2027 Kia Seltos vs 2027 Subaru Crosstrek
If you're shopping small AWD SUVs around Harrisonburg, the 2027 Kia Seltos and the 2027 Subaru Crosstrek are probably both on your list. We matched the all-new Seltos S AWD against the Crosstrek Premium because they land within $95 of each other at $28,090 and $27,995 starting MSRP, excludes destination. Here's how they compare on the things that matter in the Valley, from winter mornings on I-81 to a loaded-up weekend in the mountains.
| Spec | 2027 Kia Seltos S AWD | 2027 Subaru Crosstrek Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $28,090 | $27,995 |
| Drivetrain | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Cargo behind rear seat / max | 27.8 / 64.2 cu. ft. | 23.3 / 51.9 cu. ft. |
| Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic | Collision avoidance, standard | Detection and alert, $2,245 option package |
| Powertrain warranty | 10 yr./100,000 mi. | 5 yr./60,000 mi. |
| Ground clearance | 7.9 in. | 8.7 in. |
| Fuel economy (city/hwy/combined) | 26/30/28 MPG, Kia estimate | 26/33/29 MPG, EPA |
| Horsepower / torque | 147 hp / 132 lb-ft | 180 hp / 178 lb-ft |
2027 model year. Kia Seltos S AWD (2.0L, CVT) vs Subaru Crosstrek Premium AWD (2.5L, CVT). Starting MSRP, excludes destination. Data current as of October 15, 2026.
2027 Kia Seltos S AWD
The Seltos is all-new for 2027, and the S AWD is the version most Valley drivers will want. You get all-wheel drive, a 2.0L four-cylinder with 147 horsepower, and a CVT. Inside, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sits next to a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Kia also makes its driver-assistance tech standard on every Seltos, so you aren't paying extra for the features that help on a busy stretch of US-33 or a dark ride home from Elkton.
More room for everything you haul
Hiking packs, a dog crate, a stroller, and a week of groceries all need a place to go. The Seltos gives you 27.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 64.2 cubic feet with it folded. That's more room than the Crosstrek's 23.3 and 51.9 cubic feet, so a weekend trip to Shenandoah National Park or a run to the hardware store in Bridgewater takes less creative packing.
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Blind-spot help that comes standard
Merging onto I-81 next to a tractor-trailer is part of life around here. Every Seltos S comes standard with Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist. On the Crosstrek Premium, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert come in a $2,245 option package. With the Seltos, that peace of mind is already in the price.
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Coverage built for the long haul
Kia backs the Seltos with a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and a 5-year or 60,000-mile basic limited warranty. Subaru covers the Crosstrek's powertrain for 5 years or 60,000 miles and its basic coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles. If you put real miles on your SUV commuting to Staunton or Rockingham County job sites, the longer coverage is worth a close look. Ask our team to walk you through the terms.
Start your financing2027 Subaru Crosstrek Premium
The Crosstrek Premium is Subaru's popular middle trim, and it's a capable small SUV worth understanding before you decide. It starts at $27,995, $95 below the Seltos S AWD, and all-wheel drive comes on every Crosstrek. A 2.5L four-cylinder with 180 horsepower runs through a CVT. Here's where it has the edge.
More ground clearance
The Crosstrek Premium sits at 8.7 inches of ground clearance, against 7.9 inches for the Seltos S AWD. It also lists an 18.0-degree approach angle and a 30.1-degree departure angle. If you regularly drive unplowed back roads or rutted forest service roads in the George Washington National Forest, that extra clearance is a real advantage.
Power and highway mileage
Subaru's 2.5L engine makes 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, compared with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft in the Seltos. You'll notice that on long climbs over the mountains. The Crosstrek is EPA-rated at 26 MPG city, 33 MPG highway, and 29 MPG combined, and it carries a 16.6-gallon tank. The Seltos is Kia-estimated at 26 MPG city, 30 MPG highway, and 28 MPG combined with a 13.2-gallon tank.
Ready for roof gear
Ladder-type roof rails come standard on the Premium, which makes it easy to add a bike or kayak carrier. Inside, an 11.6-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard, with pre-collision braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with lane centering.
Which small SUV fits life in the Valley?
With prices within $95 and all-wheel drive on both, the 2027 Kia Seltos S AWD gives you more space and more standard equipment for about the same money. It has more cargo room, standard blind-spot and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and 10 years of powertrain coverage instead of five. If maximum ground clearance, more horsepower, and the best highway mileage top your list, the Crosstrek Premium deserves a look. The easiest way to decide is to drive the Seltos on the roads you use every day, so come see us in Harrisonburg.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs less, the 2027 Kia Seltos S AWD or the Subaru Crosstrek Premium?
The 2027 Subaru Crosstrek Premium starts at $27,995 and the 2027 Kia Seltos S AWD starts at $28,090, a difference of $95. Both are starting MSRP and exclude destination, taxes, title, and dealer fees.
Which has more ground clearance?
The Crosstrek Premium has 8.7 inches of ground clearance and the Seltos S AWD has 7.9 inches. The Seltos counters with more cargo room and standard blind-spot collision avoidance.
Is all-wheel drive standard on both?
All-wheel drive is standard on every 2027 Crosstrek. On the 2027 Seltos, AWD is available on the LX, S, and EX and standard on X-Line trims. This comparison uses the Seltos S with AWD.
Which gets better gas mileage?
The Crosstrek Premium is EPA-rated at 29 MPG combined, with 26 city and 33 highway. Kia estimates the Seltos S AWD at 28 MPG combined, with 26 city and 30 highway.
Which has more cargo space?
The Seltos offers 27.8 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 64.2 cubic feet with it folded. The Crosstrek offers 23.3 and 51.9 cubic feet.
Which has the longer warranty?
Kia covers the Seltos powertrain for 10 years or 100,000 miles and offers 5 years or 60,000 miles of basic coverage. Subaru covers the Crosstrek powertrain for 5 years or 60,000 miles with 3 years or 36,000 miles of basic coverage.
Drive the 2027 Kia Seltos in Harrisonburg
Specs only tell part of the story. Come feel how the Seltos S AWD handles the roads between Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, Broadway, and Elkton. Our team can walk you through trims, AWD, and features, and we'll get you a value on your trade. Call or text us, or stop by and take one out.