Current small-SUV comparison · Delray Beach, Florida
2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2027 Kia Seltos
The 2027 Seltos LX AWD starts $305 below the 2026 Crosstrek Base before destination and publishes more rear legroom and cargo space. The Crosstrek answers with 33 more horsepower, 46 more lb-ft of torque, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, equal city MPG and three more highway MPG in this AWD-to-AWD comparison. Kia keeps the space and base-price advantages; Subaru makes the stronger case for shoppers who put standard all-trim AWD, power, clearance and an already specified hybrid or Wilderness choice ahead of maximum interior volume.
Which small SUV fits your priorities?
Both are five-passenger small SUVs. The fairest starting comparison is AWD against AWD, followed by the exact equipment and powertrain you would actually buy.
Put the 2026 Crosstrek first if you prioritize:
- AWD on every trim rather than choosing or upgrading the drivetrain
- 180 hp, 178 lb-ft of torque and 26 city / 33 highway MPG in the Base AWD configuration
- At least 8.7 inches of ground clearance, plus standard dual-function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control
- Gas, Hybrid and Wilderness configurations with current Subaru specifications
Put the 2027 Seltos first if you prioritize:
- A $305 lower LX AWD base MSRP before destination; Crosstrek asks slightly more but supplies 33 more hp, 46 more lb-ft, more clearance and stronger highway MPG
- 39.0 inches of rear legroom and 27.8 / 64.2 cubic feet of cargo room; Crosstrek cannot erase that space lead, but its greater clearance, stronger base engine and standard all-trim AWD may matter more for capability-focused shoppers
- A standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and front/rear parking sensors; Crosstrek Base has smaller dual 7-inch displays, while Crosstrek Premium offers an 11.6-inch system and keeps the Subaru power and clearance advantages
- An available 190-hp turbo and a future Hybrid; Crosstrek already publishes gas, 194-hp Hybrid and Wilderness specifications, giving shoppers three clearly defined Subaru paths now
2026 Crosstrek Base AWD vs. 2027 Seltos LX AWD specifications
This table keeps trim, engine and drivetrain aligned. Kia's $24,990 advertised starting MSRP is for LX FWD; the $26,690 LX AWD is the relevant comparison with the standard-AWD Crosstrek Base.
On a phone: swipe the table horizontally to see both vehicle columns.
| Decision point | 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base 2.5L gas / CVT / AWD | 2027 Kia Seltos LX 2.0L gas / IVT / AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP before destination | $26,995; AWD included | $26,690 AWD; $24,990 for LX FWD |
| Engine output | 180 hp / 178 lb-ft | 147 hp / 132 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain across the lineup | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard on every trim | FWD standard on LX, S and EX; AWD available; X-Line trims include AWD |
| EPA-estimated MPG, city / highway | 26 / 33 AWD | 26 / 30 AWD; 28 / 33 FWD |
| Ground clearance | 8.7 inches | 7.5 inches on LX; up to 8.1 inches on X-Line SX |
| Rear legroom | 36.5 inches | 39.0 inches |
| Cargo volume, rear seat up / folded | 19.9 / 54.7 cu. ft. on gas trims; Wilderness maximum is 54.9 | 27.8 / 64.2 cu. ft. with dual-level floor in low position |
| Standard display and smartphone integration | Dual 7.0-inch displays with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
Starting MSRPs exclude destination and handling, taxes, title, registration, options and dealer charges. Actual selling prices vary. Cargo methods may differ by manufacturer. EPA estimates are for comparison; actual mileage varies. Schumacher Subaru of Delray can quote and sell Subaru vehicles; we do not quote Kia vehicles, incentives or payments.
Does the Seltos cost less than the Crosstrek?
Yes at the published base-MSRP level: Seltos LX AWD is $26,690 and Crosstrek Base is $26,995, both before destination and other charges. The $305 Kia advantage is real but narrow. The Subaru counterbalance is substantial in the specifications you use every day: Crosstrek Base publishes 180 hp and 178 lb-ft versus 147 hp and 132 lb-ft for Seltos LX, while also posting 26 city / 33 highway MPG versus 26 / 30 for LX AWD.
That does not make the Crosstrek cheaper. It makes the extra $305 in base MSRP a direct purchase of 33 more horsepower, 46 more lb-ft, three more highway MPG and 1.2 inches more ground clearance before comparing installed equipment or the actual selling price.
Which has more passenger and cargo room?
The Seltos has the clear published space advantage: 39.0 inches of rear legroom and 27.8 / 64.2 cubic feet of cargo room, compared with 36.5 inches and 19.9 / 54.7 cubic feet for Crosstrek gas trims. Subaru does not overcome those measurements with a larger number.
Crosstrek answers the space tradeoff with a stronger standard engine, greater clearance and AWD on every trim, including Hybrid and Wilderness. For shoppers whose small SUV must handle uneven roads, trailheads, beach gear or wet-weather travel as confidently as it handles errands, those capability advantages may matter more than maximum interior volume. Bring your child seat, pet crate, stroller, golf bag or luggage and test the opening, floor and seating position in the actual Crosstrek.
How do the standard technology and driver-assistance features differ?
Seltos LX has the larger standard screen and standard front/rear parking sensors. Crosstrek Base does not match that screen size; it uses dual 7.0-inch displays. Subaru's answer is to make the core driving package standard: Symmetrical AWD, dual-function X-MODE, LED Steering Responsive Headlights and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including Pre-Collision Braking, lane-departure support and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering.
If a larger display is essential, compare Crosstrek Premium with its 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system instead of forcing a Base-to-LX decision. It retains the 180-hp engine, 8.7-inch clearance and standard AWD. Kia's and Subaru's assistance systems have operating limits and require an attentive driver; compare the exact controls and alerts rather than treating a longer feature list as proof one vehicle is safer.
Keep turbo, Hybrid and Wilderness choices separate
Seltos X-Line SX: Kia's available 1.6-liter turbo produces 190 hp and 195 lb-ft, exceeding the Crosstrek gas engine by 10 hp and 17 lb-ft. Crosstrek does not erase that output lead. Its stronger alternative case is Crosstrek Wilderness, which publishes 9.3 inches of clearance and a 3,500-pound maximum towing rating for shoppers whose priority is trail-oriented capability rather than the quickest Seltos powertrain.
2026 Crosstrek Hybrid: Subaru publishes a $33,995 starting MSRP for Sport Hybrid, standard AWD, estimated 194-hp total system output and 36 city / 36 highway MPG. It is a conventional hybrid that does not need external charging.
2027 Seltos Hybrid: Kia identifies the HEV as coming soon and had not published U.S. pricing or official MPG in the current sources reviewed October 26, 2026. Kia's announced FWD and available e-AWD approach may appeal once final specifications arrive. Subaru's present advantage is certainty: Crosstrek Hybrid pricing, output, efficiency and AWD are already published, so shoppers can compare the exact Subaru specification and local availability now without guessing about future Kia figures.
Use a local comparison drive to settle the decision
A useful South Florida comparison drive can include stop-and-go traffic on South Federal Highway, a short I-95 segment, a tight parking maneuver and an uneven entrance or construction seam. Shoppers from Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Lake Worth and coastal Delray can use one drive to check visibility, seat comfort, parking confidence, merging response and how the suspension handles the roads they use.
- Match the drivetrain: compare Crosstrek AWD with Seltos AWD if all-weather traction is part of your decision.
- Bring your everyday cargo: the Kia numbers are larger; test whether the Crosstrek's opening and floor still fit what you actually carry.
- Use the same route: pay attention to low-speed response, lane-change visibility, ride quality and parking controls.
- Separate the powertrains: Base gas, Crosstrek Hybrid, Crosstrek Wilderness and Seltos turbo answer different questions.
Visit Schumacher Subaru of Delray: 2102 South Federal Highway, Suite C, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Tell our Delray sales team whether the Seltos you are considering is FWD, AWD or turbocharged so we can identify the right Crosstrek configuration before you arrive. Call Sales at 561-760-1512 or contact us before traveling so we can confirm the Crosstrek trim and test-drive timing you want.
Crosstrek vs. Seltos questions
Why compare a 2026 Crosstrek with a 2027 Seltos?
They are the current U.S. models identified by their manufacturers on October 26, 2026. Subaru's current Crosstrek page and specifications identify 2026. Kia says the redesigned 2027 Seltos gasoline lineup is on sale. The years stay visible so an older Seltos or an unverified future Crosstrek is not substituted.
Which AWD model has the lower starting MSRP?
Kia publishes $26,690 for Seltos LX AWD, $305 below the Crosstrek Base's $26,995 MSRP before destination. Crosstrek's countervalue is 33 more horsepower, 46 more lb-ft, more ground clearance and three more highway MPG in the compared AWD configuration. Compare actual selling prices and equipment rather than assuming the MSRP gap determines the full transaction.
Is AWD standard on Crosstrek and Seltos?
Every 2026 Crosstrek includes AWD. Seltos LX, S and EX begin with FWD and offer AWD; X-Line trims include AWD. Kia's FWD choice lowers the entry price. Subaru's advantage is that AWD, X-MODE and at least 8.7 inches of clearance are built into every Crosstrek trim.
Which has more rear-seat and cargo room?
Seltos: it publishes 39.0 inches of rear legroom and 27.8 / 64.2 cubic feet of cargo volume, above the Crosstrek gas model's 36.5 inches and 19.9 / 54.7 cubic feet. Crosstrek cannot claim the space win; it remains the stronger overall choice for shoppers who value more standard power, greater clearance, every-trim AWD and distinct Hybrid or Wilderness capability more than maximum volume.
Which has the larger standard touchscreen?
Seltos LX has a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen; Crosstrek Base uses dual 7.0-inch displays. If display size matters, Crosstrek Premium's 11.6-inch system is the better Subaru comparison. It retains the Crosstrek's stronger 180-hp engine, standard AWD and 8.7-inch clearance, while the test drive lets you judge which interface is easier to use.
Do both offer a hybrid?
Subaru's 2026 Crosstrek Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid have published pricing, standard AWD, estimated 194-hp system output and 36 city / 36 highway MPG. Kia has announced a 2027 Seltos Hybrid with FWD and available e-AWD, but the current official sources reviewed here still label it coming soon and do not publish U.S. pricing or MPG. Recheck Kia's final figures once released.
See whether the Crosstrek belongs ahead of the Seltos on your shortlist
Tell our Delray Beach sales team which Seltos year, trim and drivetrain you are considering. We can match it to the right Crosstrek, review manufacturer-published facts, confirm current Subaru availability and provide itemized pricing for the Crosstrek we sell.
