Are you shopping around for a subcompact crossover SUV? Two popular choices are the Subaru Crosstrek and the Kia Seltos. See how the two crossover SUVs stack up in this 2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2023 Kia Seltos comparison. With more advantages, the Crosstrek beats the Seltos.

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2023 Kia Seltos

In this 2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2023 Kia Seltos crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

Crosstrek vs. Seltos: Performance and gas mileage

On the performance front, the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek has both a higher base engine horsepower output and maximum output. It offers three engine options: a 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine (152 hp), a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine (182 hp), and a plug-in hybrid (148 hp). In comparison, the 2023 Kia Seltos offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (146 hp) and a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 hp).

For efficiency, the Seltos has an estimated gas mileage of up to 31 combined mpg. In comparison, the fully gas-powered 2023 Crosstrek has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 mpg, while the Crosstrek Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 35 mpg in hybrid mode and 90 MPGe in electric mode. Also, the Crosstrek Hybrid has an estimated electric-only driving range of 17 miles.

The Seltos has a slight edge for gas-engine efficiency, but it doesn’t come close to matching the high fuel economy of the Crosstrek Hybrid.

Crosstrek vs. Seltos: Towing

If you want a crossover SUV that can tow, then the Crosstrek is the better choice for you. While the Seltos is not rated for towing, the Crosstrek has a maximum towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.

Crosstrek vs. Seltos: Off-road capabilities

The Crosstrek is the superior choice for off-road use. For one, while a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system is an optional feature for the Seltos, all Crosstrek models come standard with all-wheel drive. Also, the Crosstrek has higher ground clearance than the Seltos (up to 8.6 vs. 7.3 inches). Furthermore, the Crosstrek has cladding around various exterior components to protect the vehicle when driving on rough terrain.

Crosstrek vs. Seltos: Safety

The Crosstrek and Seltos are safe vehicles. For the previous model year, both the Seltos and Crosstrek earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick award.

Crosstrek vs. Seltos: Passenger and cargo space

Both the 2023 Crosstrek and 2023 Seltos can seat up to five people, but the Crossrek offers slightly more passenger space. It has a total passenger volume of 100.9 cu-ft, compared to 99.0 cu-ft for the Seltos. However, the Seltos provides more storage space. It has a maximum cargo capacity of 62.8 cu-ft, compared to 55.3 cu-ft for the Crosstrek.

Crosstrek vs. Seltos: Warranty coverage

The Seltos has more generous warranty coverage than the Crosstrek. It’s backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. In comparison, the Crosstrek has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty.

Crosstrek vs. Seltos: Price

Which crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Crosstrek or the 2023 Seltos? The starting price of the 2023 Crosstrek ranges from $23,645 MSRP for the Base trim up to $36,845 MSRP for the Hybrid trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 Seltos ranges from $22,840 MSRP for the LX trim up to $28,340 for the SX trim. 

2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2023 Kia Seltos: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2023 Kia Seltos crossover SUV comparison, the 2023 Crosstrek has most of the advantages. This includes advantages for performance, efficiency, towing, off-road capabilities, and passenger space. Conversely, the 2023 Seltos has advantages for cargo space, warranty coverage, and a lower price.