Subaru Forester vs Kia Seltos

2026 Subaru Forester
2026 Subaru Forester
$29,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Kia Seltos
2024 Kia Seltos
$24,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Subaru Forester
$29,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Kia Seltos
$24,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

1998-Present

Years produced

2021-Present

MSRP

$29,995

MSRP

$24,490

Listings

9375

Listings

9510

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Impressive off-road capability

  • Lots of utility

  • Good safety ratings

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Sluggish performance

  • Dissatisfying infotainment system

Pros

  • Lots of helpful standard safety features

  • Functional cabin with intuitive technology

  • AWD standard on base trim level

Cons

  • Base engine feels underpowered

  • Optional turbo engine suffers from low-speed turbo-lag

Reviews Summary

To create the 2026 Forester Wilderness, Subaru adds all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and improved angles of approach, breakover, and departure. Drivetrain modifications enhance traction, added underbody protection prevents damage when off-roading, and a full-size all-terrain spare tire is ready when you need it. Styling changes convey this model’s rugged capabilities, and Subaru outfits the interior for easy clean-up. All 2026 Forester models get a new center console design and updated protection for rear passengers in a collision.

Verdict: Push the new 2026 Forester Wilderness to its limits, and you’ll be impressed by its off-roading capability. But, even if you’re not planning to traverse challenging terrain, it is comforting to know that the Wilderness offers more competence than a typical crossover SUV when confronted with unexpected situations.

Reviews Summary

The Kia Seltos was first introduced for the 2021 model year and instantly made waves in the subcompact SUV segment. It was impressively spacious and offered plenty of headroom and legroom, even for second-row occupants. These were novel concepts in this small-crossover segment. The Seltos also delivered plenty of standard features and easy-to-use technology. Three years on, and the Seltos is enjoying its first mid-cycle refresh. Though it’s largely the same Seltos as before, it gains fresh styling as well as updated technology. Such tweaks can go a long way, and automakers endeavor to make unseen changes that contribute to the overall driving experience.

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.5L 180 hp H4

Engine

2.0L 146 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

Horsepower

146 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

26

MPG City

27

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

31
2026 Subaru Forester
2026 Subaru Forester
$29,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Kia Seltos
2024 Kia Seltos
$24,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Subaru Forester
$29,995MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Kia Seltos
$24,490MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
1998-Present
2021-Present
MSRP
$29,995
$24,490
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.4

4.6

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Impressive off-road capability

  • Lots of utility

  • Good safety ratings

Cons

  • Potentially polarizing design

  • Sluggish performance

  • Dissatisfying infotainment system

Pros

  • Lots of helpful standard safety features

  • Functional cabin with intuitive technology

  • AWD standard on base trim level

Cons

  • Base engine feels underpowered

  • Optional turbo engine suffers from low-speed turbo-lag

Summary

To create the 2026 Forester Wilderness, Subaru adds all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, and improved angles of approach, breakover, and departure. Drivetrain modifications enhance traction, added underbody protection prevents damage when off-roading, and a full-size all-terrain spare tire is ready when you need it. Styling changes convey this model’s rugged capabilities, and Subaru outfits the interior for easy clean-up. All 2026 Forester models get a new center console design and updated protection for rear passengers in a collision.

Verdict: Push the new 2026 Forester Wilderness to its limits, and you’ll be impressed by its off-roading capability. But, even if you’re not planning to traverse challenging terrain, it is comforting to know that the Wilderness offers more competence than a typical crossover SUV when confronted with unexpected situations.

The Kia Seltos was first introduced for the 2021 model year and instantly made waves in the subcompact SUV segment. It was impressively spacious and offered plenty of headroom and legroom, even for second-row occupants. These were novel concepts in this small-crossover segment. The Seltos also delivered plenty of standard features and easy-to-use technology. Three years on, and the Seltos is enjoying its first mid-cycle refresh. Though it’s largely the same Seltos as before, it gains fresh styling as well as updated technology. Such tweaks can go a long way, and automakers endeavor to make unseen changes that contribute to the overall driving experience.
Video

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.5L 180 hp H4
2.0L 146 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
146 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
26
27
MPG Highway
33
31
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