2025 Kia Seltos vs 2025 Subaru Outback

$24,690 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical discrepancy between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2025 Subaru Outback is the $5,305 difference in MSRP, with the Seltos starting at $24,690 versus the Outback’s $29,995. This price gap is accompanied by a notable 36 hp deficit for the Seltos (146 hp vs. 182 hp for the Outback). The Outback also commands more physical presence, measuring 191.1 inches long compared to the Seltos’ 172.6 inches. Conversely, the Seltos achieves slightly better overall efficiency with 29 MPG combined, edging out the Outback's 28 MPG combined rating. Despite being smaller, the Seltos still offers 26.6 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the larger Outback provides 32.6 cu ft, highlighting the difference in utility for similar crossover classifications.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 29 MPG versus the Outback's 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is preferred for families because it offers substantially more cargo capacity at 32.6 cu ft compared to the Seltos’ 26.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback is the choice for enthusiasts, delivering 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Seltos’ 146 hp and 132 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos offers superior value by presenting a substantially lower starting MSRP of $24,690 against the Outback's $29,995.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

The absolute lowest initial purchase price is the top priority, as the Seltos starts $5,305 cheaper.
Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, given the Seltos' 29 MPG combined rating versus the Outback's 28 MPG.
A more maneuverable exterior footprint is desired, with the Seltos being 18.5 inches shorter in length (172.6 inches vs. 191.1 inches).

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

Higher power output is necessary, as the Outback produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
Maximum utility is required, leveraging the Outback's 32.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
A physically larger vehicle is preferred, as the Outback is taller by 2.7 inches (66.1 inches vs. 63.4 inches).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Subaru Outback
Length	172.6"	191.1"
Width	70.9"	73.0"
Height	63.4"	66.1"
Wheelbase	103.5"	108.1"

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	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
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	182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	176 lb-ft @ 4400 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	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	481.0/592.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	18.5 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	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

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.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.4 in.	42.8 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.5 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	53.5 in.	55.5 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
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.4 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.0 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.7 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.8 in.	54.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

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	225/65R 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 Outback.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Seltos and the 2025 Outback?

The 2025 Subaru Outback offers significantly more power, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the 2025 Kia Seltos generates 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 36 hp difference.

How much more cargo room does the Subaru Outback provide over the Kia Seltos?

The Outback provides 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which is 6.0 cubic feet more than the Kia Seltos' 26.6 cubic feet. This makes the larger Outback notably better suited for carrying substantial amounts of gear.

Is there a major difference in fuel economy despite the performance gap?

The difference is marginal; the Kia Seltos achieves 29 MPG combined, while the Subaru Outback scores 28 MPG combined. Both vehicles utilize regular unleaded fuel for their respective Continuously Variable Transmissions.

How does the starting price compare for these two AWD crossovers?

The 2025 Kia Seltos is significantly more affordable, starting at an MSRP of $24,690. The 2025 Subaru Outback carries a higher starting price point of $29,995, reflecting a $5,305 cost variance.

Are the exterior dimensions substantially different between the Seltos and the Outback?

Yes, the Outback is substantially larger in every dimension, measuring 191.1 inches long compared to the Seltos' 172.6 inches in length. The Outback is also 2.1 inches wider and 2.7 inches taller.