2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Subaru Forester

$24,690 · Crossover

$29,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the fresh 2025 Kia Seltos and the newly redesigned 2026 Subaru Forester often comes down to balancing initial cost against sheer size and capability. The Seltos immediately pulls ahead on price, starting at just $24,690, significantly undercutting the Forester's $29,995 MSRP—a difference of $5,305 right out of the gate. While both crossovers share an identical 29 MPG combined fuel economy, the Forester boasts a noticeable power advantage with 180 hp versus the Seltos's 146 hp. Interestingly, the Forester is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 183.3 inches long compared to the Seltos's 172.6 inches, translating to better hauling capabilities with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space versus 26.6 cu ft in the Kia. For budget-conscious buyers prioritizing efficiency and a lower buy-in, the Seltos looks appealing, but those needing extra utility and punch will find the Forester justifies its higher cost.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos is the better commuter choice due to its significantly lower starting MSRP of $24,690.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Forester

The 2026 Forester wins for families because its greater dimensions provide superior cargo capacity at 29.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Forester

Enthusiasts will prefer the Forester because it offers a 34 hp advantage, producing 180 hp compared to the Seltos's 146 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The Seltos offers better raw value by saving buyers $5,305 upfront while delivering identical 29 MPG combined efficiency.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Your top priority is minimizing the initial purchase price, saving $5,305 compared to the Forester.
You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle with a length of 172.6 inches for easier city parking.
You want to stick strictly to regular unleaded fuel without needing the Forester's higher torque figures.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

You need maximum utility, as the Forester offers 29.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Seltos's 26.6 cu ft.
You appreciate the extra driving confidence from having 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque for merging or passing.
A taller, larger stance is desired, given the Forester's 68.1-inch height compared to 63.4 inches on the Seltos.

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 2026 Subaru Forester.

How much more does the 2026 Forester cost than the 2025 Seltos?

The Subaru Forester starts at an MSRP of $29,995, which is exactly $5,305 more expensive than the Kia Seltos starting price of $24,690. This difference is significant when budgeting for a new crossover.

Do I get better fuel economy with the Seltos or the Forester?

Surprisingly, both vehicles are rated equally for efficiency, achieving a combined 29 MPG. The Forester edges out slightly on the highway with 33 MPG versus the Seltos's 31 MPG, but their overall fuel consumption should be very similar.

Which crossover has more power under the hood?

The 2026 Forester is the clear winner in performance, boasting 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Seltos offers considerably less output at 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.

If I have a lot of gear, which one has more cargo room?

The larger 2026 Forester provides more utility for families, offering 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The Seltos trails slightly behind with 26.6 cubic feet available behind the rear seats.

Are the transmissions and drive types the same on both models?

Yes, both crossovers come equipped with an identical continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and feature all-wheel drive capability, making both suitable for slippery conditions using regular unleaded gasoline.