2024 Crosstrek vs the Kia Seltos

If you follow Subaru models, you may already know that the Crosstrek was completely redesigned for 2024. A direct competitor, the Kia Seltos, wasn’t redesigned, but it did get a significant update, inspiring Kelley Blue Book (KBB) to compare the two. Ewing Subaru of Plano explores the highlights of this comparison.

2024 Crosstrek

At first glance, the Crosstrek doesn’t look significantly different from the previous design. But inside the familiar appearance is a stiffer body structure, more lissom suspension, increased soundproofing, an upgrade to the EyeSight system, and new infotainment technology featuring the 11.6 Multimedia screen from the Outback on all but the base model. The Crosstrek’s 8.7 ground clearance is already class-leading, and the new Wilderness grade bumps that up to 9.3 inches.

The Wilderness also gets additional settings on its X-mode driver selection system. The engine for the Base and Premium grades is a 2.0-liter Boxer-4 that produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. Sport, Limited, and Wilderness models get a 2.5-liter Boxer-4, 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 feature paddle-shifted with eight pre-set ratios. Like all Subaru models but the BRZ sports car, Symmetrical All-wheel Drive (AWD) is standard on all grades. 

2024 Kia Seltos

In addition to aesthetic changes, the Kia Seltos gains a new off-road leaning X-Line grade. 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 has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder base engine combined with a CVT, though with less power than the Crosstrek with 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. With the base engine and AWD, both models have 29 combined mpg. 

Again, like the Subaru Crosstrek, the Seltos has an engine upgrade for the X-Line and SX grades, which is a potent 1.6-liter turbocharged 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 2.5L 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. Seltos ground clearance is 7.3 inches, including the X-Line grade.

The Crosstrek is a half-inch lower and almost 4 inches longer, which includes a 1.6-inch longer wheelbase (105.1 vs 103.5). Front and rear headroom is within a half inch. The Crosstrek has 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 gets the 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 that the Crosstrek has superior resale value. 

These two models are close enough that if you are looking for a small crossover, you should test-drive the Crosstrek to experience it for yourself. We suggest you do your shopping at Ewing Subaru of Plano.