Subaru Forester vs Kia Seltos
Overview | |
MSRP$29,995 | MSRP$24,490 |
Listings1480 | Listings2182 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.8 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryThe Forester is one of Subaru's top sellers and one of the more popular compact crossovers in its segment as well, so it's hard to blame the automaker for not wanting to mess with a working formula. They seem to have focused more on refining an already popular car than creating a new car. In fact, the most obvious updates are to the vehicle's looks, which many would argue are inconsequential—but that's not a criticism. Verdict: The 2025 Subaru Forester improves on the outgoing version with a better-equipped base model, more advanced tech and safety offerings, and a blessedly quieter cabin. If it's not the most beautiful crossover we've ever seen, well, at least that's authentic to the Forester brand. | |
Reviews SummaryThe Kia Seltos was first introduced for the 2021 model year and instantly made waves in the subcompact SUV segment. It was impressively spacious and offered plenty of headroom and legroom, even for second-row occupants. These were novel concepts in this small crossover segment. The Seltos also delivered plenty of standard features and easy-to-use technology. Three years on, and the Seltos is enjoying its first mid-cycle refresh. Though it’s largely the same Seltos as before, it gains fresh styling as well as updated technology. Such tweaks can go a long way, and automakers endeavour to make unseen changes that contribute to the overall driving experience. The Seltos sits at the bottom of Kia’s SUV line-up below the Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride, and alongside the FWD-only Kia Soul. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.5L 180 hp H4 | Engine2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 180 hp H4 | Engine Name2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space29.6 cu ft | Cargo Space26.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight3510 lbs | Curb Weight3108 lbs |
Height68.1 in | Height63.4 in |
Length183.3 in | Length172.6 in |
Width81.2 in | Width70.9 in |
Wheelbase105.1 in | Wheelbase103.5 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1104 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $29,995 | $24,490 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.8 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | The Forester is one of Subaru's top sellers and one of the more popular compact crossovers in its segment as well, so it's hard to blame the automaker for not wanting to mess with a working formula. They seem to have focused more on refining an already popular car than creating a new car. In fact, the most obvious updates are to the vehicle's looks, which many would argue are inconsequential—but that's not a criticism. Verdict: The 2025 Subaru Forester improves on the outgoing version with a better-equipped base model, more advanced tech and safety offerings, and a blessedly quieter cabin. If it's not the most beautiful crossover we've ever seen, well, at least that's authentic to the Forester brand. | The Kia Seltos was first introduced for the 2021 model year and instantly made waves in the subcompact SUV segment. It was impressively spacious and offered plenty of headroom and legroom, even for second-row occupants. These were novel concepts in this small crossover segment. The Seltos also delivered plenty of standard features and easy-to-use technology. Three years on, and the Seltos is enjoying its first mid-cycle refresh. Though it’s largely the same Seltos as before, it gains fresh styling as well as updated technology. Such tweaks can go a long way, and automakers endeavour to make unseen changes that contribute to the overall driving experience. The Seltos sits at the bottom of Kia’s SUV line-up below the Sportage, Sorento, and Telluride, and alongside the FWD-only Kia Soul. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.5L 180 hp H4 | 2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Drive Train | AWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
MPG City | 26 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 31 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 180 hp H4 | 2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 29.6 cu ft | 26.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3510 lbs | 3108 lbs |
Height | 68.1 in | 63.4 in |
Length | 183.3 in | 172.6 in |
Width | 81.2 in | 70.9 in |
Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 103.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1104 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3000 lbs | |
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