Body color Fender | std | — |
| Body-color outside door handles | std | — |
| Body-color outside mirrors | std | — |
| Door Handles: Body Color | — | std |
| Exhaust System Single Muffler | std | — |
| Front Badge: Subaru 6 Star Logo | — | std |
| Front Grille: Black Insert Material w/ Black Accent | — | std |
| LED Daytime Running Light (DRL) | std | — |
| LED Fog Lights | — | std |
| LED Steering Responsive Headlights w/Automatic High Beams | — | std |
| Manual folding outside mirrors | std | — |
| Power Mirrors: Black | — | std |
| Rear Badge / Black: OUTBACK | — | std |
| Rear Badge / Black: SYMMETRICAL AWD | — | std |
| Rear Badge: 6 Star Logo | — | std |
| Rear Bumper Trailer Hitch Cover | — | std |
| Rear LED combination lights | std | — |
| Roof Rail Tie Down Points: Black Finish | — | std |
| Roof Rails: Raised Ladder Type: Black finish w/ Black finish End Mount Accent Covers and Crossbar | — | std |
| Side Cladding Letter Imprint: SYMMETRICAL AWD | — | std |
| Side mirror LED Repeater lamps | std | — |
| Solar control and tinted front windows | std | — |
| Tire Mobility Kit (TMK) | std | — |
| Variable intermittent windshield wipers | std | — |
| Wheel Arch & Side Cladding: Black | — | std |
| Windshield Wiper De-Icer (All-Weather Package) | — | std |
| Auto Light Control headlights | std | — |
| Privacy glass (rear doors, rear quarter, back-lite) | std | — |
| Rear-window defroster with timer | std | — |
| LED high-mounted stop lamp (integrated into rear spoiler) | std | — |
| Rear Roof Spoiler: Body Color w/ Black Edge & End Panels | — | std |
| Heated Power Exterior Mirrors (All-Weather Package) | std | std |
| Sound Insulating Windshield | std | std |
Powertrain7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Kia NiroLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engine | std | — |
| 6-speed Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) | std | — |
| Drive Mode Select (DMS): ECO or Sport Mode | std | — |
| Idle Stop and Go (ISG) | std | — |
| Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) | std | — |
| X-MODE® Single-Mode System with Hill Descent Control | — | std |
Chassis1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Kia NiroLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| MacPherson front suspention and Multi-link rear suspension | std | — |
Cargo3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Kia NiroLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage net hook | std | — |
| Sub-floor Cargo Area Storage Cover | — | std |
| Sub-floor Tire Repair Kit | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPKia Niro
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Subaru Outback
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Kia NiroLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $29,890 (base trim) | $32,995 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $29,890 – $38,990 5 trims | $32,995 – $46,595 7 trims |
| Powertrains | HEV | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Niro | Outback AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 50 | 27 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $1,350 | $2,500 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2027 Kia Niro or the 2027 Subaru Outback?
The Kia Niro wins clearly, 95.1 to 84.1, on fuel & range, tech & comfort, price. The Subaru Outback is ahead on performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Kia Niro scores 95.1 and the 2027 Subaru Outback 84.1. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2027 Kia Niro or the 2027 Subaru Outback?
The 2027 Kia Niro starts lower — $29,890 against $32,995, a gap of $3,105 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2027 Kia Niro or the 2027 Subaru Outback?
2027 Kia Niro: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2027 Subaru Outback: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2027 Kia Niro and the 2027 Subaru Outback?
Where the 2027 Kia Niro wins: it costs $1,150 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,350 against $2,500), is rated 50 combined against 27 (EPA mpg or MPGe), and lists more comfort and tech equipment (36 points against 27.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½). Where the 2027 Subaru Outback answers: it makes 180 hp against 104 and turns out 178 lb-ft of torque against 106. What they share: a Safety Signal of 100.