2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the nimble 2025 Hyundai Kona and the substantial 2025 Subaru Outback often boils down to budget versus space. If saving money is paramount, the Kona starts at a tempting $24,550, significantly undercutting the Outback's $29,995 MSRP by $5,445. However, that extra investment for the Outback buys you substantial utility. The Outback offers a cavernous 32.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft, which is a major consideration for families. Performance junkies will note the Outback boasts 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the Kona's 147 hp. While the Kona is slightly thriftier at 31 combined MPG versus the Outback's 28 combined MPG, the overall difference suggests the Kona leans toward efficient city commuting while the Outback provides superior capability and passenger room.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona is the better commuter due to its smaller footprint and slightly better fuel economy of 31 combined MPG.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback wins easily for families by offering substantially more cargo capacity at 32.6 cu ft versus the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Outback
The Outback provides a clear performance advantage with 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Kona's 147 hp.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona offers better overall value by providing a $5,445 lower starting MSRP while still delivering acceptable efficiency.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize saving upfront, as the Kona's $24,550 MSRP saves you $5,445 over the Outback.
- You spend most of your time driving solo or in the city, capitalizing on its 29 MPG in the city.
- You prefer a smaller, easier-to-maneuver vehicle, indicated by its 171.3-inch length.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You require maximum hauling capability, benefiting from the Outback's 32.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You need superior power for highway merging or steep grades, thanks to its 182 hp engine.
- You value the inherent traction benefits of standard All-Wheel Drive, unlike the Kona's FWD setup.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 191.1" |
| Width | 71.9" | 73.0" |
| Height | 62.2" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 108.1" |
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 | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | 26/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 28 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 481.0/592.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 18.5 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
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 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 55.5 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 |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 54.8 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 | 225/65R 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 Outback.
What is the primary functional difference between the 2025 Kona and the 2025 Outback?
The biggest functional difference is size and capability. The Outback is significantly larger, offering 32.6 cu ft of cargo room and standard All-Wheel Drive, making it better for hauling gear or handling adverse weather. The Kona, being smaller at 171.3 inches long, focuses more on fuel economy (31 combined MPG) and city driving ease.
How much more power does the 2025 Subaru Outback actually offer?
The Outback provides a noticeable performance boost, delivering 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This is a 35 hp advantage over the 2025 Hyundai Kona, which puts out 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Is the higher price of the Outback justified by its fuel economy?
No, the Kona is the more fuel-efficient vehicle, achieving 31 combined MPG compared to the Outback's 28 combined MPG. The $5,445 price difference cannot be offset by the small MPG savings over the short term.
Which vehicle is easier to park on crowded city streets?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona is inherently easier to handle in tight spots due to its smaller dimensions. Measuring only 171.3 inches long and 71.9 inches wide, it is physically smaller than the 191.1-inch long Outback.
Do both models use the same type of transmission?
Yes, both the 2025 Kona and the 2025 Outback utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). However, their underlying drivetrains differ, with the Kona being front-wheel drive standard and the Outback featuring All-Wheel Drive.
If I need space for my family, which vehicle offers more interior room?
The 2025 Subaru Outback is the clear winner for spaciousness. It provides 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Kona's 25.5 cu ft, making it better suited for family road trips or larger grocery hauls.
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