2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Subaru Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester underwent a noticeable visual transformation, focusing on a more streamlined and generic appearance. It featured standard roof rails and 17-inch alloy wheels, with higher trims offering larger wheels and distinctive accents. The Forester Sport, for instance, showcased bronze trim accents and 19-inch wheels, while the Touring trim boasted a low-profile roof rack and chrome badging. The interior saw improvements with the introduction of StarTex material in the Sport trim, offering easy cleaning and a cohesive design with bronze exterior accents. Higher trims provided genuine leather seating, and the cabin overall had a more intentional and designed look, with structural dash elements enhancing its appeal.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its fresh appearance from the previous year, with a futuristic design characterized by a flush grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. The Kona's increased size, being six inches longer, contributed to a more assertive road presence and improved interior space. The N Line S and N Line trims offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged, providing a solid and airy feel, with a notable addition of 64-color ambient lighting in higher trims. The Kona's seating options varied across trims, with Alcantara sport seats in N Line trims and H-Tex leatherette in the Limited trim, ensuring comfort and style.

The 2025 Subaru Forester featured a 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, paired with Subaru's Lineartonic CVT and Symmetrical AWD, offered a reliable driving experience. The Forester's X-Mode system, standard from the Premium trim, enhanced stability and traction on challenging terrains. While acceleration was not particularly brisk, the Forester excelled in off-road conditions, providing a stable and confident ride. Fuel economy was rated at 26 mpg city, 33 highway, and 29 combined, with slight variations for Sport and Touring trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, delivering 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's IVT. For more power, the N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD was available across the lineup, enhancing traction and handling. The Kona's performance was adequate, with the turbo engine providing a more muscular feel, although it could feel flat at low revs.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced a hands-free power liftgate, enhancing convenience. Cargo space increased slightly, offering 29.6 cubic feet with rear seats in place and 74.4 cubic feet when folded. The Forester's roomy second row contributed to its competitive interior space, although it fell slightly short compared to some rivals. The interior featured a dark headliner, power-adjustable seats, and heated options in higher trims, ensuring comfort and practicality.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. The Kona's interior offered ample legroom and headroom, with comfortable front seats and excellent in-car storage options. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured cloth upholstery, while higher trims offered Alcantara sport seats and H-Tex leatherette. Heating and ventilation options varied across trims, with dual-zone automatic climate control available in most.

The 2025 Subaru Forester introduced an 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, standard on all but the base trim, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features like a wireless charging pad, Wi-Fi hotspot, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The Touring trim included a voice-activated navigation system and advanced driver-assistance features.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging, a digital key, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The N Line and Limited trims provided an eight-speaker Bose audio system, while built-in navigation was available in select trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity enabled over-the-air updates.

The 2025 Subaru Forester offered advanced safety features, including Emergency Stop Assist, adaptive cruise control, and Subaru's EyeSight suite with enhancements for 2025. The Forester's safety features were comprehensive, although crash-test ratings were not yet available for the 2025 model.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety equipment, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist and enhanced collision-avoidance capabilities. The Kona's safety features contributed to its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.