2025 Subaru Outback vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
The most significant measurable divergence between the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Hyundai Kona is the $4,645 difference in starting MSRP, with the Kona positioned at $25,350 compared to the Outback's $29,995. Performance metrics also show a distinct split: the Outback produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, significantly outweighing the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy favors the smaller Kona, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the Outback's 28 combined MPG, although both use regular unleaded fuel. Size disparity is notable, with the Outback boasting a length of 191.1 inches to the Kona's 171.3 inches, resulting in a superior 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. Crucially, the Outback includes standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD), whereas the Kona utilizes Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) in its base configuration.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers superior fuel economy at 31 combined MPG, which directly translates to lower running costs for daily driving.
2025 Subaru Outback
The 2025 Subaru Outback provides substantially more utility with 32.6 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 25.5 cu ft, better accommodating family needs.
2025 Subaru Outback
With 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque, the Outback delivers 35 more horsepower than the Kona, ensuring a more capable powertrain experience.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona secures the value victory due to its significantly lower starting MSRP of $25,350, representing a $4,645 savings over the Outback.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- You require the stability and traction provided by standard All-Wheel Drive.
- You need maximum utility, evidenced by 32.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- Your driving prioritizes power output, benefiting from 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Your budget is primary, as the $25,350 MSRP is $4,645 less than Car 1.
- Maximizing fuel efficiency is critical, with the Kona achieving 31 combined MPG.
- You prefer a smaller vehicle footprint (171.3 inches long) for easier urban maneuverability.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Outback | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 191.1" | 171.3" |
| Width | 73.0" | 71.9" |
| Height | 66.1" | 62.2" |
| Wheelbase | 108.1" | 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 | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 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) | 26/32 MPG | 29/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 28 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 481.0/592.0 mi. | 359.6/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls 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 | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 40.1 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.8 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.5 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 | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.1 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 57.4 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 54.8 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
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 | 225/65R 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 Outback and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
How does the horsepower difference affect real-world driving between these crossovers?
The 2025 Subaru Outback produces 182 hp, a 35 hp advantage over the 2026 Hyundai Kona's 147 hp. This power delta means the Outback will offer better acceleration and merging capabilities, especially when the vehicle is loaded or climbing grades.
Is the Outback's higher price justified by its standard features?
The Outback costs $29,995 compared to the Kona's $25,350, a $4,645 premium. This price gap buys standard All-Wheel Drive and significantly more physical space, including an extra 7.1 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Which vehicle is more economical regarding fuel consumption?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is the more fuel-efficient choice, rated at 31 combined MPG (29 City/34 Highway). The 2025 Subaru Outback trails slightly at 28 combined MPG, with 26 City/32 Highway ratings.
What is the functional difference between the drivetrains offered?
The 2025 Subaru Outback comes standard with a full All-Wheel Drive system, optimizing grip in varied conditions. Conversely, the base 2026 Hyundai Kona is Front-Wheel Drive, which is typically sufficient for dry, paved commuting.
For larger families, how much storage space separates these two models?
Families needing substantial storage will favor the Outback, which offers 32.6 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats. The Kona provides a smaller 25.5 cu ft area, indicating the Outback offers 7.1 cu ft more volume for luggage or gear.
Are both vehicles compatible with standard gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Subaru Outback and the 2026 Hyundai Kona are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, meaning neither requires premium gasoline for their respective base engines.
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