2026 Kia Seltos vs 2026 Subaru Impreza
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Kia Seltos kicks off the action with an accessible MSRP of $23,690 and boasts superior fuel efficiency, netting 31 combined MPG. This compact crossover prioritizes efficiency and value in a neat 172.6-inch package. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Impreza captivates driving enthusiasts with its standard All-Wheel Drive system and a slightly punchier 152 hp output, paired with 145 lb-ft of torque. While the Seltos provides more cargo space at 26.6 cubic feet, the Impreza, despite being lower to the ground at 58.3 inches, feels more planted for spirited driving. The Impreza commands a higher price point at $26,595 but offers tangible traction advantages. Choosing between these two involves balancing the Seltos's economical edge against the Impreza's dynamic capability delivered through its AWD setup.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos wins for commuters due to its slightly better fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG on the highway.
2026 Kia Seltos
The Seltos is more family-friendly as it offers significantly more cargo capacity at 26.6 cubic feet compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.
2026 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza appeals more to enthusiasts thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive and higher torque output of 145 lb-ft.
2026 Kia Seltos
The Kia Seltos is the better value proposition, starting $2,905 lower than the Impreza at an MSRP of $23,690.
Choose the Kia Seltos if...
- You prioritize low running costs, as the Seltos achieves 31 combined MPG.
- You need maximum packing capability, benefiting from 26.6 cubic feet of cargo volume.
- You are focused on minimizing initial expenditure, given the $23,690 starting price.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You demand all-weather security provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
- You prefer a slightly more powerful powertrain, delivering 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer a lower, more road-hugging stance indicated by the 58.3-inch height.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Kia Seltos | Subaru Impreza |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.6" | 176.2" |
| Width | 70.9" | 70.1" |
| Height | 63.6" | 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 | 147 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 | 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 | 27/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/448.8 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 | 53.0 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 |
| 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 | 54.9 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 48.8 in. | 53.2 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Kia | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 18 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P215/55R17 | 225/40R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
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 Impreza.
How much more powerful is the Subaru Impreza than the Kia Seltos?
The 2026 Subaru Impreza has a slight edge in power, producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kia Seltos's 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This modest performance boost is amplified by the Impreza’s AWD system.
Which vehicle offers superior interior utility for hauling gear?
The 2026 Kia Seltos is the clear winner for cargo hauling, providing 26.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. In contrast, the 2026 Subaru Impreza wagon trails with 20.4 cubic feet.
Is the base difference in drivetrain worth the higher price of the Impreza?
The Impreza starts at $26,595 while the Seltos is priced at $23,690, a difference of $2,905. This premium buys you standard All-Wheel Drive, a significant benefit for drivers facing snowy conditions or rougher roads.
Which car is better suited for long highway commutes regarding fuel consumption?
The Kia Seltos is more efficient for long highway trips, achieving 34 MPG on the highway versus the Impreza's 33 MPG highway rating. Both use regular unleaded fuel.
What is the overall size difference between the crossover and the wagon?
The Seltos (crossover) is slightly shorter in length at 172.6 inches but is taller and wider than the Impreza (wagon). The Impreza measures 176.2 inches long but sits much lower at 58.3 inches high.
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