There are lots of ways to define value. Some buyers focus on fuel economy, potential repair and maintenance costs, or warranty coverage, while others look at a model’s starting price or resale potential. Pure speed might be a factor for some drivers, but many see modern tech as the more important attribute.
There’s certainly no one-size-fits-all solution that checks off every box, but the 2026 Kia Seltos sure comes close. Kia’s subcompact crossover has become a popular choice since it first hit the market in 2021, especially amongst younger drivers who are looking for a stylish yet practical alternative to some of the market’s more underwhelming options.
Efficient and affordable, not to mention surprisingly tech-forward, there are plenty of good reasons to seek out a Kia Seltos for sale in Brooklyn Park. Let's take a quick lap in Kia's compelling crossover and see how the Seltos stacks up against one key rival in the Subaru Crosstrek.
Cargo & Passenger Space
Choosing a subcompact crossover doesn't need to mean sacrificing cargo and passenger space. While these smaller models can’t match the dimensions of today's three-row and full-size SUVs, the segment can be a lot roomier than drivers give it credit for.
Just take the 2026 Kia Seltos. Offering 62 cu.ft. with max cargo room, the Seltos easily places at the top of the class, providing Kia buyers with a refreshingly roomy ride. This size is sure to come in handy seven days a week, whether you're trying to fit a full load of groceries, tote luggage to the airport, or haul a new purchase back to the homestead.
Best of all, drivers can still enjoy some of the best cargo capacity in the subcompact class, even with all five seats in use. The Seltos boasts 26.6 cu.ft of standard cargo space behind the second-row seat, giving the SUV a marked advantage over much of the segment. Most of today's subcompact models fall short of 25 cu.ft, but you'll never be hurting for storage when you choose the Seltos.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a different story altogether. The crossover's subcompact size might be a boon to its maneuverability and fuel economy, but it does little to enhance the Crosstrek's practical appeal. Measuring in at 54.7 cu.ft of max cargo space, the 2026 Crosstrek isn't the smallest option in the subcompact segment, but it can't hold a candle to the spacious Seltos.
The Crosstrek fares even worse in terms of standard storage space, which could be a serious red flag for those looking for a versatile SUV that can handle both passengers and cargo. The Subaru is limited to just 20 cu.ft, or as little as 17.6 cu.ft, when opting for the hybrid. That places the Crosstrek near the bottom of the class, with only the Toyota Corolla Cross below it.
So where did all that space go? Instead of prioritizing cargo space, Subaru focused on creating a more comfortable passenger experience. The numbers back this up: the Crosstrek bests the Seltos in most front-row dimensions, but the Seltos still has the edge in one key area.
Automakers often overlook the second row in their subcompact models, creating cramped quarters that clearly aren't designed for full-grown adults. The Seltos is a notable exception, offering more second-row legroom and an extra 1.5 inches compared to its Subaru rival.
Performance
Many of today’s subcompact SUVs can be a bit lacking when it comes to sheer performance. This is understandable in a segment where efficiency, not pure power, tends to rule the roost, but it's no excuse for some of the disappointing powertrains that populate the market.
Luckily, both Kia and Subaru buck this unfortunate trend to provide buyers with all the power they’ll need to muscle through another busy week in Brooklyn Park.
We’ll start with the Seltos and its available turbocharged engine. The range-topping SX swaps the standard powertrain for a 1.6L turbocharged I-4, sure to inject a renewed sense of excitement into your daily commute. The setup delivers 190 hp along with 195 lb.-ft. of torque to allow drivers to speed from zero to 60 mph in a little as 6.9 seconds.
The Crosstrek holds its own with two different takes on the brand’s classic Boxer engine, but both options trail behind the Seltos in a few important areas. The Subaru's 2.5L I-4 churns out 182 hp in its standard form, and 194 hp when opting for the new-for-2026 hybrid model, but neither can match the sprint speed of the Seltos. The hybrid logs a respectable 7.7-second zero-60-60-mph time, but the purely gas-powered version is notably slower at 8.1 seconds.
Tech & Safety
Performance, passenger and cargo space aside, it’s an SUV's slate of standard tech features that really move the needle in today's market. The Kia Seltos has long been recognized as one of the most well-equipped options in the subcompact segment, and the 2026 model is no different, especially when you’re talking about the entry-level LX trim. This is sure to be a refreshing change of pace for those who are accustomed to base models that feel a bit too basic.
The Seltos LX is one of the most affordable options in the subcompact category and beats the Crosstrek's starting MSRP by about $3,000. What can drivers expect from their automotive investment? An eight-inch touchscreen infotainment display and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, for starters. The LC also includes a six-speaker audio system, plenty of USB ports, and an impressive suite of standard safety tech, like:
- Lane-keeping assistance
- Lane departure warning
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking
- Driver attention warning
Kia’s subcompact only improves as you climb the trim ladder, with the EX representing the best value for the new model year. While the EX trim only adds a few thousand bucks to the bottom line, it makes a world of difference in terms of amenities.
Brooklyn Park drivers will be able to enjoy the latest in infotainment tech thanks to the Seltos’ dual 10.25-inch touchscreen display digital gauge clusters, not to mention a built-in GPS navigation system and added advanced driver-assistance (ADAS), including both blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, a safe exit warning system and rear parking sensors.
The EX is also no slouch on the comfort and convenience front, offering a hands-free power liftgate, synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a wireless phone charger that’ll help to create a less cluttered, cable-free cabin.
The Crosstrek’s base trim fails to live up to the high bar set by the Seltos, especially on the tech front. The SUV’s seven-inch infotainment display might only be slightly smaller than the one found on the Seltos, but the one inch makes a big difference, showing Subaru's tendency to reserve some premium technology for higher trims.
Subaru’s subcompact contender does make up some ground as you ascend the lineup, with upper trims adding an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a wireless smartphone charger, a fully digital instrument cluster, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and additional ADAS, but buyers might feel a bit nickel-and-dimed by Subaru’s approach.
Stretch Your Dollar With The Seltos At Lupient Kia Brooklyn Park
The 2026 Seltos makes a pretty convincing case for itself, but there's one last feature that really solidifies the SUV's value-driven approach to the subcompact segment. Kia's warranty coverage has long been the envy of the automotive world, allowing drivers to hit the road with a confidence few brands can match.
Buy any new Kia model, and you'll be able to enjoy some of the industry's best warranty coverage. Between the 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and five-year/60,000-mile limited warranty, you won't have to worry about unexpected surprises turning into big-ticket repairs when you choose the Seltos. The Crosstrek can’t compete with Subaru's five-year/60,000-mile powertrain policy and three-year/36,000-mile limited warranty, which offer drastically less protection.
When you're ready to experience the Seltos for yourself, Lupient Kia Brooklyn Park is here to serve you. From the newest 2026 model to quality, pre-owned models that have met our rigorous standards, you’ll enjoy some of the best inventory in the area when you work with Lupient. From the day of sale to regular maintenance visits, test drives to trade-ins, we’re always here to help Brooklyn Park drivers up their automotive game.