VS
At a Glance
Power
147hp @ 6200
180hp @ 5800
Torque
132lb-ft @ 4500
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
29 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
—
3500lbs
Engine
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the KIA Seltos and the Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The KIA Seltos delivers 147hp @ 6200 while the Subaru Crosstrek produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Seltos returns 29 mpg est. while the Crosstrek uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $23,790 for the Seltos and $33,795 for the Crosstrek. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
147hp @ 6200
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
132lb-ft @ 4500
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.0 L/122ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
29 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
27 (Est)mpg
24mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31 (Est)mpg
29mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.2gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
172.6in
176.4in
Width (in)
70.9in
71.7in
Height (in)
63.6in
63.6in
Wheelbase (in)
103.5in
104.9in
Curb Weight (lbs)
2937lbs
3369lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
3500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
—
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
—
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
—
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
—
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Crosstrek
Fuel Economy
Seltos
Value
Seltos
Practicality
Crosstrek
Pros & Cons
KIA Seltos
Better fuel economy (29 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($23,790)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru Crosstrek
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Seltos or Crosstrek?
The Seltos gets 29 mpg est. and the Crosstrek gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Seltos is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Seltos or Crosstrek?
The Seltos produces 147hp @ 6200 and 132lb-ft @ 4500 of torque while the Crosstrek delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Crosstrek is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Seltos and Crosstrek?
The Seltos starts from $23,790 and the Crosstrek from $33,795. The Seltos is cheaper by $10,005 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Seltos or Crosstrek?
The Seltos has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Crosstrek can tow 3500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Seltos or the Crosstrek?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.