2025 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Subaru Impreza

$24,690 · Crossover

$24,360 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference lies in the exterior length, with the 2025 Subaru Impreza (176.2 inches) surpassing the 2025 Kia Seltos (172.6 inches) by 3.6 inches, indicating a slightly larger exterior footprint despite less cargo volume. Power output favors the Impreza, delivering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque compared to the Seltos's 146 hp and 132 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency is marginally better for the Impreza, achieving a 30 MPG combined rating versus the Seltos's 29 MPG combined, though both utilize regular unleaded fuel. Priced closely at $24,360 (Impreza) and $24,690 (Seltos), value analysis shifts to functional utility. The Seltos provides superior utility with 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, substantially more than the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. Both vehicles feature AWD and a CVT, standardizing their mechanical approach to adverse conditions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza edges out the Seltos with a slightly higher combined MPG rating of 30 compared to 29.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos offers significantly more usable space with 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity versus the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Impreza provides greater performance metrics, generating 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque versus the Seltos’s 146 hp and 132 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza presents a lower entry point at $24,360 while offering superior horsepower and MPG.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Cargo maximization is a priority, as the Seltos boasts 26.6 cubic feet of storage compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.
A slightly taller profile (63.4 inches) is preferred for better ingress/egress or visibility than the Impreza’s 58.3 inches.
The standard MSRP of $24,690 is acceptable for the added utility volume.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

Achieving the best possible fuel economy is critical, with the Impreza reaching 34 MPG on the highway versus 31 MPG for the Seltos.
A higher torque output of 145 lb-ft is desired for acceleration metrics over the Seltos’s 132 lb-ft.
A lower base MSRP of $24,360 provides initial cost savings while retaining standard AWD functionality.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Subaru Impreza
Length	172.6"	176.2"
Width	70.9"	70.1"
Height	63.4"	58.3"
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	2.0 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	30 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	—	✓
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	2
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	Steel
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	16 x 6.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	205/55R16
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

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

Which vehicle is physically larger overall?

The 2025 Subaru Impreza is longer, measuring 176.2 inches compared to the 2025 Kia Seltos at 172.6 inches. However, the Seltos is significantly taller at 63.4 inches versus the Impreza's 58.3 inches.

How much more cargo space does the Seltos offer than the Impreza?

The Kia Seltos offers 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, giving it a substantial advantage over the Subaru Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. This difference of 6.2 cubic feet benefits those needing to haul larger items.

Do these vehicles use different fuel types?

No, both the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Subaru Impreza are designed to operate efficiently on regular unleaded fuel.

Is there a noticeable performance difference between the standard engines?

Yes, the Impreza’s 152 hp engine generates 6 more horsepower and 13 more lb-ft of torque (145 vs 132) than the Seltos, suggesting slightly quicker acceleration capabilities.

Which car has the better highway fuel economy?

The Subaru Impreza achieves 34 MPG on the highway, outperforming the Kia Seltos, which is rated for 31 MPG highway.

Are the transmissions and drive systems comparable?

Yes, both vehicles standardize their drivetrain with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission paired with all-wheel drive (AWD) for consistent power delivery.