2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Subaru Impreza

$24,550 · Crossover

$26,595 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Kona blasts off with its accessible $24,550 MSRP and efficient 31 combined MPG, making it a nimble urban explorer. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Impreza boasts a rugged advantage, armed with standard All-Wheel Drive and a slight edge in power, delivering 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque straight off the line. While the Kona maximizes space at 171.3 inches long, offering a healthy 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, the Impreza leans into stability and grip with its AWD system, despite having slightly less utility at 20.4 cu ft. For those prioritizing fuel economy, the Kona’s 29/34 city/highway ratings pull ahead of the Impreza's 27/33. However, the Subaru’s added capability and superior torque figures suggest a more planted, if marginally thirstier, drive for only $2,145 more than the base Kona.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Kona wins for daily commuting due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Hyundai Kona

The Kona offers significantly more storage with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Impreza

The 2026 Impreza excites driving purists with its standard All-Wheel Drive and slightly higher output of 152 horsepower.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Kona

The Kona presents a better initial proposition, starting at a lower MSRP of $24,550 while still offering strong fuel efficiency.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You prioritize the lowest running costs, thanks to the Kona's 31 combined MPG rating.
Your primary need is maximizing cargo space for gear, as it offers 25.5 cu ft versus the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
You want the most budget-friendly entry point with an MSRP starting at just $24,550.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

All-weather security is paramount, leveraging the Impreza's standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You desire slightly punchier performance from the 152 hp engine and 145 lb-ft of torque.
You prefer a slightly longer overall vehicle stance at 176.2 inches for perceived stability.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Kona	Subaru Impreza
Length	171.3"	176.2"
Width	71.9"	70.1"
Height	62.2"	58.3"
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	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	152 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	145 lb-ft @ 4000 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	27/33 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	29 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.6/421.6 mi.	448.2/547.8 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	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.6 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
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	✓	✓
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	—	✓
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	Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	18 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R17	225/40R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

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 Impreza.

Which vehicle is quicker off the line between the 2025 Kona and 2026 Impreza?

The 2026 Subaru Impreza has a slight edge in raw power, featuring 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. This superior torque rating suggests the Impreza will feel stronger when accelerating, especially when paired with its standard AWD system.

How much more fuel-efficient is the Hyundai Kona compared to the Subaru Impreza?

The Hyundai Kona is notably more efficient for highway cruising, achieving 34 MPG highway against the Impreza’s 33 MPG highway. Overall, the Kona's combined rating of 31 MPG beats the Impreza’s 29 MPG combined rating.

Does the Kona or Impreza offer better utility for hauling cargo?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona is the clear winner for utility, offering 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The 2026 Subaru Impreza, designed as a wagon, surprisingly provides less room with only 20.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Why is the Subaru Impreza more expensive despite having lower MPG?

The Subaru Impreza has a higher starting MSRP of $26,595, which is $2,145 more than the Kona's $24,550. This difference largely accounts for the Impreza including standard All-Wheel Drive capability, a feature not standard on the base Kona.

Are either of these vehicles using premium fuel?

Both the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Subaru Impreza are designed to run efficiently on regular unleaded fuel, keeping long-term running costs predictable for both owners.

Which vehicle has the smaller overall footprint for city parking?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona is the more compact vehicle, measuring 171.3 inches long and 62.2 inches high. The Subaru Impreza is slightly longer at 176.2 inches and noticeably lower at 58.3 inches in height.