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Subaru Forester vs Kia Seltos comparison

Compare performance (136 HP vs 180 HP), boot space and price (35,100 £ vs 29,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Subaru Forester or Kia Seltos?

Subaru Forester vs Kia Seltos: Key differences

Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
rate
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Kia Seltos

  • somewhat cheaper
  • visibly more power
  • slightly more efficient
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat lighter
  • only slightly more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Forester

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Kia Seltos is somewhat cheaper – starting at 29,300 £ , while the Subaru Forester costs 35,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 5,829 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Kia Seltos uses 6.9 L/100km and is slightly more efficient than the Subaru Forester with 8.1 L/100km. The difference is about 1.2 L/100km.

Forester

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Kia Seltos offers visibly more power – delivering 180 HP compared to 136 HP. That’s roughly 44 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Kia Seltos is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 8.8 s, while the Subaru Forester takes 12.2 s. That’s about 3.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Kia Seltos delivers visibly more torque with 265 Nm compared to 182 Nm. That’s about 83 Nm more.

Forester

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Kia Seltos is somewhat lighter – 1,515 kg compared to 1,693 kg. The difference is around 178 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Kia Seltos offers only slightly more boot space – 536 L compared to 508 L. That’s a difference of about 28 L.

When it comes to payload, the Kia Seltos carries barely more – 495 kg compared to 492 kg. That’s a difference of about 3 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Kia Seltos stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £29,300
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Kia Seltos

  • Engine Type Petrol
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 180 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 6.9 - 7.5 L/100km
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Kia Seltos

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester is a practical all-rounder that quietly does everything right, with roomy comfort, excellent visibility and a real fondness for weekend adventures off the beaten path. It won't set your pulse racing like a sports car, but for buyers who prize reliability, safety and sensible charm, it's a brilliantly steady companion with a cheeky streak.

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Reviews Subaru Forester

3.8 (3 Reviews)
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Dirk
8 Dec 2025, 17:00:06

It's indeed much more expensive, but it drives brilliantly. I have the automatic — fantastic. It's a bit noisy for such an expensive car, and servicing at a Subaru dealer isn't cheap. It's certainly not economical.

On the other hand, very little breaks and it will never leave you stranded. And that space... 500 litres more is really about a 40% increase.

Kia Seltos

The Kia Seltos is a stylish and practical compact SUV that balances urban-friendly dimensions with a confident road presence. Inside it feels thoughtfully laid out with comfortable seating and a composed ride that suits daily driving and light adventure.

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Reviews Kia Seltos

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Subaru Forester
Kia Seltos

Costs and Consumption
Price
35,100 - 42,800 £
Price
29,300 - 38,900 £
Consumption L/100km
8.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.9 - 7.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
183 g/km
co2
156 - 169 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,693 - 1,739 kg
Curb weight
1,515 - 1,620 kg
Trunk capacity
508 L
Trunk capacity
536 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,830 mm
Width
1,830 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
446 - 492 kg
Payload
485 - 495 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
136 HP
Power HP
180 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
12.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.8 - 9.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
182 Nm
Torque
265 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
100 kW
Power kW
132 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 cm3
Engine capacity
1,598 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
F
Brand
Subaru
Brand
Kia
What drivetrain options does the Subaru Forester have?

The Subaru Forester is offered with All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.