2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek
Comparison Overview
The most significant disparity between the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek lies in powertrain performance, with the Crosstrek producing 180 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 132 lb-ft, translating to a 33 hp advantage for Subaru. Priced at $24,550, the Kona undercuts the Crosstrek's $26,995 MSRP, offering better immediate value. Fuel economy also favors the Kona, achieving 31 MPG combined versus the Crosstrek’s 29 MPG combined, despite the Crosstrek utilizing standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) versus the Kona's Front-Wheel Drive (FWD). Dimensionally, the Crosstrek is slightly longer at 176.4 inches versus 171.3 inches, yet the Kona provides superior utility with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet. This comparison highlights a trade-off between the Kona's efficiency and packaging versus the Crosstrek's standard power and drivetrain capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona
The 2025 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy rating of 31 MPG compared to the Crosstrek's 29 MPG.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona offers significantly more practical utility with 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, which outweighs the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is preferred by enthusiasts due to its higher output of 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, coupled with standard AWD.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona presents better initial value, starting at an MSRP of $24,550, which is $2,445 less than the Crosstrek.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Maximizing cargo space is a priority, as the Kona offers 25.5 cu ft versus the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
- Achieving the best possible fuel efficiency is key, evidenced by the Kona's 31 MPG combined rating.
- Sticking to the lowest possible purchase price is important, with the Kona starting at $24,550.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- All-Weather capability is non-negotiable, given the Crosstrek's standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configuration.
- Higher sustained acceleration is desired, supported by the Crosstrek's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque output.
- A slightly larger physical footprint is preferred, as the Crosstrek measures 176.4 inches in length compared to the Kona's 171.3 inches.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 176.4" |
| Width | 71.9" | 70.9" |
| Height | 62.2" | 62.8" |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
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 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 55.1 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. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 36.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 53.2 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 | P225/60R17 |
| 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 2026 Subaru Crosstrek.
How does the standard drivetrain affect daily driving between these two crossovers?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing enhanced traction in inclement weather. Conversely, the 2025 Hyundai Kona defaults to Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), which contributes to its slightly better 31 MPG combined fuel economy rating.
Which vehicle offers better performance figures for spirited driving?
The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek is significantly more capable, boasting 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This substantially surpasses the 2025 Hyundai Kona's output of 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Is the higher MSRP of the Crosstrek justified by its cargo capacity?
No, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek costs $2,445 more than the Kona ($26,995 vs $24,550) but offers less cargo space. The Kona provides 25.5 cu ft, whereas the Crosstrek is limited to 19.9 cu ft.
What are the MPG differences between the FWD Kona and the AWD Crosstrek?
The Kona achieves 31 MPG combined (29 city/34 highway), making it more efficient than the Crosstrek, which is rated at 29 MPG combined (26 city/33 highway).
How much larger is the 2026 Crosstrek compared to the 2025 Kona?
The Crosstrek has a larger exterior footprint, measuring 176.4 inches long compared to the Kona’s 171.3 inches, and it is also slightly taller at 62.8 inches versus the Kona's 62.2 inches.
Do both models use the same type of automatic transmission?
Yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for gear selection.
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