2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical difference between the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2025 Subaru Forester lies in the MSRP, with the Forester commanding a $5,445 premium over the Kona's $24,550 starting price. This price disparity is partially justified by the Forester's superior powertrain: 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. However, the Kona counters with better fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 31 MPG versus the Forester's 29 MPG, aided by its standard FWD configuration. Dimensionally, the Forester is significantly larger, measuring 183.3 inches long and standing 62.2 inches taller, translating to 29.6 cu ft of cargo space against the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. Both utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, but the inclusion of standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on the Forester warrants its higher sticker price.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona
The 2025 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Forester's 29 MPG combined.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester is better suited for families because its 183.3-inch length provides a larger 29.6 cu ft of maximum cargo capacity.
2025 Subaru Forester
Enthusiasts favor the Forester, which offers a 33 hp advantage with 180 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive capability.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona offers better initial value with a $5,445 lower MSRP and superior fuel economy at 31 MPG combined.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize lower running costs, as the Kona achieves 31 MPG combined versus the Forester's 29 MPG.
- Your primary goal is the lowest possible purchase price, starting at $24,550.
- Front-wheel drive is sufficient for your typical driving conditions, as the Kona is FWD standard.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You require superior power, as the Forester delivers 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
- Standard AWD capability is non-negotiable for traction and stability in various weather.
- Maximum utility is needed, evidenced by the Forester's 29.6 cu ft of cargo space.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Subaru Forester |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 183.3" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.0" |
| Height | 62.2" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 105.1" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 26/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 29 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 431.6/547.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 16.6 gal. |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 57.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 54.7 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 56.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 53.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 225/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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. |
| 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 and 2025 Subaru Forester.
What is the core powertrain difference between the 2025 Kona and the 2025 Forester?
The 2025 Forester generates 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the 2025 Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Furthermore, the Forester includes standard AWD, whereas the Kona uses FWD.
How significant is the fuel economy difference between these two crossovers?
The Kona offers a slight edge in efficiency, achieving 31 MPG combined, while the Forester is rated at 29 MPG combined. This difference is notable across long-term ownership, though both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel.
Which vehicle is physically larger and offers more storage capacity?
The Subaru Forester is the larger vehicle, both in exterior dimensions (183.3 inches long vs. Kona's 171.3 inches) and in hauling capability. The Forester boasts 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.
What is the current price differential between the base models?
The 2025 Subaru Forester has an MSRP of $29,995, making it $5,445 more expensive than the base 2025 Hyundai Kona, which starts at $24,550.
Are the transmissions different between the two models?
No, both the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2025 Subaru Forester come equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT).
Does the Kona offer better highway MPG than the Forester?
Yes, the Kona achieves 34 MPG on the highway compared to the Forester's 33 MPG highway rating. This slight difference is linked to the Kona's FWD configuration versus the Forester's standard AWD.
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