2025 Hyundai Kona Electric vs 2026 Subaru Solterra

$32,975 · Crossover

$38,495 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric grabs attention with its accessible entry point, starting at just $32,975, offering a zesty city drive with 188 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Solterra shouts capability, boasting a substantial 233 hp output paired with standard All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction. While the Kona provides a respectable 200 miles of electric range, the Solterra pulls ahead significantly in distance with an impressive 288 miles on a single charge, justifying some of its higher cost. Furthermore, the Solterra is physically larger, measuring 184.6 inches long compared to the Kona's 171.5 inches, offering a more substantial road presence. The $5,520 difference in MSRP is the defining split, pitching the efficient, compact Kona against the powerful, long-range, and larger Subaru.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric

The Kona Electric wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $32,975, making daily driving costs lower overall.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Solterra

The Solterra is the family pick due to its larger dimensions (184.6 inches long) and confidence-inspiring All-Wheel Drive system.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Solterra

The Solterra offers significantly more outright performance with 233 hp, compared to the Kona's 133 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric

The Kona Electric offers better value by providing 200 miles of range for a $5,520 lower initial investment.

Choose the Hyundai Kona Electric if...

Your primary focus is minimizing upfront purchase price, as the Kona Electric starts at only $32,975.
You prioritize maneuverability in tight urban settings, supported by its smaller 171.5-inch length.
Your daily driving requires less outright power, as 188 lb-ft of torque is sufficient for typical city travel.

Choose the Subaru Solterra if...

Maximizing driving distance is crucial, as the Solterra delivers an exceptional 288 miles of range.
You demand superior handling and traction in varied weather conditions due to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
You need the extra authority and excitement delivered by 233 horsepower, a full 100 hp more than the base Kona.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Kona Electric	Subaru Solterra
Length	171.5"	184.6"
Width	71.9"	73.2"
Height	62.0"	65.0"
Wheelbase	104.7"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Brake Preparation System	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Base Engine Type	electric	electric
Horsepower	133 hp	233 hp
Torque	188 lb-ft	—

Drive Train

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Transmission Type	1-speed direct drive	1-speed direct drive
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Fuel Type	electric	electric
EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe)	131/105 MPGe	131/109 MPGe
EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe)	118 MPGe	120 MPGe
EPA Electric Driving Range	200 mi.	288 mi.
EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi)	29	28
Charging Time (240V)	5.1 hr.	8.0 hr.
Battery Capacity	48.6 kWh	74.7 kWh
DC Fast Charging Port Type	SAE Combo	NACS

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Driver Assisted Parking Assist	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	14.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Front Head Room	40.0 in.	38.8 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	42.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.5 in.	58.0 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	54.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.4 in.	35.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	55.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.4 in.	44.8 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R17	235/60R18
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Cover Type	—	Full

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric and 2026 Subaru Solterra.

How much more expensive is the 2026 Subaru Solterra than the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric?

The Subaru Solterra carries a significant premium, with an MSRP of $38,495 compared to the Kona Electric's $32,975. This results in a $5,520 higher initial cost for the Solterra.

Which crossover offers better raw power for acceleration?

The 2026 Solterra is vastly superior in horsepower, producing 233 hp, while the 2025 Kona Electric offers 133 hp. This 100 hp difference ensures the Solterra provides a much quicker driving experience.

Is the range difference significant enough to matter for road trips?

Yes, the range difference is substantial; the Solterra achieves 288 miles of electric range, significantly surpassing the Kona Electric's 200 miles. This makes the Solterra better suited for longer journeys away from charging infrastructure.

Which vehicle is physically larger and potentially more spacious inside?

The Solterra is the larger vehicle across the board; it measures 184.6 inches long and 65.0 inches tall, while the Kona Electric is shorter at 171.5 inches and shorter in height at 62.0 inches.

Does the drivetrain choice affect pricing and capability?

The Kona Electric is FWD with lower horsepower, fitting its economy focus, whereas the more expensive Solterra includes All-Wheel Drive as standard, enhancing its grip and overall capability.

How do the cargo capacities compare between these two electric crossovers?

The 2025 Kona Electric actually wins slightly on paper for utility, offering 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space. The larger 2026 Solterra provides 23.8 cubic feet.