2025 Subaru Forester vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Subaru Forester and the 2026 Hyundai Kona is the $4,645 difference in starting MSRP, with the Kona priced at $25,350 versus the Forester's $29,995. Performance metrics also diverge notably, as the Forester delivers 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, substantially surpassing the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. However, the Kona claims efficiency superiority, achieving a combined 31 MPG compared to the Forester's 29 MPG, further evidenced by superior city ratings (29 MPG vs. 26 MPG). Dimensionally, the Forester is the larger offering, measuring 183.3 inches long and standing 68.1 inches tall, resulting in a greater maximum cargo capacity of 29.6 cubic feet versus the Kona's 25.5 cubic feet. Both utilize a CVT transmission, but the standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) on the Forester contrasts with the Kona's standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG and a slightly better highway rating of 34 MPG.
2025 Subaru Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester is favored for families because its 183.3-inch length and 68.1-inch height afford a larger 29.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
2025 Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester offers significantly more power with 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the Kona's output by 33 hp.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers better entry-level value with a starting MSRP that is $4,645 lower than the Subaru Forester.
Choose the Subaru Forester if...
- All-wheel drive capability is a necessity, as the Forester includes AWD standard while the Kona uses FWD.
- Maximum utility is required, given the Forester provides 29.6 cu ft of cargo space versus 25.5 cu ft.
- Drivers prioritize robust powertrain performance, benefiting from the Forester's 180 hp engine.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Budget is the primary concern, reflected in the $25,350 starting MSRP, which undercuts the Forester by $4,645.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, as the Kona achieves 31 combined MPG versus 29 MPG.
- Maneuverability in tight urban settings is preferred, given the Kona's shorter 171.3-inch overall length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Forester | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.3" | 171.3" |
| Width | 72.0" | 71.9" |
| Height | 68.1" | 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 178 lb-ft @ 3700 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) | 26/33 MPG | 29/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 29 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 431.6/547.8 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 1 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.3 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.7 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 | 39.6 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.4 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.7 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.7 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 | 225/60R H | 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 Forester and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
Does the standard drivetrain significantly impact all-weather driving between these models?
Yes, the 2025 Forester comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD), providing enhanced traction in adverse conditions. Conversely, the 2026 Kona includes standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), which generally performs adequately but is less capable than AWD on slippery surfaces.
How does the difference in cargo volume affect real-world storage?
The Forester offers 29.6 cu ft of cargo space, a noticeable advantage over the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. This 4.1 cubic foot difference translates to carrying roughly 14% more luggage or groceries behind the rear seats.
Which vehicle provides a better starting price point?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers a significantly lower entry point at $25,350 compared to the 2025 Subaru Forester's $29,995 MSRP. This creates a $4,645 cost savings at the base trim level.
Is the horsepower difference noticeable in daily driving?
The Forester's 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque provide 33 more horsepower than the Kona's 147 hp, suggesting the Forester will offer quicker acceleration and merging capabilities compared to the lower-output Kona.
Which crossover is more fuel-efficient on the highway?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona leads in efficiency, achieving 34 MPG highway, slightly edging out the 2025 Subaru Forester's 33 MPG highway rating.
What is the overall size difference between the two crossovers?
The Forester is the larger vehicle overall; it is 12 inches longer (183.3 vs. 171.3 inches) and significantly taller, standing 6.1 inches higher (68.1 vs. 62.2 inches), impacting garage fitment and interior headroom.
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