2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Kia Seltos

$29,995 · Crossover

$23,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the rugged utility of the 2025 Subaru Forester and the budget-friendly efficiency of the 2026 Kia Seltos can be tough. The Forester starts at a higher MSRP of $29,995 compared to the Seltos' $23,690, a $6,305 price gap that matters. For that premium, you gain a significant power advantage: the Forester offers 180 hp versus the Seltos’ 147 hp, which might be crucial for highway passing or mild off-roading. However, the Seltos counters with slightly better fuel economy, achieving a combined 31 MPG, just edging out the Forester’s 29 MPG. Furthermore, the Forester provides more interior space, boasting 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Seltos’ 26.6 cu ft, while also coming standard with superior all-wheel drive capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Kia Seltos

The 2026 Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its superior combined 31 MPG efficiency and lower starting price of $23,690.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester is better for families because its larger exterior dimensions provide 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Forester

Enthusiasts will prefer the Forester's 180 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive system over the Seltos' 147 hp and FWD base.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos offers substantially more efficiency and a $6,305 lower entry price point, maximizing initial value.

Choose the Subaru Forester if...

You frequently drive in inclement weather where standard All-Wheel Drive is necessary.
You need maximum utility, benefiting from the larger 29.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
You value the higher output of 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque for acceleration.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Keeping the initial purchase price low is your top priority, saving $6,305 versus the Forester.
You prioritize maximum miles per gallon, achieving 31 combined MPG.
Your daily driving mainly occurs in urban areas where the smaller 172.6-inch length aids maneuverability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Forester	Kia Seltos
Length	183.3"	172.6"
Width	72.0"	70.9"
Height	68.1"	63.6"
Wheelbase	105.1"	103.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-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 Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	—
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	—
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Fixed Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	180 hp @ 5800 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 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	Subaru	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Center Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	28/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	431.6/547.8 mi.	369.6/448.8 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.6 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Infotainment Display	7.0 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	—
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	4 months	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Subaru	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Front Head Room	41.2 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	43.3 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.7 in.	55.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.7 in.	53.0 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	Subaru	Kia
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.4 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.7 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.7 in.	48.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/60R H	P215/55R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Forester and 2026 Kia Seltos.

How much more powerful is the 2025 Forester than the 2026 Seltos?

The 2025 Subaru Forester offers 180 hp, giving it a noticeable 33 hp advantage over the 2026 Kia Seltos, which is rated at 147 hp.

Which crossover has better fuel economy for city driving?

The 2026 Kia Seltos holds a slight edge in efficiency, delivering 28 MPG in the city compared to the Forester's 26 MPG city rating.

Is the base drivetrain significantly different between these two models?

Yes, the Forester comes standard with its renowned symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, while the base Seltos utilizes Front Wheel Drive.

If I often haul bulky gear, which crossover provides more storage?

The 2025 Forester is more spacious, offering 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the second row, which is slightly more than the Seltos' 26.6 cu ft.

How does the base price difference affect the overall value proposition?

The Seltos undercuts the Forester's MSRP by $6,305, making it a much more accessible option for buyers focusing primarily on initial cost savings.

Are the dimensions drastically different for parking in tight spots?

The Seltos is notably smaller; it is over 10 inches shorter in length (172.6 inches vs. 183.3 inches) and nearly 5 inches shorter in height (63.6 inches vs. 68.1 inches) than the Forester.