Subaru Forester vs Kia Seltos
Overview | |
Years produced1998-Present | Years produced2021-Present |
MSRP$29,995 | MSRP$24,490 |
Listings9375 | Listings9510 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Reviews SummaryTo 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 SummaryThe 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 | |
Engine2.5L 180 hp H4 | Engine2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
MPG City26 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway31 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.5L 180 hp H4 | Engine Name2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower146 hp @ 6200 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City26 | MPG City27 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway31 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space29.6 cu ft | Cargo Space26.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight3510 lbs | Curb Weight3108 lbs |
Height68.1 in | Height63.4 in |
Length183.3 in | Length172.6 in |
Width81.2 in | Width70.9 in |
Wheelbase105.1 in | Wheelbase103.5 in |
Maximum Payload | Maximum Payload1104 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity1500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 1998-Present | 2021-Present |
MSRP | $29,995 | $24,490 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
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 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.5L 180 hp H4 | 2.0L 146 hp I4 |
Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | |
Horsepower | 146 hp @ 6200 rpm | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 26 | 27 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 31 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 29.6 cu ft | 26.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3510 lbs | 3108 lbs |
Height | 68.1 in | 63.4 in |
Length | 183.3 in | 172.6 in |
Width | 81.2 in | 70.9 in |
Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 103.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 1104 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 1500 lbs | |

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