2026 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Subaru Impreza

$25,350 · Crossover

$26,595 · Wagon

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2026 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Subaru Impreza often boils down to prioritizing height and city fuel economy versus standard grip and power. If you're looking for the most affordable entry point, the Kona kicks things off at an MSRP of $25,350, slightly undercutting the Impreza's $26,595. The Kona also boasts superior fuel efficiency, achieving a combined 31 MPG versus the Impreza's 29 MPG, thanks partly to its FWD setup compared to the standard AWD of the Subaru. However, the Impreza counters with slightly more grunt, delivering 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque against the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Dimensionally, the Kona is shorter overall at 171.3 inches but taller at 62.2 inches, offering a different visual profile than the longer, lower Impreza wagon configuration.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its better fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Kona

The Kona offers more outright utility with 25.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Impreza's 20.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Subaru Impreza

The 2026 Subaru Impreza appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its slightly higher 152 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Kona

The Kona provides a lower starting MSRP at $25,350, making it the cheaper entry point.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You prioritize maximizing miles per gallon, as the Kona delivers 31 combined MPG.
You need the absolute best capacity for hauling gear, thanks to its 25.5 cu ft cargo area.
You prefer a slightly lower starting cost at $25,350.

Choose the Subaru Impreza if...

You live where snow or slick roads are common and need the assurance of standard All-Wheel Drive.
You value marginally more engine output, as the Impreza produces 152 horsepower.
You prefer the longer, lower stance and dimensions of a traditional wagon body style.

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	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Subaru Impreza.

Does the 2026 Hyundai Kona or the 2026 Subaru Impreza offer better gas mileage?

The 2026 Kona is the clear winner for fuel efficiency, rated at 31 MPG combined (29 city/34 highway). The Impreza, with its standard AWD, returns 29 MPG combined.

Which vehicle is better for carrying cargo: the Kona or the Impreza?

The Kona crossover beats the Impreza wagon in pure cargo volume, offering 25.5 cubic feet versus the Impreza's 20.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats.

Is the Subaru Impreza significantly more powerful than the Hyundai Kona?

Yes, the Impreza holds a slight performance edge, generating 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft.

Why is the Subaru Impreza more expensive than the Kona?

The Impreza has a slightly higher MSRP of $26,595 compared to the Kona's $25,350, largely because the Subaru includes All-Wheel Drive as standard equipment across the model line.

What is the main dimensional difference between these two vehicles?

The Kona is noticeably taller at 62.2 inches versus the Impreza's 58.3 inches, but the Impreza is slightly longer overall at 176.2 inches compared to the Kona's 171.3 inches.