2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Subaru Forester
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Kona excites with its nimble footprint and wallet-friendly entry point at $24,550, delivering a respectable 31 MPG combined efficiency. Meanwhile, the redesigned 2026 Subaru Forester roars onto the scene promising rugged capability, boasting a more robust 180 hp and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, though its starting price creeps up to $29,995. The Kona is clearly optimized for city efficiency, achieving 34 MPG highway, while the slightly larger Forester offers significantly more space, providing 29.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. For performance seekers, the Forester's 178 lb-ft of torque gives it a substantial advantage over the Kona’s 132 lb-ft, hinting at a more spirited drive, especially when the weather turns foul, thanks to its AWD system, contrasting with the Kona's FWD setup.
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 of 31 MPG, making daily driving more economical.
2026 Subaru Forester
The 2026 Subaru Forester is the better family choice, offering significantly more utility with 29.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.
2026 Subaru Forester
Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Forester's higher power output of 180 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive system for better driving dynamics.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona provides compelling basic utility for $5,445 less than the Subaru Forester, offering better immediate financial value.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize the lowest initial cost, with an MSRP starting at only $24,550.
- Your driving predominantly occurs in urban environments where 31 MPG combined efficiency will save money.
- You prefer a more compact exterior footprint, measuring only 171.3 inches in length for easier parking.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- You require the enhanced grip and security of standard All-Wheel Drive for varied weather conditions.
- You need substantial hauling capability, evidenced by its best-in-class 29.6 cu ft cargo volume.
- You desire more acceleration punch from the 180 hp engine and 178 lb-ft of torque.
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 2026 Subaru Forester.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Subaru Forester than the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
The 2026 Subaru Forester boasts 180 horsepower, creating a notable advantage over the 2025 Hyundai Kona, which produces 147 horsepower. This 33 hp difference is complemented by 178 lb-ft of torque in the Subaru versus the Kona's 132 lb-ft.
Which crossover is more efficient for highway driving?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona leads slightly in highway fuel economy, achieving 34 MPG highway compared to the 2026 Subaru Forester’s 33 MPG highway. However, the Kona’s FWD setup contributes to its better overall efficiency profile.
Is the size difference significant enough to impact cargo carrying?
Yes, the 2026 Subaru Forester offers substantially more space with 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, whereas the 2025 Hyundai Kona provides 25.5 cubic feet. The Forester is also physically larger, standing 6.9 inches taller.
What is the primary trade-off when choosing the cheaper Hyundai Kona?
The primary trade-off is drivetrain capability; the Kona comes standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD), unlike the Forester’s standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). Additionally, the Kona has less horsepower and torque available for acceleration.
How does the starting price compare between the two vehicles?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona has a significantly lower entry price of $24,550. The 2026 Subaru Forester commands a premium, starting at $29,995, reflecting a $5,445 price difference at the base level.
Do both models use a traditional automatic transmission?
Both the 2025 Kona and the 2026 Forester utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, though their power and drivetrain pairings differ considerably.
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