2026 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$23,690 · Crossover

$26,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Kia Seltos and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the $3,305 difference in their starting MSRP, with the Seltos priced at $23,690 versus the Crosstrek's $26,995. Performance metrics heavily favor the Crosstrek, delivering 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, a notable 33 hp and 46 lb-ft advantage over the Seltos’s 147 hp output. Conversely, the Seltos edges out the Crosstrek in fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 31 MPG compared to the Crosstrek's 29 MPG. In terms of utility, the Seltos offers superior storage, boasting 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft. Furthermore, the Seltos is slightly smaller overall at 172.6 inches long, while the Crosstrek achieves a lower profile at 62.8 inches in height.

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 31 MPG combined fuel economy and lower initial cost of $23,690.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Kia Seltos

The Seltos provides 26.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more room for family gear than the Crosstrek’s 19.9 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is the clear choice for performance enthusiasts, offering 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Kia Seltos

The Seltos offers a lower entry price and better fuel efficiency metrics for the base FWD configuration.

Choose the Kia Seltos if...

Your budget requires the lowest entry price at $23,690.
Maximum cargo volume is a priority, as it provides 26.6 cu ft.
Prioritizing marginal fuel savings is key, as it achieves 31 MPG combined.

Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...

Higher powertrain output is required, delivering 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Standard All-Wheel Drive capability is necessary, unlike the Seltos's FWD.
A slightly lower overall height of 62.8 inches suits garage restrictions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Seltos	Subaru Crosstrek
Length	172.6"	176.4"
Width	70.9"	70.9"
Height	63.6"	62.8"
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 Preparation System	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Daytime Running Lights	—	✓

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	147 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	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/34 MPG	26/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	369.6/448.8 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	✓	✓
Push Button Start	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
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	4
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	53.0 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

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	54.9 in.	55.3 in.
Rear Hip Room	48.8 in.	53.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Subaru
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	P215/55R17	P225/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Kia	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 2026 Kia Seltos and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.

What is the primary difference in standard drivetrain between the two models?

The standard 2026 Kia Seltos comes equipped with Front Wheel Drive (FWD). In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek features standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which is a substantial mechanical difference affecting traction.

How much more powerful is the Subaru Crosstrek than the Kia Seltos?

The Crosstrek has a clear power advantage, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This represents a gain of 33 horsepower over the Seltos's 147 hp rating.

Which vehicle offers better cargo space for hauling items?

The Kia Seltos offers substantially more usable storage with 26.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Subaru Crosstrek trails significantly, providing only 19.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Is there a notable fuel economy trade-off for the Crosstrek’s extra power and AWD?

Yes, the Seltos achieves a slightly better combined EPA rating of 31 MPG versus the Crosstrek's 29 MPG combined rating, despite both using regular unleaded fuel.

How do the external dimensions compare between the two crossovers?

The Crosstrek is longer at 176.4 inches compared to the Seltos's 172.6 inches, but the Seltos is taller (63.6 inches vs. 62.8 inches for the Crosstrek).