2024 Kia Seltos vs. 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Comparison

Subcompact SUVs offer all the passenger and cargo space most drivers need, a size small enough to slip through urban traffic, and often, all-wheel-drive performance for any weather conditions. Some even do it all with a price tag under $25,000.

2024 models have begun rolling into dealerships. Among the most impressive are the Kia Seltos – the winner of our Best Buy Award in the class the last three years running – and the distinctive Subaru Crosstrek.

Let’s see how they compare.

2024 Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is one of the most well-rounded vehicles in this segment, with low prices, long warranties, and lots of style inside and out. A 2024 update gave it an updated look, more power in turbo variants, and new cabin technology. It’s also among the roomiest models in the segment. Prices start at $24,390.

Kia Seltos Highlights

More space in most dimensions: The Crosstrek is a competitive car, but it still falls in the subcompact segment. The Seltos has more space for people and more space for stuff with the seats in use or folded. Taller drivers might particularly appreciate its added headroom.

Lower base price, lower loaded price: The base-model Seltos is less expensive than the base-model Crosstrek. Maybe more impressive, though, is that the fully loaded Seltos is less expensive than the fully loaded Crosstrek. It’s more loaded, too – Kia builds almost every available option into the top-of-the-line Seltos SX, while Subaru reserves some major features as added-cost options on even the highest trim of the Crosstrek.

Ten years of predictable budgets: Kia’s vehicles are impressive these days, but its warranties are still its biggest competitive advantage. A 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty means no major surprise repair bills for up to a decade. It’s twice as long as what Subaru has to offer.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Kia Seltos models for sale near you.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru’s formula is well-known by now. The brand builds wagon-like SUVs with an excellent all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment and markets them like hiking accessories. The Crosstrek is the smallest and least expensive of Subaru’s SUVs but checks every box on that list. It’s all-new for 2024, but park it next to a 2023 Crosstrek, and you might not notice much difference. The formula works. Prices start at $24,995.

Subaru Crosstrek Highlights

Standard all-wheel drive (AWD): Kia builds the Seltos in either front-wheel drive (FWD) or AWD. Sending power to all four wheels adds $1,500 to the price of some trim levels. Subaru includes AWD as standard equipment on every Crosstrek it builds, regardless of price.

Larger engine option: The Crosstrek’s base 2.0-liter engine gets the job done, but Subaru offers a larger and more powerful engine for those seeking extra oomph. The available 2.5-liter 4-cylinder emboldens the Crosstrek with 182 horsepower, 30 more than the base engine.

Class-leading ground clearance: If you plan to take your new SUV off-road, the Crosstrek’s higher stance may matter. The Seltos, with 7.3 inches of ground clearance, is typical of subcompact SUVs. The Crosstrek, at 8.7 inches, is not.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Subaru Crosstrek models for sale near you.

Similarities

The base prices of these two are very close, and their base engines offer almost the same power.

Conclusion

You probably won’t go wrong with a Kia Seltos, with its long warranty and well-rounded character. The Seltos keeps winning our Best Buy Award in the subcompact SUV class with its strong balance of traits, and we’re fans of its selection of bright colors.

You probably won’t go wrong with a Subaru Crosstrek, either. Its standard AWD and ample ground clearance make it impressive off-road, and its more powerful engine option gives it a welcome dose of extra power.

Which set of traits strikes you as worth your attention?