Compare the2025 Subaru ForesterVS 2025 Kia Seltos

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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For enhanced safety, the front and rear seat shoulder belts of the Subaru Forester have pretensioners to tighten the seatbelts and eliminate dangerous slack in the event of a collision and force limiters to limit the pressure the belts will exert on the passengers. The Kia Seltos doesn’t offer pretensioners for its rear seat belts.

The Subaru Forester has a standard driver’s side knee airbag mounted low on the dashboard. The knee airbag helps prevent the driver from sliding under the seatbelts or the main frontal airbag; this keeps the driver better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. A knee airbag also helps keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Seltos doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The Forester has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Seltos doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

With its standard EyeSight, the Subaru Forester is better at preventing collisions with pedestrians than the Kia Seltos, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety:

	Forester	Seltos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Crossing Child - DAY
12 MPH	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH	AVOIDED	-20 MPH
	Crossing Adult - NIGHT
12 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-1 MPH
12 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-13 MPH
25 MPH Low beams	AVOIDED	-3 MPH
	Parallel Adult - NIGHT
25 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	AVOIDED
37 MPH Brights	AVOIDED	-21 MPH
Warning Issued-Brights	3.2 sec	1.4 sec
37 MPH Low beams	-10 MPH	-5 MPH
Warning Issued-Low beams	1.6 sec	.3 sec

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Forester. But it costs extra on the Seltos.

The Forester Touring has a standard 360-Degree Surround View Monitor to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The Seltos only offers a rear monitor and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the front or sides.

Both the Forester and the Seltos have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Subaru Forester is much safer than the Seltos:

	Forester	Seltos
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	MARGINAL
Structure	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	103	234
Neck Tension	201 lbs.	268 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.87 in	1.42 in
Shoulder Force	201 lbs.	290 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.02 in	1.18 in
Torso Deflection Rate	6 MPH	8 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	POOR
Pelvis Force	892 lbs.	1383 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	193	258
Neck Tension	89 lbs.	112 lbs.
Neck Compression	134 lbs.	201 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	MARGINAL
Shoulder Deflection	1.89 in	2.17 in
Torso Max Deflection	1.34 in	2.01 in
Torso Deflection Rate	5 MPH	14 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	GOOD
Pelvis Force	580 lbs.	759 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Subaru Forester has achieved the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest rating of “Top Safety Pick Plus” for the 2024 model year. This distinction is based on its exceptional performance in IIHS’ rigorous battery of safety tests. Specifically, it earned an “Acceptable” rating in the latest, more stringent moderate overlap front crash test, a “Good” result in the updated side impact test, and a “Good” score in the revised pedestrian crash prevention test. The Seltos is not even a standard “Top Safety Pick” for 2024.

Warranty

The Forester’s 5 year corrosion warranty has no mileage limitations, but the corrosion warranty on the Seltos runs out after 100,000 miles.

Reliability

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2024 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Kia vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru 4 places higher in reliability than Kia.

Engine

The Forester’s 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder produces 34 more horsepower (180 vs. 146) and 46 lbs.-ft. more torque (178 vs. 132) than the Seltos’ standard 2.0 DOHC 4-cylinder.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Forester lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The Seltos doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Forester gets better mileage than the Seltos:

			MPG
Forester
	AWD	2.5 DOHC flat-4	26 city/33 hwy
		Sport/Touring 2.5 DOHC flat-4	25 city/32 hwy
Seltos
	AWD	2.0 DOHC 4-cyl.	27 city/31 hwy
		1.6 turbo 4-cyl.	24 city/27 hwy

The Forester has 3.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the Seltos (16.6 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Forester’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Seltos:

	Forester	Seltos	Seltos AWD
Front Rotors	12.4 inches	11 inches	12 inches
Rear Rotors	11.8 inches	10.3 inches	11.2 inches

The Forester’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Seltos are solid, not vented.

In an emergency stopping situation, many drivers don’t press the brakes with enough force to stop the vehicle in the shortest distance. The Forester has standard Brake Assist to detect emergency braking situations (by how hard and how quickly the brake pedal is pressed) and then automatically apply maximum braking immediately in order to help prevent a collision. The Seltos doesn’t offer a brake assist feature.

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Forester has larger standard tires than the Seltos (225/60R17 vs. 215/55R17).

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Forester Sport/Touring has standard 19-inch wheels. The Seltos’ largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Subaru Forester has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Seltos 4x2 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Forester has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Forester flat and controlled during cornering. The Seltos 4x2 suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Forester’s wheelbase is 1.6 inches longer than on the Seltos (105.1 inches vs. 103.5 inches).

The Forester’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (57% to 43%) than the Seltos’ (59% to 41%). This gives the Forester more stable handling and braking.

The Forester Sport handles at .80 G’s, while the Seltos S pulls only .77 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Forester Sport executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.2 seconds quicker than the Seltos S (27.6 seconds @ .61 average G’s vs. 28.8 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Forester has a 1.4 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the Seltos (8.7 vs. 7.3 inches), allowing the Forester to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the Forester uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The Seltos doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The Forester has 11.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Seltos (110.8 vs. 99).

The Forester has 1.2 inches more front headroom, 1.9 inches more front legroom, 1.2 inches more front hip room, 2.2 inches more front shoulder room, 1.2 inches more rear headroom, 1.4 inches more rear legroom, .9 inches more rear hip room and 2 inches more rear shoulder room than the Seltos.

The front step up height for the Forester is 2.5 inches lower than the Seltos (15.5” vs. 18”). The Forester’s rear step up height is .6 inches lower than the Seltos’ (17.25” vs. 17.8”).

Cargo Capacity

The Forester has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the Seltos with its rear seat up (29.6 vs. 26.6 cubic feet). The Forester has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Seltos with its rear seat folded (74.4 vs. 62.8 cubic feet).

The Forester’s cargo area is larger than the Seltos’ in almost every dimension:

	Forester	Seltos
Length to seat (2nd/1st)	36.5”/70.7”	32.7”/62.4”
Max Width	51.2”	52.3”
Min Width	43.3”	41.6”
Height	34.9”	32.5”

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Forester Limited/Touring’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Seltos doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

Towing

The Forester has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The Seltos has no towing capacity.

Standard Trailer Stability Assist on the Forester uses the Vehicle Dynamics Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The Seltos doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Forester is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Seltos. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Kia. J.D. Power ranks Subaru 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 39% lower rating, Kia is ranked 24th.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the Forester Touring, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle and climate settings. The Seltos doesn’t offer a memory system.

The Forester Touring’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Seltos doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Forester’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Seltos has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The Forester’s standard driver’s power window opens or closes with one touch of the switch, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths. The Seltos’ standard power window’s switch has to be held the entire time to close it fully. The Forester Premium/Sport/Limited/Touring’s front power windows open fully with one touch of the switches, and its driver’s window also automatically closes. With the Seltos S/EX/SX/X-Line’s power windows, only the driver’s window opens or closes automatically.

The Forester’s power window, power lock, power mirror and cruise control switches are lit from behind, making them plainly visible and easier to operate at night. The Seltos’ passenger power window and power mirror switches are unlit, making them difficult to find at night and operate safely.

The Forester’s LED headlights produce a whiter, brighter light (up to 3x) using five times less power than the Seltos’ standard projector halogen headlights and light instantly. LED lights also last over twenty times longer than halogen.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The Forester’s headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the Seltos’ headlights are rated “Acceptable” to “Poor.”

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the Forester has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Seltos doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Forester to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Seltos doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

When the Forester Touring is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Seltos’ mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Forester’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Seltos offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Forester and the Seltos offer available heated front seats. The Forester Touring also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Seltos.

On extremely cold winter days, the Forester Limited/Touring’s standard heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the vehicle heater warms up. The Seltos doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

The Forester’s standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. The Seltos doesn’t offer dual zone air conditioning.

Recommendations

The Subaru Forester outsold the Kia Seltos by almost three to one during 2023.

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