The Kia Seltos and the Subaru Crosstrek are two standout options in the subcompact SUV class. Both received refreshes for the 2024 model year, adding new trims and exciting features. If you’re trying to decide between Kia and Subaru for your next SUV, each one has unique distinctions — from cargo space to off-road capabilities — that might sway your decision. Here’s a comparison of all their features.
Price
Both the 2024 Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek are budget-friendly small SUVs that don’t skimp on amenities. The starting MSRP for the Seltos ranges from $24,490 to $30,090, while the Crosstrek’s MSRP ranges from $25,195 to $32,195. This makes the Seltos an incredible value for all the power, performance, and space you get.
Exterior Features and Trims
The 2024 Kia Seltos comes in five trims: the LX, S, EX, X-Line, and SX. For the 2024 model year, Kia updated the modern exterior to give it a more edgy look. This includes striking LED lighting, revamped bumpers and grille, and fresh alloy wheel designs. The X-Line trim is new to the lineup and features black and gunmetal gray accents and garnishes and eye-catching 18-inch wheels. You can also choose between an incredible 13 exterior paint colors.
The 2024 Crosstrek is available in 12 paint colors and five trims: the Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness. It has a sporty, go-anywhere vibe accented by unique wheels and a rugged, redesigned grille. Depending on the trim, you can enjoy LED lighting, raised roof rails, and colorful exterior accents. The off-road-ready Wilderness trim features tow points and extra cladding on the front and rear bumpers.
Interior Features and Space
The 2024 Kia Seltos has an upscale and spacious interior, with more legroom than any other all-wheel-drive SUV in its class. Features such as the available heated and ventilated front seats and sound-absorbing glass make for a comfortable and peaceful ride. Thanks to the smart power tailgate, you can easily load and unload items from the vehicle. One 2024 Kia Seltos highlight is its 26.6 cubic feet of cargo space. With the 60/40-split folding rear seats folded flat, this figure jumps up to 62.8 cubic feet.
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek’s Base trim is fairly spartan, but as you move up the trims, you gain features such as a power moonroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, and leather-trimmed upholstery. It has comparable headroom and legroom to the Seltos but only 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 54.7 when folded.
Engine Options
The LX, S, and EX trims on the 2024 Kia Seltos are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque and pairs with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The upper X-Line and SX trims feature a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that has 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, plus an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims except the S and EX, which come with standard front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available.
On the 2024 Crosstrek, a 2.0-liter engine with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque powers the Base and Premium. The Sport, Limited, and Wilderness have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. All trims come standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Performance
The 2024 Kia Seltos is a highly competent SUV with great handling and agility. A torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system with lock mode maximizes traction and control. It also has a smooth ride quality and brisk acceleration. Kia designed the new X-Line trim to perform off the beaten path, with extra features including an underbody skid plate and impressive approach and departure angles for navigating inclines.
The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek has a quiet cabin, a soft suspension for a smooth ride, and a stiff chassis that gives it a sporty feel. It also has an impressive 8.7 inches of ground clearance. The Crosstrek’s answer to Kia’s X-Line is the Wilderness trim, which gains 9.3 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, extra X-mode driver selection settings, and a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Both the Seltos and the Crosstrek have an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 29 mpg combined.
Technology
The 2024 Seltos is jam-packed with technology features. Its redesigned dash includes an easy-to-use 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and infotainment touch screen. All trims come standard with front and rear USB ports and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Depending on the trim, you can also get wireless phone charging, an eight-speaker high-performance Bose sound system, and a digital key to start, lock, and unlock the vehicle through the Kia Connect app.
The Crosstrek comes standard with two 7-inch touch screens and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Higher trims feature an 11.6-inch touch-screen infotainment center in the middle of the dash, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more USB ports in the front and back seats.
Both SUVs come standard with the latest safety and driver-assist features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, automatic high-beam headlights, and lane-keeping assist. Subaru installs its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology on all trims, with available upgrades such as blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. The Seltos’ available Highway Driving Assist technology uses cutting-edge cameras, radar, and navigation data to help you stay a safe distance from other vehicles.
2 Great SUVs, Only 1 Winner
The 2024 Kia Seltos and Subaru Crosstrek are two great compact SUVs. However, if you want an incredibly spacious vehicle with a powerful engine and exceptional visibility, the Seltos is the right pick. The Seltos is also backed by a generous 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Stop by Huffines Kia Corinth in Corinth, Texas, to give this peppy little SUV a test drive. Our team can answer any questions, guide you through our inventory, and help you with all your financing needs. Also, be sure to check out our new car specials, which we regularly update with exciting promotions.