2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Subaru Outback maintained its rugged charm with minor updates to the Wilderness trim, featuring a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark gray cladding provided a striking contrast to the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Touring XT model, a color that was both unique and appealing. The Outback's various trims offered different levels of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Touring trim showcasing the most chrome, which was tastefully executed. Wheel designs varied across trims, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black 17-inch alloy wheels, while the Onyx Edition and higher trims featured larger, machine-finished wheels. Inside, the top-trim Touring XT impressed with its luxurious Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery, a step above the standard leather in the Limited trim and the StarTex synthetic leather in the Onyx Edition and Wilderness trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from its 2024 predecessor, continued to stand out in the crossover class with its futuristic design. The single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave even the gas-powered models a modern look. The Kona's increased size, being six inches longer than previous models, enhanced its road presence and interior space. The N Line S and N Line trims offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding. The Kona's trim lineup included SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited, each adding more visual flair with larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel, with the addition of 64-color ambient lighting standard on higher trims.

The 2024 Subaru Outback was powered by a "Boxer" horizontally opposed engine, with the base model featuring a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The XT trims, including the Wilderness, were equipped with a more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, increasing the towing capacity to 3,500 lbs. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT were standard across the lineup. The turbocharged engine in the Touring XT provided a better driving experience, managing the vehicle's weight effectively. The CVT mimicked the feel of an eight-speed transmission, and the brake pedal offered a responsive feel. The Outback's suspension contributed to a comfortable ride, with the Wilderness trim offering 9.2 inches of ground clearance and all-terrain tires for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance, although it felt slightly flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup for an additional cost, offering a more sophisticated ride with a multi-link rear suspension. The Kona's ride and handling were competent, prioritizing comfort over sporty driving dynamics.

The 2024 Subaru Outback offered ample interior space despite its sleek design. It provided more front-row headroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, and it excelled in front and rear legroom. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet with all seats in place and 75.6 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Outback featured dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat starting from the Premium trim. Higher trims offered additional features like heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The hands-free power liftgate was standard on most trims, and the Onyx Edition included a power moonroof. The Outback's roof rails with retractable cross bars added practicality.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom, ensuring comfort for most passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The Kona's interior featured excellent storage options, with numerous shelves and compartments. Upholstery varied by trim, with cloth seats on lower trims and Alcantara sport seats on N Line models. The Limited trim offered H-Tex leatherette seats, which were heated and ventilated. Dual-zone automatic climate control was standard on most trims, with physical controls for ease of use.

The 2024 Subaru Outback Touring trim featured a CD player, appealing to those who appreciated old-school features. The infotainment system included an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented screen on higher trims, with the base model retaining dual 7-inch screens. The Subaru Starlink platform offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with wireless functionality starting from the Premium trim. Climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. Wi-Fi capability was available on all but the base trim, and most trims featured a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing customization options. The N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Built-in navigation was available on select trims, with Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity enabling over-the-air updates.

The 2024 Subaru Outback received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies was standard, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering. Reverse automatic braking became standard on the Onyx trim, and the Touring trim added a wide-angle camera, digital rearview mirror, and driver-attention monitor. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard on higher trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced collision-avoidance features. The Limited trim included parking assistance technologies. All Konas came with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.