2025 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Subaru Impreza

$24,690 · Crossover

$26,595 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The primary dimensional divergence between the 2025 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Subaru Impreza is the height difference; the Seltos stands 63.4 inches tall compared to the Impreza's 58.3 inches, offering a substantial 5.1-inch advantage in vertical clearance. Performance metrics show the Impreza marginally leading with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Seltos's 146 hp and 132 lb-ft. Both vehicles share an identical 29 MPG combined rating, though the Impreza edges out the Seltos in highway efficiency by a 33 MPG to 31 MPG margin. In terms of utility, the Seltos provides superior storage, boasting 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet. Priced lower at $24,690 versus the Impreza’s $26,595 MSRP, the Seltos maintains a clear entry-level cost advantage.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Impreza

The 2026 Subaru Impreza is slightly more fuel-efficient on the highway, achieving 33 MPG compared to the Seltos's 31 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 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

2026 Subaru Impreza

The 2026 Subaru Impreza delivers higher measurable output with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Kia Seltos

The 2025 Kia Seltos holds a clear upfront cost advantage, priced $1,905 lower than the 2026 Subaru Impreza at base MSRP.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Maximum cargo volume is a priority, as the Seltos offers 26.6 cu ft versus the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
A lower initial purchase price is desired, with the Seltos starting at $24,690.
A taller vehicle stance is preferred, given the Seltos's 63.4-inch height compared to the Impreza's 58.3 inches.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

Higher peak engine performance is required, as the Impreza produces 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque.
Prioritizing highway cruising efficiency, as the Impreza reaches 33 MPG on the highway versus 31 MPG for the Seltos.
A longer body length is preferred for stability, with the Impreza measuring 176.2 inches end-to-end.

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	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Adaptive 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	2.0 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	27/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	356.4/409.2 mi.	448.2/547.8 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	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

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
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓

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	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P215/55R	225/40R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

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 Impreza.

Which vehicle is taller, the 2025 Seltos or the 2026 Impreza?

The 2025 Kia Seltos is notably taller, measuring 63.4 inches in height. The 2026 Subaru Impreza is lower at 58.3 inches, representing a 5.1-inch difference.

How do the horsepower and torque figures compare between the two AWD models?

The 2026 Impreza has a slight edge in output, generating 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The 2025 Seltos produces 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy despite both having AWD?

Both models share an identical 29 MPG combined rating. However, the Impreza gains a minor advantage on the highway with 33 MPG compared to the Seltos's 31 MPG.

Which vehicle offers more interior storage space behind the rear seats?

The Kia Seltos wins this metric decisively, providing 26.6 cubic feet of cargo volume. The Subaru Impreza, though a wagon, offers less at 20.4 cubic feet.