2026 Kia Sportage vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek:
Safety comparison — crash avoidance & crash test ratings
Side-by-side comparison of standard crash-avoidance technologies and NHTSA/IIHS crash test ratings. Driver assistance and convenience features are covered in the full comparison.
Quick take
The Kia Sportage leads in overall safety with a MotiveGrid Safety Score of 97 vs 72 — a 25-point gap driven by stronger crash-avoidance features and/or higher NHTSA/IIHS ratings. In crash avoidance, the Kia Sportage includes 2 more standard features (2 of 4 key technologies vs 0). The Kia Sportage achieves a higher IIHS designation (Top Safety Pick+ vs Not awarded). Overall, the Kia Sportage has the stronger safety package, leading on 3 of 6 measured features versus 0 for the Subaru Crosstrek (3 tied). Check the full comparison for cost of ownership, powertrain, and livability scores — safety is one of five pillars in the MotiveGrid Score.
Crash avoidance(2–0–2)
(Wins–Losses–Ties for Kia Sportage vs Subaru Crosstrek)
Crash test ratings(1–0–1)
(Wins–Losses–Ties for Kia Sportage vs Subaru Crosstrek)
Data reflects standard equipment at the base MSRP. Optional packages like Ford BlueCruise, GM Super Cruise, and Tesla FSD are not scored (Tesla FSD is the lone curated exception). Crash test data from NHTSA and IIHS. ADAS data verified against manufacturer spec pages.
See the full Kia Sportage vs Subaru Crosstrek comparison — all five pillars including cost of ownership, powertrain, driver assistance, and livability: