2025 Subaru Impreza vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
Trying to decide between the practical wagon feel of the 2025 Subaru Impreza and the slightly taller stance of the 2026 Hyundai Kona? It’s a classic choice between dedicated functionality and modern crossover appeal. The Impreza brings standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) to the table, an advantage when facing rough weather, backed by 152 hp and a 30 MPG combined rating. Conversely, the Kona, priced slightly higher at $25,350 versus the Impreza's $24,360, boasts superior cargo volume at 25.5 cu ft compared to the Subaru’s 20.4 cu ft. While the Kona gets a slight MPG edge at 31 combined, it’s front-wheel drive standard. Dimensions are close, but the Kona is notably taller at 62.2 inches, offering a more commanding view than the Impreza's 58.3-inch height, making utility a key differentiator here.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its slightly better 31 MPG combined rating and easier-to-park shorter length of 171.3 inches.
2026 Hyundai Kona
Families will appreciate the Kona's larger 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity over the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.
2025 Subaru Impreza
Enthusiasts prioritizing traction will favor the Impreza because of its standard All-Wheel Drive system.
2025 Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza offers standard AWD for $990 less than the base Kona.
Choose the Subaru Impreza if...
- You need maximum traction in all weather conditions, as the Impreza comes standard with All-Wheel Drive.
- You prefer a lower, more car-like driving position, with a height of only 58.3 inches.
- You are looking to save nearly $1,000 upfront, with an MSRP of $24,360.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Maximizing pure storage space is critical, thanks to its segment-leading 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You want marginally better fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined versus 30 MPG.
- A taller ride height (62.2 inches) and wider stance (71.9 inches) provide a more comfortable crossover feel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Impreza | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 176.2" | 171.3" |
| Width | 70.1" | 71.9" |
| Height | 58.3" | 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 | 2.0 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) | 30 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 2 | 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 Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/55R16 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
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 Impreza and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona significantly bigger than the 2025 Subaru Impreza?
Not significantly, but it is taller and wider. The Kona stands 62.2 inches high, while the Impreza is 58.3 inches high. However, the Impreza is slightly longer overall at 176.2 inches compared to the Kona's 171.3 inches.
Which vehicle is better for snowy conditions right away?
The 2025 Subaru Impreza is the immediate winner here because it includes All-Wheel Drive standard. The 2026 Hyundai Kona comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive, which might require an upgrade to match Subaru's standard capability.
How does their horsepower and fuel economy compare?
The Impreza has a slight edge in power, producing 152 hp versus the Kona's 147 hp. Conversely, the Kona nudges ahead in efficiency with 31 MPG combined, slightly beating the Impreza's 30 MPG combined rating.
Which offers more practical space for hauling gear?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona provides significantly more dedicated cargo room for hauling, offering 25.5 cubic feet. The 2025 Subaru Impreza wagon offers 20.4 cubic feet, which is respectable but less capacious.
Is the base price difference substantial between these two models?
The difference is minor but exists; the 2025 Subaru Impreza starts at $24,360, making it nearly $1,000 cheaper than the 2026 Hyundai Kona's $25,350 MSRP.
Are there performance differences based on torque and transmission?
The Impreza provides more torque at 145 lb-ft versus the Kona's 132 lb-ft, which might be noticeable during acceleration. Both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
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