2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
Picking between the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2026 Hyundai Kona often comes down to prioritizing capability versus maximizing interior space and initial savings. If you frequently navigate tricky weather, the Crosstrek’s standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) offers confidence, though it comes at a slight fuel penalty, netting 29 MPG combined versus the Kona’s 31 MPG combined. The Kona boasts a significant advantage in hauling gear, offering 25.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft, making it immediately more practical for weekend warriors. Power output is similar, with the Crosstrek slightly ahead at 152 hp compared to the Kona's 147 hp, though both are paired with CVTs. While the Crosstrek starts at $26,560, the Kona undercuts it significantly at $25,350, meaning buyers must weigh the upfront cost savings against the standard AWD feature.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its slightly better fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined, and lower starting MSRP of $25,350.
2026 Hyundai Kona
Families will appreciate the Kona's superior capacity, offering 25.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is better suited for enthusiasts who anticipate needing traction, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona offers better immediate value with a lower entry price point of $25,350 and higher baseline fuel economy.
Choose the Subaru Crosstrek if...
- You live in an area with heavy snow or poor road conditions, as the standard All-Wheel Drive provides superior year-round traction.
- You prefer a slightly more potent powertrain, as the Crosstrek delivers 152 hp compared to the Kona’s 147 hp.
- You need a slightly longer vehicle overall (176.4 inches) for improved stability or crash absorption, despite having less cargo room.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize maximizing interior utility, as the Kona offers a generous 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- Saving money upfront is crucial, given the Kona’s lower MSRP starting at $25,350.
- Your daily commute relies heavily on steady highway cruising, where the Kona’s 34 MPG highway rating matches the Crosstrek while offering better city mileage (29 MPG city).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Crosstrek | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.4" | 171.3" |
| Width | 70.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 62.8" | 62.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 104.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 152 hp @ 6000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 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 | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/34 MPG | 29/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 448.2/564.4 mi. | 359.6/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.6 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 7.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.1 in. | 54.3 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 | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.0 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.5 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.3 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.2 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/60R17 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
Which car is more fuel-efficient for city driving?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is better for city driving, achieving an EPA rating of 29 MPG in the city. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek trails slightly with 27 MPG in city conditions, making the Kona the greener choice for stop-and-go traffic.
Does the standard AWD on the Crosstrek offset the Kona’s better cargo space?
This depends entirely on your needs. If adverse weather traction is a critical safety factor, the Crosstrek's AWD is invaluable. However, if interior volume for gear is the priority, the Kona's 25.5 cu ft beats the Crosstrek's 19.9 cu ft substantially.
What is the difference in price between the base models?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona has a clear starting price advantage, listed at $25,350, which is $1,210 less than the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek’s MSRP of $26,560.
How much more powerful is the Subaru Crosstrek?
The Crosstrek offers a modest power edge with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. This is slightly more than the Kona, which produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, though both use continuously variable-speed automatic transmissions.
Which crossover is physically larger?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is notably longer at 176.4 inches compared to the Kona's 171.3 inches, though the Kona is slightly wider at 71.9 inches versus the Crosstrek’s 70.9 inches.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
No, fortunately, both the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2026 Hyundai Kona are designed to run happily on regular unleaded fuel, which helps keep running costs down for both models.
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