2024 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2024 Kia Seltos

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Shop for a new Seltos on CarGurus: cargur.us/Ttcvs
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2024 Kia Seltos are both compelling choices for car enthusiasts. The freshly revamped Crosstrek, now in its third generation, remains a favorite in regions like the Northwest and New England, even though its design is reminiscent of its 2013 model. On the other hand, the Seltos, having undergone a mild update since its 2021 launch, offers impressive technology and power. Notably, the advanced models of both vehicles offer enhanced engine capacities: the Crosstrek Sport boasts a 2.5-liter flat-four, while the Seltos SX comes with a 1.6-liter turbo that now generates 20 more horsepower than before. While both have CVTs paired with all-wheel drive setups, only the Seltos offers a FWD setup with an 8-speed automatic transmission option; the Subaru is a CVT with all-wheel drive, all of the time. Additionally, the Subaru outperforms the Kia in terms of fuel efficiency, particularly on highways.
For more information on the Crosstrek, read our full review: cargur.us/Wpw_l
For more information on the Seltos, read our full review: cargur.us/Ttctb
Sell your car 100% online. Get the best offer instantly from thousands of dealers: cargur.us/PBmK_
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Presenter: Clifford Atiyeh
Cinematography: www.VennCreativeMedia.com
#subaru #crosstrek #kia
---------
0:00 The Crosstrek and Seltos
0:46 Powertrains
1:34 Exterior Styling
3:29 Dimensions and Cargo Space
3:45 Seltos Interior
4:19 Crosstrek Interior
5:20 Crosstrek Infotainment
6:01 Seltos Infotainment
7:05 Driving the Crosstrek
12:57 Driving the Seltos
17:10 Pricing
17:42 The Verdict

[@The333Wanderer]

I get about 37 MPG on my 2021 Forester on the highway. Otherwise, it needs more horsepower, it’s noisy and slow. I love my Forester.

[@solohabib7]

Yep I’m going with the Seltos

[@a463300]

agreed with you. My seltos will be deliver to me soon.

[@thndercat1]

I like the Seltos, cost effective and won’t take hit with insurance companies

[@lorenschwiderski]

Take a look at Insurance Claims for medical and such. Subaru is far safer. Take a look at Death Rates if Cars data for Korean cars and SUVs compared to Subaru.

[@PamenterDoug]

One of the best reviews I have watched - and I have watched a lot! I really like both of these cars, and want an all weather / all road condition car that I can keep for a long time. As I may end up doing a fair bit of cross country travelling, it might come down to more comfortable seats or the better gas mileage. 😜 Thank you for your honest - non-sales person approach.

[@beevo412]

Love my new '24 Crosstrek. This is my second... the AWD system is the best in the business and Subaru is renowned for reliability. To be fair I did start to notice some noise in my front CV joint (right side) at 75,000km in my '20 model but I imagine the new owner can get that replaced under warranty if need be. I understand that Subaru may have improved these after 4 yrs.

[@Dave-zz9fk]

The reason the Kia responds better is Turbo. The CVT is no where near as bad as motoring journalists make out - sorry but it sjust not. If you drive at a reasonable (not slow) pace, the cvt is great, yes its noisy when accelerating hard, but otherwise its great - as soon as you get to speed, revs drop right down and the engine is quiet. If you want to drive foot to floor everywhere, don't buy Subaru. Otherwise they are great.

[@beevo412]

In principle the CVT is a much better tech than an auto. It just feels odd to have the engine at constant RPM instead of moving up through ranges. I think that is where other CVTs fail in trying to emulate the feel of fixed gear ratios. It is that feel that drivers associate with "performance" driving. But reallly an engine cannot be efficient at a wide range of RPM. The CVT finds the sweet spot for the engine and seamlessly adjusts the gear ratio to hold it there. I find this latest CVT much better than my previous '20 XV/Crosstrek. And for fun you can go into manual mode and use the paddle shifters - great stuff!

[@uncleduckproductions]

I got the SX KIA and it always get 32/33 mpg on the hwy and 28/29 city. Love the car…

[@Shambles7698]

Subaru with they AWD technology and etc will never disappoint you

[@vernon6505]

Got my first one, absolutely love it compared to other cars I’ve driven

[@cgmiddle]

Your command of typing the English language is most disappointing. Please check grammar prior to posting.

[@victorteran9766]

if I was going to lease the car for 4 years or less, then I might just consider the Kia, but those small displacement, turbocharged engines dont seem to last in good condition for many years. Kuddos for Subaru for resisting all the "Slowbaru" hate out there, I rather have my engines last for 20+ years rather than get peppy acceleration for just a few.

[@CollinMac96]

97 percent of Americans get rid of new cars within a few years. Using those numbers auto makers know that so they don’t care to make sure their engines will last decades

[@Devcom88]

I personally would choose the Crosstrek and here is why. My wife and I have a 20 Subaru Legacy with the 2.5L and a 20 Camaro with the 6.2L V8 (explain why the Camaro matters shortly). The Legacy we have my wife loves it and to me the power is ok not bad but not great. The Legacy gets out of its own way and has passing power on the Interstate and weight is similar or lighter with the Crosstrek. Now in terms of power, performance and Handling as a package the Camaro spoiled me so the advantages the Kia Seltos has over the 2.5L Crosstrek is kind of meh to me because of that. Both the Seltos and the Crosstrek can get out of their own way enough to where I am not annoyed with it. In a couple of years when my health gets better I will need something in the winter to drive so my wife and I are not sharing the same car and I want something to drive on the side to help keep the Camaro with me much longer. I have been looking at the Crosstrek and others heavily and ultimately the complete package of what Subaru has with the Crosstrek is why I am favoring it which you mentioned in the video. I have driven many in this segment as well as vehicles in other segments already so I am also basing it on that as well.

[@CarlosMartinez-mr1qb]

Great Review!!!

[@lepost74]

The best review I've watched! You offer your subjective views but also put in the objective data, with useful stats highlighted on-screen. One thing you didn't mention was the powertrain warranties: Kia 100K, Subaru 60K.

[@emikomina]

it's been well documented that kia/hyundai will do anything to not honor that warranty

[@lepost74]

​@@emikomina It's a lot easier not to honor a warranty, if it's run out.

[@landofahhs_1]

Thank you for the review. The only thing I think you missed are evaluating the Subaru and Seltos dealers. Ive had it with Kia dealers...they purposely don't carry any extra stock, expect people to put money down and wait months for what they call a quality product and this has been going on long before covid! You can't touch a Seltos for the msrp, NOT EVEN CLOSE. I'll put my money into an established, PROVEN AND AVAILABLE Subaru...they act like THEY WANT MY BUSINESS!

[@jonj77]

I’m with you. Been shopping past 3 months. Kia dealers have been the most annoying, and have turned me off. Seltos is a cheap car. Insane for them to try and mark that up.

[@youtubehandle0]

@@jonj77 I also have been looking for cars as my car got totalled last month. It has been super stressful with the way the market is these days. Kia dealership here quoted a price that seems reasonable for a Seltos. But they literally have 1 at the dealership! I am sure once I show up in person, they will start tacking on crappy "fees" on the quoted price!

[@jonj77]

@@youtubehandle0If you’re looking at the Seltos, I also recommend checking out Chevy Trax and Trailblazer, and VW Taos. All seem pretty similar to Seltos, and there’s plenty of inventory!

[@youtubehandle0]

@@jonj77 Thanks for the suggestion! I right now am seeing a video of a guy who hates his Trax : kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXLTl2d-bayFsKcsi=B-qz25Kd8g8NZpMC. I know not all Trax are going to be bad, but I find it hard to trust GM! My car that got totalled was a 2012 Jetta. I loved it! That is why I am considering the Taos now along with Crosstrek, Seltos and a used CX-30 which my friend is considering selling.

[@cgmiddle]

Your topic of interest is far beyond the scope of the present review. Please stay on topic with your future comments.

[@beevo412]

Great review... just picked up my '24 Crosstrek a couple of weeks ago - replacing my '20 XV (Australian Crosstrek) > It says a lot that after 4 years I just wanted more of the same with subaru, only I got more. Unfortunately we do not get the 2.5 litre option here in Oz. Certainly if you like a bit of mild off-roading then Subaru is the best choice. A huge range of after-market add-ons like underbody protection and suspension lifts and lights and lots of cool stuff plus a huge online community of enthusiasts with advice and support. The Soobies have a long history with rally and off-roading and those that love them (like me) are passionate. I am not sure you will find a lot of passion behind the Kia ethos, I could be wrong. Still it looks to be a nice car and I do like that interior. Funny thing but it was the wireless apple charging and carplay that really pushed me to upgrade to the '24 Crosstrek so I opted for the midrange trim ("R" in Australia) to get that.

[@SavvyRooster13]

That throttle control changes the had the powerband is distributed. It does make a difference. I have an 22 Outback, had a 19 Forester, and my daughter just got the 24 Crosstrek Sport is very responsive.

[@inFenity]

I always look for something to replace my Subaru but dealing with snow 5 months or so out of the year, I've never found anything.

[@singh5004]

What other SUVs have you looked at. I live in Syracuse NY and there are plenty of cars that look better and do as good in snow

[@vmarsfiles]

I personally like the KIA better but I do think the Subaru has a better drivers seat/area. The KIA you feel like you're sitting on top of the car...the Subaru feels like you're sitting in the car.

[@william3825]

Subaru suspension is weak

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

The Seltos feels like you are driving an actual SUV while the Crosstrek is more like a slightly lifted hatchback at best.

[@TheMonicagal]

"It sounds like something is going to break." Haha...not a good sign.😂

[@kaseyh.1021]

Idk Kia’s feel gimmicky. Subaru spends money where it counts, reliability, all wheel drive and seats. Kia puts color changing lights.

[@chocolatestout4me]

I don't understand what you mean by paying more at the pump when driving the Kia. Regardless what I drive, I always pay $20 at the pump.

[@phw2274]

All you have to do is take the Kia in for all the recommended service , and the 100,000 warranty is good. Engine issues were in the mid to late teens. No problem now. No way I'd drive that slow ,noisy, frumpy styled granny mobile, no offense to grandma, I'd take the Seltos anyday. Just my opinion by the way.

[@beevo412]

Granny says 'Hi" but she can't take your call as she is out of mobile range in the woods ...

[@tonyw2167]

I will buy immediately if either of these two cars has a hybrid engine. There’s no way only Toyota can come up with a hybrid suv (Corolla Cross Hybrid) in this segment…at least in N. America.

[@beevo412]

Subaru are taking another look at the Hybrid as the previous offering was a dog as far as I know. That might be why nobody is reviewing them. The Subaru Solterra is all-electric and was goung to be my new car until the price balooned to double what the Crosstrek costs. So I have a '24 Crosstrek now (2litre petrol as no 2.5l offering here in Australia sadly)

[@534N69]

I have a 2021 Kia seltos ex-premium The drivers assistance is absolutely unparalleled. The smart cruise control that can bring you all the way to a stop in stop and go traffic is spectacular. And the steering assist is brilliant. You also have to rmemeber it weighs just 3100lbs and it actually has more than enough power for its size

[@edsmith9855]

Both are good choices. In a warmer climate with good roads, and if you dont go off road, I would probably go with the Seltos. I live in Minnesota, though, and most winters, we have a lot of snow, followed by potholes like the surface of the moon when the snow starts to melt. For these kind of conditions, I probably would go with the Subaru for its more compliant ride and excellent AWD system. It is just too bad Subaru doesn't make the 2.5L standard in all trim lines so you could get a Crosstrek with the 2.5L for under 30k.

[@TraciaKurosawa]

I wouldn't get a KIA if I have another choice. I'd go Crosstrek unhesitatingly but I'm actually looking at a WRX wagon at the moment. My man has a Sportage and i drive a Seat Leon ST and i hate to trade. I love my wagon: the capacity, the dinamics, the low position, the illumination! Kia's lights are so weak. But i came across an Impreza the other day and i loved it and found out wrx is selling as wagon currently in mexico and I'm 😮

[@fjg2896]

Good review. I don't trust the turbo lawn mower engine in the Seltos. Sorry. I go with the Crosstrek.

[@YankeeMav]

-Your wording [despite saying it doesn't have wireless] almost made it sound like this Kia doesn't have CarPlay at all...may have been less-than-ideal editing. -Why popular in the "NW and New England [as opposed to "and the NE [northeast....probably more Subaru's sold in all of NY than all 6 N.E. States...maybe close call) -Did you mention ventilated seats capability (Sub's lack thereof?) I get you guys are based on MA/CT border area....but so, basically, am I (Saratoga).....so I don't mind at all the more regional nature of the reviews. But it can be done more nationally (see Con. Reports). Overall though this is a very useful review directed right at where a major comparison point in the market lies. Also Clifford is 👍 per us.

[@beevo412]

@YankeeMav - to be fair I was disappointed that he didn't mention that the Crosstrek DID have wireless carplay (depending on above base level trim) and it was only implied from the Kia comments. Wireless charging and carplay is a gamechanger for me as my older XV/Crosstrek did not offer it and I had many issues with the cable version. I am much happier now with my '24 Crosstrek. Plus my teenage daughter can charge easily in the rear seat with USB-C and USB-A easily accessible. I live in a humid sub-tropical climate so cloth seats are good enough for me - although now they are heated so I will let you know how next winter goes for us in the Antipodes.

[@YankeeMav]

Wow in retrospect I took this review very seriously haha...glad you like Crosstrek @@beevo412 👍

[@dnice362]

The spec to on the crosstrek is fire

[@bryanlyle]

Kia looks nicer and drives nicer today... my concern with Kia is ... what is it doing at 100k miles? Is it leaking oil, is it blowing up engines? Does it have 42 recalls?

[@landofahhs_1]

Wow, I can't find a Kia dealer who keeps any cars in stock, all they want is me to put my money down on a car still on a boat at sea lol

[@tammybreuker7831]

I just bought a 24 Seltos SX and the dealer said that was the older models and not having issues with the turbo engines

[@MrGA555]

Hold up, you'll look like money? Really? But in New England??? GREAT, except there's still the rest of the US that thinks you'll look like an old lady

[@randomgrinn]

My main criteria are ground clearance and gas mileage. Third, I want a normal size car (what younger people call a small car, due to advertising campaigns that started when we got oil millionaire presidents. No one wanted giant ugly gas sucking cars until the ads told them they wanted that. Humans are sheep.). So my Crosstrek is on order.

[@tonymiranda3729]

Seltos looks nice on the outside, but very bad engine. They sound an vibrate worse than diesel engines. Better off with Japanese tech.

[@ericpizarro3084]

Your comfort point is the key factor. Although I will never buy a Kia before a Subaru. Subaru’s seats are better than any other Japanese or Korean brand. I drove two company Camry Hybrid cars(2016 & 2021). Those car seats are very uncomfortable. My neighbor also bought a 2021 Camry and she was also very disappointed with the car seats. Even the new Honda CRV seats aren’t that comfortable also. Although a little better than a RAV4. Old Toyotas had awesome car seats. The new ones suck. Kia seats are terrible. The only one that seems to have very comfortable seat is the Telluride. My wife tested that car and the Subaru Ascent and she liked the Subaru seats better. I didn’t notice the difference.

[@william3825]

Subaru suspension is weak i have a forester and impreza both have the same noise suspension

[@herbieonline_]

Crosstrek

[@paulpellico3797]

"i will drag subaru every day because their engines are just not good..." however...does ANY other car company have MORE engine reliability issues than KIA and Hyundai? what company hase more engine recalls and failures than these korean companies????? subaru does not.

[@johnr5252]

Nice cars, but the edge goes to Kia!

[@thismanagain]

I think Kia have ruined the design of the Seltos with this face-lift. But compared to the Subaru I'd definitely get it.

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

I agree. I much preferred the pre face lift version which I leased for 3 years. It was so much sleeker looking. Now it’s just too busy and lost some exterior appeal. However, it’s still an awesome vehicle and way better than any Subaru.

[@thismanagain]

@@Ricky-mo6mv I hope you're having a good experience! Are Kia products really as good as some say?

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

@@thismanagain I mean you are more likely to have engine or transmission issues than some brands, but you roll the dice either way. May as well have a vehicle that looks good inside and out with luxurious interiors and tech. FWIW: My Seltos lease was flawless for 3 years, but vehicles would be anyway.

[@thismanagain]

@@Ricky-mo6mv you're right. It's not a given that cars from established brands will be flawless.

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

@@thismanagain Sure isn’t, and the general sense I get from people is that Honda and Toyota reliability is/has been slipping in more recent years. If I were to buy or lease a Toyota or Honda purely for a reputation of reliability, I would definitely be the one to get one that is messed up. Then I would really be pissed that I were stuck with a problematic vehicle that offers subpar design, comfort, and features. Also, it you opt for the “safer” choice all the time you miss out on things that can be much more exciting.

[@user-cn4ih4ro2u]

Really? Subaru versus Kia obvious answer is Subaru.

[@craigo2142]

I think all vehicles of this size need a hybrid option. If they are going to be "slowish", then at least give us great gas mileage. Subaru needs to get that deal with Toyota worked out for their hybrid powertrains. Offer both ice and hybrid.

[@beevo412]

The older Crosstreks had hybrid but it was a waste of money. I think they are redeveloping it so keep an eye out.

[@BTC909]

Kia you stick with a LX, S, or EX (if you can find one) otherwise the price really starts to jump. R&R get the Subaru.

[@SlonesWildernessExpeditions]

LOL Subaru FTW

[@divadory1110]

You talk way too slow.

[@lepost74]

@@Al-vb6js 1.5 for me

[@gtech66]

Kia engine will go about 80,000 miles before you have major issues. Subaru is known to go 200,000 miles. Subaru all the way.

[@gost3480]

"Fuel economy the Subaru wins" 25/27/26 Seltos 26/33/29 Crosstrek Wait, isnt lower better? Why does the Crosstrek wins?

[@elliothaney]

Larger numbers are better, they are a measure of miles per gallon, so the Crosstrek does 29 miles per gallon combined to the Seltos’s 26. The numbers are city/highway/combined so the Crosstrek can move 33 miles on the highway for each gallon of fuel whereas the Seltos will go only 27. Hybrids will normally do in the 40s or low 50s.

[@lepost74]

In Canada, fuel economy is measured in litres/100 km, so low litres is better. In the U.S., it's miles/gallon, so higher miles is better.

[@gost3480]

@@lepost74 thanks for the explanation.

[@TheRealBukboi]

“Sounds like something’s gonna break, but at least you’re moving rather quickly” that’s what makes a Kia a Kia

[@2bookoo4u]

SUBARU > KIA

[@bextar6365]

KIA !!!!!!!!!

[@chriskoloski8881]

Kia is garbage

[@ladyswan3859]

It's not really garbage depending which kia you are getting

[@chriskoloski8881]

All of the engines and trans thats why they give a big warranty

[@dnice362]

Crosstrek