2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Kia Seltos

$24,360 · Wagon

$23,690 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The battle between the spirited 2025 Subaru Impreza Wagon and the practical 2026 Kia Seltos Crossover pits signature AWD grip against efficient urban utility. The Impreza grabs attention with its standard all-wheel drive and robust 152 hp pushing 145 lb-ft of torque, delivering an engaging drive even while achieving 30 combined MPG. Conversely, the Seltos champions compact versatility, offering a slightly superior 31 combined MPG and substantially more vertical space with its 63.6-inch height, coupled with a cavernous 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft. While the Seltos saves $670 upfront with an MSRP of $23,690 versus the Subaru's $24,360, the Impreza counters with its proven symmetrical AWD system. These dimensions—the Seltos being slightly wider at 70.9 inches but shorter in length—define their distinct missions on the asphalt.

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 marginally better 31 combined MPG and FWD efficiency.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Seltos

The Seltos offers superior utility for families with 26.6 cu ft of cargo space, significantly more than the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru Impreza

The 2025 Subaru Impreza appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its standard All-Wheel Drive and higher output of 152 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos presents better immediate value with a lower MSRP of $23,690 against the Impreza's $24,360.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

You prioritize all-weather confidence provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You prefer the lower profile and established handling characteristics of a compact wagon body style.
You need the higher engine output, delivering 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Maximizing cargo volume is critical, as the Seltos offers 26.6 cubic feet versus 20.4 cubic feet.
You want the highest possible ride height, indicated by the Seltos's 63.6-inch height.
Saving $670 on the initial purchase price with an MSRP of $23,690 is a primary goal.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru Impreza	Kia Seltos
Length	176.2"	172.6"
Width	70.1"	70.9"
Height	58.3"	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	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	152 hp @ 6000 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	145 lb-ft @ 4000 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)	27/34 MPG	28/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	448.2/564.4 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	✓	✓
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	2	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	42.9 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	55.5 in.
Front Hip Room	55.1 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	38.0 in.	38.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.5 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.3 in.	54.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	48.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Kia
Wheel Material	Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	205/55R16	P215/55R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

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

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 Impreza and 2026 Kia Seltos.

Which vehicle is inherently better in snow or slippery conditions?

The 2025 Subaru Impreza includes standard All-Wheel Drive, giving it a distinct mechanical advantage over the standard Front-Wheel Drive setup of the 2026 Kia Seltos for inclement weather.

How significant is the cargo capacity difference between the two?

The Seltos offers 26.6 cubic feet of cargo room, which is substantially more flexible than the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet, making the Kia more practical for bulky loads.

Does the Impreza offer better highway fuel economy than the Seltos?

Both vehicles achieve an excellent 34 MPG on the highway. However, the Seltos pulls ahead slightly overall, boasting 31 combined MPG compared to the Impreza's 30 combined MPG.

Which vehicle offers more power based on the provided specs?

The 2025 Subaru Impreza is the slightly more potent choice, producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, edging out the Seltos's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.

Is there a substantial price difference between these two base models?

Yes, the 2026 Kia Seltos has a lower starting MSRP at $23,690, which is $670 less than the 2025 Subaru Impreza's $24,360 base price.

How do the exterior dimensions impact maneuverability?

The Seltos is shorter in length at 172.6 inches, potentially aiding in tight parking, though it is slightly wider (70.9 inches vs 70.1 inches) than the Impreza wagon.