2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2024 Kia Seltos

The 2024 Kia Seltos underwent a mid-cycle refresh that introduced subtle yet impactful changes. The exterior updates included redesigned headlights and grille, along with a light strip connecting the smaller taillight assemblies, giving the vehicle a rejuvenated appearance without a significant price hike. The test model showcased the new "Pluton Blue" paint, which added a sharp aesthetic. Inside, the Seltos offered two new interior color options, "Gentle Brown" and "Midnight Green," though the test model featured the standard black interior. A prominent change was the large digital panel spanning two-thirds of the dashboard, integrating a fully digital instrument panel and a larger touchscreen infotainment system.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, part of the third generation, carried forward the evolutionary improvements introduced in 2024. The most noticeable exterior update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The black plastic cladding around the wheel arches included aerodynamic air inlets and outlets, enhancing fuel efficiency and reducing road noise. Inside, the Crosstrek Hybrid balanced rugged utility with refined comfort, maintaining Subaru's straightforward design philosophy. The cabin featured soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, with gray StarTex seats accented by orange contrast stitching. The Limited Hybrid trim added upscale touches like chrome-trimmed power window switches and a heated steering wheel.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered two engine options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 146 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Kia’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The base LX trim came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD), while the S and EX trims offered front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional AWD. The X-Line and SX trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The turbocharged engine provided noticeable acceleration improvements, especially in 40-to-60 mph situations, though it exhibited some turbo lag at lower speeds. The Seltos handled various road surfaces well, with responsive steering and minimal body roll.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a hybrid powertrain combining a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine with a 118-hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 horsepower. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, offering smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop functions, battery charging, and driving assistance. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system, combined with the X-Mode traction management system, provided enhanced capability on variable terrain. The steering feel was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack.

The 2024 Kia Seltos offered up to 62.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 26.6 cubic feet with the seats in use. The SX trim included a hands-free power liftgate. The Seltos provided an upright seating position with ample headroom and good rear legroom, accommodating taller occupants comfortably. The front seating area featured decently sized in-door cupholders and cubbies, while the center console offered a small tray for essentials. The SX trim included a removable cargo cover.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon its predecessors by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The 2026 model provided 18.6 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with the rear row folded. The gas tank remained at 16.6 gallons, allowing for an impressive range of 597 miles. The Crosstrek Hybrid offered 36.7 inches of rear-seat legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Up front, storage was limited, with a small tray housing a wireless charging pad and two cupholders.

The 2024 Kia Seltos featured a consistent digital bezel across its trim lineup, with screen sizes varying by trim. The base infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen, while higher trims upgraded to a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument panel and touchscreen. Both systems supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Seltos retained physical controls for volume, tuning, and climate settings. The SX trim offered an upgraded eight-speaker Bose stereo system and Digital Key 2 Touch for smartphone access.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen in both Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims. However, the infotainment system lagged behind competitors, with slow software and a fingerprint-prone display. Many controls were touchscreen-based, though physical buttons were available for volume, tuning, and HVAC settings. The Limited Hybrid trim included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, though the navigation map feature had limitations with phone projections.

The 2024 Kia Seltos included standard driver assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, lane-follow assist, automatic high beams, and driver attention warning. The S trim added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The SX trim offered smart cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and highway driving assist, along with a junction-turning function for forward collision warning.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid had not yet been rated by safety organizations for 2026, but the 2025 model received mixed results. Subaru included its EyeSight Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. The Crosstrek Hybrid also had a rearview camera, though it lacked a semi-autonomous driving system.