Kia Seltos vs Subaru Crosstrek
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Kia Seltos starts from $31,250 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Crosstrek opens at $36,490. That makes the Kia Seltos the more affordable entry point by $5,240.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $34,375 and $40,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Kia Seltos by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Kia Seltos and 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Crosstrek packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Kia Seltos.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Kia Seltos and 7 in the Subaru Crosstrek.
Feature Showdown
The Kia Seltos features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Crosstrek gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Subaru Crosstrek counters with wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate that the Kia Seltos does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Kia Seltos uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Subaru Crosstrek responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Subaru Crosstrek has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia Seltos is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Kia Seltos measures 4,385mm long on a 2,630mm wheelbase, 110mm shorter than the Subaru Crosstrek at 4,495mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Crosstrek generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 312L in the Kia Seltos and 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 247L advantage.
For towing, the Kia Seltos leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,967/year for the Kia Seltos and $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Kia Seltos.
Estimated annual total: $1,967 (Kia Seltos) vs $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek). The Kia Seltos saves you roughly $228 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Kia Seltos) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek). The Kia Seltos has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Kia Seltos if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia Seltos takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Kia Seltos will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek has a clear edge. The Kia Seltos adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek?
The Kia Seltos is the cheapest at $31,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Crosstrek by $5,240.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Kia Seltos uses the least fuel at 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
Which can tow the most?
The Kia Seltos has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia Seltos has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Crosstrek makes the most power at 115kW. The Kia Seltos is quickest to 100km/h in 9.2s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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