The subcompact crossover SUV segment has big changes for the 2024 model year — with new designs for the Kia Seltos and the Subaru Crosstrek. Both models have their merits. However, the 2024 Kia Seltos has one huge advantage over the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek: longer warranty coverage.

2024 Kia Seltos has much longer warranty coverage than the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek

When choosing which crossover SUV to get, warranty coverage is an important consideration. Repairs and the replacement of parts are major costs of vehicle ownership. If a crossover SUV has solid warranty coverage, the overall cost for these things will be lower. And for a vehicle that’s still covered by a warranty, owners will face less strain on their finances. Plus, there’s the peace of mind that comes with it. 

Like other new Kia and Hyundai models, the 2024 Kia Seltos has industry-leading warranty coverage. It’s much longer than what the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek offers. All Seltos models are backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. However, the Crosstrek only has a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Due to its more generous warranty coverage, the cost to repair and replace parts in the Seltos will likely be lower than for the Crosstrek. After the time or mileage periods end for the Crosstrek, crossover SUV owners will need to pay for the cost of repairs and parts replacement that were previously covered by the warranties. Conversely, Seltos owners will still be covered.

Other benefits of the Kia Seltos over the Subaru Crosstrek

In addition to its longer warranty coverage, there are other benefits that the 2024 Kia Seltos crossover SUV has over the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. This includes performance, especially with the available turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivers 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the strongest engine that the Crosstrek offers is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It generates only 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. 

Also, the Seltos has a more spacious area for the rear seats. The Kia crossover SUV provides 38.0 inches of rear legroom, compared to 36.5 inches for the Crosstrek. Additionally, the Seltos offers more storage space. It has a rear cargo capacity of 26.6 cu-ft — and 62.8 cu-ft in total. In comparison, it’s 19.9/54.7 cu-ft for the Crosstrek. 

Another strength of the Seltos is safety. It has more safety-enhancing driving assistance features than the Crosstrek, including highway driving assist, speed limit assist, safe exit warning, and driver attention warning. 

2024 Seltos also provides greater value than the 2024 Crosstrek

The 2024 Kia Seltos is also cheaper. It has a starting price of $24,390 MSRP, compared to $24,995 for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek. Additionally, when you factor in its many standard features, the Seltos provides greater value. 

Plus, the Seltos has slightly high fuel economy than the Crosstrek, resulting in savings at the pump. It gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 31 combined mpg, compared to 30 combined mpg for the Crosstrek.

Furthermore, as detailed earlier, the longer warranty coverage for the Seltos results in lower costs for repairs and parts replacement. For subcompact crossover SUV shoppers, this is a key element to consider.