2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Kia Seltos
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial divergence between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Kia Seltos lies in the $6,305 MSRP gap, with the Seltos starting at $23,690 versus the Outback's $29,995. This price delta is accompanied by a notable 35 horsepower deficit in the Seltos (147 hp vs. Outback's 182 hp). However, the Seltos compensates with superior efficiency, achieving a Combined MPG of 31 compared to the Outback's 28, and offering 2 MPG better city and highway figures (28/34 MPG vs. 26/32 MPG). Size constraints are also evident: the Outback is substantially longer at 191.1 inches versus 172.6 inches for the Seltos, translating to 6.0 cubic feet more cargo capacity (32.6 cu ft vs. 26.6 cu ft). Both utilize standard AWD (Outback) vs. FWD (Seltos) configurations and CVTs.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Seltos
The 2026 Kia Seltos is the commuter winner due to its superior 31 combined MPG rating and lower initial cost.
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback offers greater utility with 32.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Seltos' 26.6 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback provides significantly more performance with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque over the Seltos' 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.
2026 Kia Seltos
The Seltos presents a better immediate value proposition by saving the buyer $6,305 upfront, despite lower power figures.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You require the traction security provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You need the superior power output of 182 horsepower for acceleration or towing.
- You prioritize maximum storage, utilizing the 32.6 cubic feet of cargo space.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- Keeping the initial purchase price under $24,000 is a priority.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is crucial, targeting 34 highway MPG.
- Maneuverability is key, benefiting from the smaller 172.6-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Kia Seltos |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 172.6" |
| Width | 73.0" | 70.9" |
| Height | 66.1" | 63.6" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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) | 26/32 MPG | 28/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 369.6/448.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls 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 | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
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 | 40.1 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Kia |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 54.9 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 48.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
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 | 225/65R 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 Outback and 2026 Kia Seltos.
What is the measurable difference in fuel economy between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Kia Seltos leads in efficiency, achieving 31 combined MPG (28 city/34 highway). The 2025 Subaru Outback offers 28 combined MPG (26 city/32 highway), reflecting a 3 MPG difference on the highway.
How does the size difference impact cargo carrying ability?
The Outback is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 191.1 inches long compared to the Seltos' 172.6 inches. This results in the Outback offering 32.6 cu ft of cargo space versus the Seltos' 26.6 cu ft, a difference of 6.0 cubic feet.
Which vehicle has a significant advantage in engine output?
The 2025 Subaru Outback possesses a significant advantage in performance metrics, producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Kia Seltos trails with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Are both vehicles primarily configured for FWD or AWD?
The Subaru Outback comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system, enhancing traction capability. Conversely, the standard configuration for the 2026 Kia Seltos listed here is Front Wheel Drive.
How much less expensive is the Kia Seltos at the entry level?
The 2026 Kia Seltos has a lower MSRP of $23,690, positioning it $6,305 below the 2025 Subaru Outback's starting price of $29,995.
Do both vehicles utilize the same type of transmission?
Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Kia Seltos utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) paired with their respective engines.
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