Head-to-head
2027 Kia Seltos vs 2027 Subaru Outback
The Kia Seltos edges it, 96 to 91.9, on price, fuel & range, tech & comfort. The Subaru Outback is ahead on space & cargo and performance.
A
2027 Kia Seltos
The 2027 Kia Seltos is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Seltos FWD, is EPA-rated at 30 mpg…
vs
A*2027 Subaru Outback
The 2027 Subaru Outback is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Outback AWD, is EPA-rated at 2…
Verdict · default weights
2027 Kia Seltos
Slight edgeThe Kia Seltos edges it, 96 to 91.9, on price, fuel & range, tech & comfort. The Subaru Outback is ahead on space & cargo and performance.
Price 2027 Kia Seltos leads by 24.3
Space & cargo 2027 Subaru Outback leads by 19.9
Performance 2027 Subaru Outback leads by 16.3
| Category · weight | 2027 Kia Seltosoverall 96 | 2027 Subaru Outbackoverall 91.9 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 75.7 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 90 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 98.1 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 80.1 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 83.7 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 96.5 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 96 | 91.9 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Kia Seltos: base trim LX FWD · Subaru Outback: base trim Base AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2027 Kia Seltos wins
- It starts $8,005 lower ($24,990 against $32,995 base MSRP).
- It lists 26 standard driver-assist features against 24.
- It costs $250 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($2,250 against $2,500).
Where the 2027 Subaru Outback answers
- It turns out 178 lb-ft of torque against 132.
- It opens up to 80.5 cu ft of cargo against 64.2.
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 100.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
52 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $24,990 | $32,995 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 1,999 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.0L Multi-Port Injection (MPI) Atkinson engine | DOHC 4-cylinder horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER; aluminum cylinder block and heads |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | 16 Valves with Roller Swing | DOHC |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 28 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 30 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 33 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 6.483 | 4.111 |
| Transmission speeds | — | 8 |
| Transmission type | Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) | cvt |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 7.5 in | 8.7 in |
| Overall height | 63 in | 67.5 in |
| Overall length | 174 in | 192 in |
| Overall width | 72 in | 74 in |
| Wheelbase | 106 in | 108 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 64.2 cu-ft | 80.5 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 27.8 cu-ft | 34.6 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | — | 112 cu-ft |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 40.5 in | 41 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 40.5 in |
| Third-row headroom | 38.9 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.4 in | 43 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 39.5 in |
| Third-row legroom | 39 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,406 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,109 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,332 lbs | 5,027 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson-type struts, lower L-arms, coil springs, dampers, stabilizer bar, hydraulic engine mounts |
| Rear suspension type | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (FWD) | Double wishbone, coil springs, dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Rack & Pinion / Electric | Electric Power Assisted Rack-and-Pinion (Dual Pinion) |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 36.5 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 315 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | Electronic | electronic |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 300 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | ventilated disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 16 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | alloy |
| Wheel width | 6.5 in | 7 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | P205/65R16 | 225/60R18 100H |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 13.2 gal | 18 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | — | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Kia Connect | MySubaru Companion |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 56.5 in | 57.9 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 57.4 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 55.4 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
153 features · differences first, then sharedSafety48 differ · 49 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection (FCA) | std | — |
| Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go (SCC2) | std | — |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA2) | std | — |
| Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) | std | — |
| Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) with Active steering | std | — |
| Rear-view camera display | std | — |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) | std | — |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | std | — |
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors (PDW-F/R) | std | — |
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors (PDW-F/R) | std | — |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) | std | — |
| Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) | std | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control w/Lane Centering | — | std |
| Adjustable front headrests, 4-way | std | — |
| Antilock Brakes System (ABS) | std | — |
| Auto Vehicle Hold | — | std |
| Auto Vehicle Shut Down | — | std |
| Automatic Emergency Steering | — | std |
| Blind Spot Warning | — | std |
| Brake Assist | — | std |
| DriverFocus® Driver Monitoring System | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold | std | — |
| Emergency Lane Keep Assist | — | std |
| Emergency Stop Assist | — | std |
| EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology | — | std |
| Front Driver side advanced airbags | std | — |
| Front Passenger side advanced airbags | std | — |
| Front Thorax, Pelvis and Curtain airbags | std | — |
| High Beam Assist (HBA) | std | — |
| Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) | std | — |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW) | std | — |
| Lane Change Assist | — | std |
| Lane Departure & Lane Sway Warning | — | std |
| Lead Vehicle Start Alert | — | std |
| Passenger Airbag ON / OFF Indicator | — | std |
| Pre-Collision Braking, Follow Distance Warning, and Throttle Management | — | std |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Warning | — | std |
| Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) | std | — |
| Rear Radar Detection Sensors | — | std |
| Rear Seat Reminder | — | std |
| Rear seat-mounted side airbags | std | — |
| Rear-Vision Camera | — | std |
| Reverse Automatic Braking | — | std |
| Seatbelt: Driver's Warning Light & Chime | — | std |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with electronic traction control (TCS) and rollover sensors | — | std |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with electronic traction control (TCS) and rollover sensors | — | std |
| Immobilizer | std | — |
| Tire-Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) High Line | std | — |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with electronic traction control (TCS) and rollover sensors | std | std |
Infotainment17 differ · 17 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-in. Touchscreen, Bluetooth, SAT, Kia Connect, HD Radio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OTA (ccNC Lite) | std | — |
| 12.3-in. Touchscreen, Bluetooth, SAT, Kia Connect, HD Radio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, OTA (ccNC Lite) | std | — |
| 6-speaker system | — | std |
| 6-speakers | std | — |
| AM/FM Stereo HD Radio® | — | std |
| Bluetooth® Audio Streaming, Hands-Free Phone Connectivity, SMS Text Messaging | — | std |
| Bluetooth® Multi-connection (connect up to two devices simultaneously) | std | — |
| Front USBc charger (x2) | std | — |
| Front USBc connection (x1) | std | — |
| MySubaru Companion (5-Year Free Trial/Subscription Required After): SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Advanced Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Diagnostic Alerts, Vehicle Condition Check, Vehicle Health Report, Service Appointment Scheduler, Remote Vehicle Locator, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Immobilization | — | opt |
| MySubaru Companion+ (Subscription Required): Remote Engine Start w/Remote Climate Controls, Remote Lock, Unlock, Horn and Lights; Curfew, Boundary and Speed Alerts; Valet Mode w/Password Reset, Pin, and Speed Alert; Trip Logs; Driving Journal; MySubaru Personal Assistant | — | opt |
| Paddle Shift Control | — | std |
| Rear USBc charger (x2) | std | — |
| SiriusXM with 360L (4 Month Free Trial / Subscription required after) | — | opt |
| Subaru 12.1-inch Multimedia System | — | std |
| Voice Activated Controls | — | std |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ | — | std |
Convenience9 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Key and push-button start, includes immobilizer and remote start button on key fob | std | — |
| 12-Volt Power Outlet | — | std |
| 12V power outlet (x1), in center console | std | — |
| Auto-up/down and safety operation driver's window | std | — |
| Door Handles: w/ Driver & Front Passenger Door Unlock/Lock Sensor | — | std |
| Illuminated Engine Start / Stop Switch | — | std |
| Keyless Access w/ Push Button Start | — | std |
| Power door locks with driver and passenger control | std | — |
| Remote keyless entry with burglar alarm, panic button and immobilizer | std | — |
Climate1 differ · 1 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Air conditioner | std | — |
Seating7 differ · 9 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 60/40 split-folding rear seats with recline | std | — |
| Heated Front Seats (All-Weather Package) | opt | std |
| 10-way Power Driver's Seat (includes 2-way Power Lumbar Support) | — | std |
| 6-way manual adjustable passenger's seat including height adjuster | std | — |
| Rear Seatback 60/40 split | — | std |
| Reclining Seatback | — | std |
| Whiplash Reducing Front Seats | — | std |
| 6-way Manual Driver's Seat | std | std |
| Black Cloth Upholstery | std | std |
Interior17 differ · 18 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-inch Digital Cluster with integrated 4.2-inch TFT | std | — |
| 12.3-inch full digital instrument display | — | std |
| Center Dash Panel: Black Tricot Cloth (No Stitch) | — | std |
| Cord Management Clip | — | std |
| Door pocket bottle holder | std | — |
| Four-spoke design, SynTex Steering Wheel | std | — |
| Front center armrest with storage box and cup holders | std | — |
| LED luggage lamp | std | — |
| LED room lamp | std | — |
| Rear Seatback and Cargo Floor (Carpeted) | — | std |
| Rear Seatback Release Levers | — | std |
| Soft Grip Urethane Steering Wheel | — | std |
| Soft PVC gear shift knob | std | — |
| Sunvisor vanity mirrors | std | — |
| Welcome Lighting | — | std |
| Tilt and telescopic steering column | std | — |
| LED overhead console lamp | std | — |
| Rear View Mirror: Day / Night | std | std |
Exterior34 differ · 35 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 16-inch Alloy wheels with dark gray finish | std | — |
| Auto light control | std | — |
| Black radiator grille | std | — |
| Black side sills | std | — |
| Black window DLO surround (beltline) | std | — |
| Conventional blade type windshield wipers | std | — |
| Door Handles: Body Color | — | std |
| Front Badge: Subaru 6 Star Logo | — | std |
| Front Grille: Black Insert Material w/ Black Accent | — | std |
| Heated Power Exterior Mirrors (All-Weather Package) | — | std |
| LED Fog Lights | — | std |
| LED Multi-Focus Reflector (MFR) headlights | std | — |
| LED outside mirror turn signal indicators | std | — |
| LED positioning lamp | std | — |
| LED Star Map Signature Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | std | — |
| LED Steering Responsive Headlights w/Automatic High Beams | — | std |
| Matte black lower door garnish | std | — |
| Power Mirrors: Black | — | std |
| Privacy glass (rear side, tailgate) | std | — |
| Rear Badge / Black: OUTBACK | — | std |
| Rear Badge / Black: SYMMETRICAL AWD | — | std |
| Rear Badge: 6 Star Logo | — | std |
| Rear Bumper Trailer Hitch Cover | — | std |
| Rear combination lamps | std | — |
| Roof Rail Tie Down Points: Black Finish | — | std |
| Roof Rails: Raised Ladder Type: Black finish w/ Black finish End Mount Accent Covers and Crossbar | — | std |
| Side Cladding Letter Imprint: SYMMETRICAL AWD | — | std |
| Tinted glass (windshield, front doors) | std | — |
| Wheel Arch & Side Cladding: Black | — | std |
| Windshield Wiper De-Icer (All-Weather Package) | — | std |
| Rear-window defroster with timer | std | — |
| Rear Roof Spoiler: Body Color w/ Black Edge & End Panels | — | std |
| Rear spoiler with LED high mounted stop light | std | — |
| Temporary Compact Spare Tire | opt | — |
| Sound Insulating Windshield | std | std |
Powertrain8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | — | std |
| Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | std | — |
| 2.0L Multi-Port Injection (MPI) 4-cylinder engine | std | — |
| Drive Mode Select (DMS): Normal, Sport | std | — |
| Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) | std | — |
| Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) | std | — |
| SULEV 30 emissions | std | — |
| X-MODE® Single-Mode System with Hill Descent Control | — | std |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (CTBA) rear suspension | std | — |
| MacPherson strut front suspension | std | — |
| Multi-link rear suspension | opt | — |
Cargo4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Kia SeltosLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo net hooks | std | — |
| Dual-level cargo floor | std | — |
| Sub-floor Cargo Area Storage Cover | — | std |
| Sub-floor Tire Repair Kit | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPKia Seltos
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 3 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Unspecified (2), Service Brakes (1), Visibility/Wiper (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Subaru Outback
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Kia SeltosLX FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $24,990 (base trim) | $32,995 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $24,990 – $32,790 14 trims | $32,995 – $46,595 7 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Seltos FWD | Outback AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 30 | 27 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,250 | $2,500 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2027 Kia Seltos or the 2027 Subaru Outback?
The Kia Seltos edges it, 96 to 91.9, on price, fuel & range, tech & comfort. The Subaru Outback is ahead on space & cargo and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Kia Seltos scores 96 and the 2027 Subaru Outback 91.9. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2027 Kia Seltos or the 2027 Subaru Outback?
The 2027 Kia Seltos starts lower — $24,990 against $32,995, a gap of $8,005 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2027 Kia Seltos or the 2027 Subaru Outback?
2027 Kia Seltos: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2027 Subaru Outback: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2027 Kia Seltos and the 2027 Subaru Outback?
Where the 2027 Kia Seltos wins: it starts $8,005 lower ($24,990 against $32,995 base MSRP), lists 26 standard driver-assist features against 24, and costs $250 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($2,250 against $2,500). Where the 2027 Subaru Outback answers: it turns out 178 lb-ft of torque against 132 and opens up to 80.5 cu ft of cargo against 64.2. What they share: a Safety Signal of 100.