2025 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Subaru Forester

$24,690 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The primary divergence between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Subaru Forester is the $5,305 MSRP gap, starting the Seltos at $24,690 against the Forester's $29,995. This price differential reflects the Forester's superior powertrain: the Subaru delivers 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Seltos's 146 hp and 132 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Forester offers greater utility, boasting 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft, and a substantial 4.7-inch height advantage at 68.1 inches. Despite these differences, both crossovers achieve an identical 29 MPG combined rating, though the Forester edges out marginally on the highway (33 MPG vs. 31 MPG). The Seltos presents a budget-conscious entry point, while the Forester provides elevated power and physical volume for its premium.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its lower $24,690 MSRP, making it the more accessible daily driver.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is superior for families, offering 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 26.6 cu ft and greater overall height.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Forester

Enthusiasts favor the Forester due to its higher output of 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos provides better value by achieving the same 29 MPG combined rating while costing $5,305 less upfront.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Budget constraints mandate a starting MSRP under $25,000 (Seltos at $24,690).
Maximum fuel efficiency is desired on city streets (Seltos offers 27 MPG City vs. Forester's 26 MPG City).
A slightly more maneuverable exterior footprint is preferred, given the Seltos is 1.7 inches narrower.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

Maximum available power is necessary, as the Forester delivers 180 hp compared to the Seltos's 146 hp.
Increased vertical space is required, with the Forester standing 4.7 inches taller.
A higher torque figure of 178 lb-ft is needed for towing or hauling capability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Subaru Forester
Length	172.6"	183.3"
Width	70.9"	72.0"
Height	63.4"	68.1"
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	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	146 hp @ 6200 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 3700 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	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	431.6/547.8 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	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
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	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	41.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	43.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	54.7 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.	39.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	56.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	53.7 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	225/60R H
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 Forester.

How does the fuel economy compare between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Subaru Forester?

Both vehicles are rated at 29 MPG combined using regular unleaded fuel. The Forester shows a slight edge on the highway with 33 MPG compared to the Seltos's 31 MPG, though the Seltos achieves 1 MPG better in city driving (27 MPG vs. 26 MPG).

What is the difference in cargo volume, and which crossover is larger overall?

The Subaru Forester offers more utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space, exceeding the Kia Seltos's 26.6 cu ft. Dimensionally, the Forester is longer by 2.7 inches (183.3 vs. 172.6 inches) and significantly taller.

Is the increased price of the Subaru Forester justified by the performance metrics?

The Forester costs $5,305 more but delivers 34 more horsepower (180 hp vs. 146 hp) and 46 more lb-ft of torque (178 vs. 132). Buyers prioritizing acceleration and passing power may find the added cost warranted.

Since both vehicles have AWD and CVTs, what performance specification separates them most clearly?

The defining specification is peak engine output; the Forester’s 180 hp output is substantially higher than the Seltos’s 146 hp, offering greater performance potential in all driving situations.

If I primarily drive in the city, which crossover offers a better initial purchase price?

The 2025 Kia Seltos offers the significantly lower initial purchase price at $24,690. Furthermore, it provides slightly better city fuel economy at 27 MPG.

Do both models use the same type of fuel, and how does their transmission compare?

Both the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Subaru Forester require regular unleaded gasoline. Mechanically, both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.