2021 Kia Seltos vs. 2021 Subaru Crosstrek: Which is best?
2021 Kia Seltos vs. 2021 Subaru Crosstrek: Which is best?
Posted on November 23, 2021
New this year at Subaru Montreal, the 2021 Kia Seltos joins the ranks of the compact SUV segment. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has been delighting car enthusiasts in Montreal since 2016, and it is in the same category as its opponent in this decisive match-up. So here's the 2021 Kia Seltos vs. the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek comparison, which will allow you to determine which Kia SUV or Subaru SUV deserves a place in your garage.
2021 Kia Seltos vs. 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Available in 5 versions, LX TA, LX TI, EX TI, EX Premium TI and SX Turbo, the 2021 Seltos is offered from around $25,000 to just over $34,000. The base price of the 2021 Crosstrek is virtually identical and climbs to just over $36,000 in its Limited version, the 5th and most luxurious version, ahead of the Convenience, Touring, Outdoor, Sport and Limited versions.
Comparing Engines
Under the hood, each of these SUVs offers 2 powertrains. At Subaru, the Outdoor and Limited variants feature a 2.5 L I-4 engine, good for 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The other versions use the 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission and Lineartronic CVT are also available.
Kia has also decided to offer 2 engines: the LX and EX versions are powered by a 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine, good for 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The SX Turbo version relies on a 1.6 L 4-cylinder turbo engine with 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. These can be paired to either a CVT or a 7-speed automatic transmission. However, Subaru enjoys one advantage, or two, actually: its base engine is more powerful, and it offers the choice of a manual transmission, a favourite of many driving enthusiasts. And not only is the Crosstrek's base engine more powerful than Kia's, but their fuel consumption ratings are nearly identical, at 8.5/7.0 L/100 km for Subaru versus 8.2/7.1 L/100 km for Kia.
Its Famous AWD System
Another factor in Subaru's favour is definitely its full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive system, which comes standard even on the base model. At Kia, you'll have to turn to a more expensive version to enjoy an all-wheel drive system. What’s more, the Subaru Crosstrek allows you to tow up to 680 kg (1,500 lb.), while it's highly inadvisable to tow anything at all with the Kia Seltos.
Features in Common
In their respective entry-level versions, they both include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, fabric upholstery, and rearview camera, among others.
A Perfect Grade
The trade journalists of the Car Guide took both the Seltos and the 2021 Crosstrek on the road for a test drive. They highlighted the agility, dynamic handling and reliability of the Crosstrek while praising its safety features: in fact, they gave it a perfect score of 10/10, compared to 8/10 for the Kia. Safety matters, and there's no doubt that you'll feel much more confident behind the wheel of a Subaru than a Kia. It’s no secret that the Japanese manufacturer's products enjoy a much better reputation in terms of reliability than those of the South Korean giant.
In fact, Quebecers prefer the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek for several reasons: its all-wheel drive system, affordable price, proven reliability and its ability to explore and drive off the beaten path. Others will choose the 2021 Kia Seltos for its more urban look, but once winter arrives, the look won't stand up to the snow and the icy roads. It's up to you to cast your vote, but it's obvious that in terms of performance, the Subaru is a big notch above its opponent.
But don’t take our word for it, come and try it out yourself at your Subaru Montreal dealership. We are located near downtown Montreal, on the West Island. Our location is also easily accessible from Laval. We are confident that you won't be able to resist its charm, comfort, versatility and above all its remarkable capabilities which have made it a must-have in the compact SUV segment. For more information, visit the Subaru Canada website.
