Consider the Kia Seltos Over the Subaru Crosstrek
There are many exciting options for compact SUVs that can go off-roading like the Subaru Crosstrek and Kia Seltos. But which option will give you more bang for your buck? Let’s compare price, features, off-roading capabilities to determine the more valuable SUV.
Subaru Crosstrek vs. Kia Seltos
The 2021 Kia Seltos comes in hot with a starting price of around $22k. However, the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek also starts around $22k. So, the fact that these two SUVs begin around the same price intensifies the competition.
The Kia Seltos gets about 27 mpg in the city and up to 31 mpg on the highway. This is very similar to the Subaru Crosstrek, which gets 27 mpg in the city and up to 33 mph on the highway. The Subaru Crosstrek manages to barely take the cake with a slightly better fuel economy.
Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek performance
The Kia Seltos has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder base engine with 146 horsepower and 136 lb-ft of torque. So we recommend upgrading to the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
When properly equipped, the Kia Seltos can tow up to 2,000 lb. It also accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds with the turbo engine and can reach 60 mph in 8.5 seconds with the 2.0-liter engine. Both engines have promising speed.
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The Subaru Crosstrek comes with a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that pumps out 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. However, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek will be gaining an optional 2.5-liter direct injection engine with 182 horsepower. We are currently waiting to learn more about it.
The 2020 Subaru Crosstrek can tow up to 1,500 lb, which is 500 lb less than the Kia Seltos. Also, the Subaru Crosstrek can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 9 seconds, making the Kia Seltos a little sportier as well.
All-wheel drive comes standard on both the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek. Most options require you to pay to add this feature. The Kia Seltos also has an independent MacPherson suspension with gas shocks and a stabilizer bar. The AWD system has a lock mode for better traction, Hill Start Assist, and Hill Descent Control.
The Subaru Crosstrek has X-MODE to automatically adjust to quickly changing road conditions and to prevent slipping. It also has Hill Descent Control and driving modes for snow, mud, and rocks. The Kia Seltos includes driving modes for Normal, Eco, and Sport.
Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek features
The Kia Seltos has 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, with up to 62.8 cubic feet total. The Subaru Crosstrek only has 20.8 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk area, with up to 55.3 cubic feet.
Both the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek are smart with the ability to connect to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Seltos does have a larger infotainment center. Before going into what safety features and tech come standard for each SUV, the Kia Seltos seems like it’s the little off-roader that provides more value.
