2025 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Subaru Crosstrek

$24,690 · Crossover

$26,560 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary specification divergence between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek lies in interior volume, where the Seltos offers a substantial 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet, a difference of 6.7 cubic feet. Performance metrics slightly favor the Crosstrek, which generates 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque versus the Seltos' 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, although both vehicles share an identical 29 MPG combined rating. Pricing reveals the Seltos starts at a lower MSRP of $24,690, undercutting the Crosstrek's $26,560 entry point. Dimensionally, the Seltos is shorter in length (172.6 inches vs 176.4 inches) but slightly taller (63.4 inches vs 62.8 inches), while both share the same 70.9-inch width. Both utilize AWD and a CVT, positioning them closely in drivetrain architecture.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos offers a slightly lower starting MSRP of $24,690, translating to better immediate financial outlay for daily commuting.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos wins for families due to its significantly superior cargo capacity, providing 26.6 cu ft versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is favored by enthusiasts for its higher output of 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos provides more utility (cargo space) and a $1,870 lower starting price, resulting in a superior cost-to-utility ratio.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Your priority is maximizing cargo volume, as the Seltos provides 26.6 cubic feet versus 19.9 cubic feet.
You require the lowest initial purchase price, with an MSRP starting at $24,690.
You prefer a slightly taller profile for ingress/egress, measuring 63.4 inches high.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

You seek slightly better powertrain performance, evidenced by 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
Higher highway efficiency is desired, as the Crosstrek achieves 34 MPG highway compared to the Seltos' 31 MPG highway.
A longer overall vehicle footprint is beneficial, with the Crosstrek measuring 176.4 inches in length.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	172.6"	176.4"
Width	70.9"	70.9"
Height	63.4"	62.8"
Wheelbase	103.5"	105.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Fixed Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	146 hp @ 6200 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	27/31 MPG	27/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	448.2/564.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	16.6 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	7.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Kia	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	39.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	55.1 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	36.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	P225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Seltos and 2025 Subaru Crosstrek.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy for highway driving?

The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek holds a marginal edge on the highway, achieving 34 MPG, while the 2025 Kia Seltos is rated for 31 MPG on the highway; both share a 29 MPG combined rating.

What is the measurable difference in power output between the two AWD crossovers?

The Crosstrek generates 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, marginally exceeding the Seltos, which produces 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.

How much more cargo space does the Seltos provide over the Crosstrek?

The Kia Seltos offers substantially more usable space, featuring 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Subaru Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet.

Is there a significant price gap between the base models?

Yes, the 2025 Kia Seltos has a lower starting MSRP of $24,690, which is $1,870 less expensive than the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek's starting price of $26,560.

Do both vehicles utilize the same type of automatic transmission and drivetrain?

Yes, both the Seltos and the Crosstrek are equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and feature all-wheel drive as standard in these comparable trims.

How do the external dimensions compare, specifically length and height?

The Crosstrek is longer at 176.4 inches versus the Seltos' 172.6 inches, but the Seltos is slightly taller at 63.4 inches compared to the Crosstrek's 62.8 inches.