2024 Crosstrek vs the Kia Seltos

The Crosstrek was completely redesigned for the 2024 model year. The closely competing Kia Seltos wasn’t redesigned, but it did get a significant update, prompting Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to compare the two models directly. Subaru of Rochester gives you the highlights of KBB’s comparison.

2024 Crosstrek

Despite its redesign, the Crosstrek still closely resembles its predecessor. Within the familiar appearance, however, is a stiffer body structure, more pliant suspension, and increased soundproofing for an improved on-road experience.  An upgrade to the EyeSight system, combined with new infotainment technology featuring the 11.6 Multimedia screen from the Outback on all but the base model, advances the Crosstrek’s technical feature set. The Crosstrek’s 8.7 ground clearance already leads its class, and the new Wilderness grade expands the lead to a 9.3-inch clearance.

The Wilderness also adds terrain-specific settings on its X-mode driver selection system. The drivetrains are unchanged, with the Base and Premium grades powered by a 2.0-liter Boxer-4 that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Sport, Limited, and Wilderness models upgrade to the  2.5-liter Boxer-4, found in the Forester and Outback, which produces 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft. of torque. A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) controls the power and all grades but the base model will feature paddle shifters with eight pre-set ratios. Like all Subaru models but the BRZ sports car, Symmetrical All-wheel Drive (AWD) is standard in all grades. 

2024 Kia Seltos

In addition to some minor aesthetic changes, the Kia Seltos gains a new off-road leaning X-Line grade, though it and all Seltos models have the same 7.3-inch ground clearance. Like the Crosstrek, the Seltos has a redesigned dash with a large (10.25-inch) touchscreen on all but the base model. Also, like the Crosstrek, the Seltos base powertrain is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder base engine combined with a CVT, though with less power at 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. With the base engine and AWD, both Crosstrek and Seltos have 29 combined mpg. 

The Seltos has its own engine upgrade for the X-Line and SX grades in the form of a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 producing 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque channeled through an 8-speed automatic transmission. However, this comes at the cost of MPG with a combined 26 compared to 29 on a 2.5-liter-equipped Crosstrek. The X-Line, SX, and, curiously, the base LX come standard with AWD. S and EX grades have front-wheel drive with AWD as an available option. 

The Crosstrek has a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase (105.1 vs 103.5) than the Seltos and is almost 4 inches longer overall.  The interior dimensions are very close. The front and rear headroom for the two models is within a half inch of each other. The Crosstrek provides more legroom in the front, the Seltos has more in the rear, and the Crosstrek has about a half-inch more shoulder room. The Seltos has an advantage in cargo space with rear seats up/down cubic feet of 26.5 / 62.8 vs. the Crosstrek’s 19.9 / 54.7.

KBB Conclusions

KBB concludes that each model has its advantages. The Seltos has more cargo room and a more powerful engine upgrade. But if you plan on taking your crossover off the pavement, the Crosstrek has a clear advantage with its standard AWD and significantly higher ground clearance. They also note the Crosstrek’s higher historic resale value. 

These two models are close enough that if you are considering the Seltos or any small crossover, you should test-drive the Crosstrek to experience it for yourself. Subaru of Rochester has no shortage of Crosstreks for you to sample.