2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its fresh and distinctive appearance, despite no visual changes from the 2024 model. Its futuristic design was highlighted by a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a modern look. The Kona's design, with its curves, bulges, and sharp angles, created a satisfactory aesthetic from most angles. The 2025 model was notably larger, about six inches longer than its predecessor, enhancing both interior space and road presence. The new N Line S trim, along with the N Line, offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding, while other trims like SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited added visual enhancements such as larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, featuring solid construction and ample tech, with 64-color ambient lighting now standard on higher trims.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations. The third-generation model carried forward changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction. The most noticeable update was the frameless grille with a curved wing bar, creating a visual connection with the headlights. The Crosstrek Hybrid was available in Sport and Limited trims, with the Limited Hybrid offering a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort. The interior featured soft-touch surfaces and durable plastics, with gray StarTex seats accented by orange stitching. The Limited Hybrid added upscale touches like chrome-trimmed power window switches and a heated steering wheel. The Crosstrek Hybrid's design prioritized function over flash, maintaining Subaru's straightforward design philosophy.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and two gas-powered options. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but lacked in performance. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims boasted a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided a broader torque band and more muscular performance, although it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup for an additional $1,500, enhancing traction and handling with a multi-link rear suspension.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid featured a hybrid powertrain with a total system output of 194 horsepower, making it the fastest Crosstrek to date. The hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine with a 118-hp traction motor, delivering smoother acceleration than the gas-only version. The Crosstrek Hybrid utilized two motor-generators, one for engine start/stop and battery charging, and the other as a drive motor and for regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid achieved 31 miles per gallon, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 36 mpg. Subaru's AWD system, combined with X-Mode traction management, provided superior off-road capability compared to competitors. The Crosstrek's steering was light but precise, thanks to a revised dual-pinion steering rack, and body lean was reduced compared to older models.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered impressive cargo capacity, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, providing adequate space for passengers. The front seats featured a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The interior boasted excellent storage options, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. Upholstery varied by trim, with cloth on lower trims, Alcantara sport seats on N Line trims, and H-Tex leatherette on the Limited. Heating and ventilation options improved with higher trims, and dual-zone automatic climate control was standard on most trims.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved on previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The hybrid's cargo volume measured 18.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 50.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The gas tank remained a generous 16.6 gallons, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refueling. Rear-seat space was ample, with 36.7 inches of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Front storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging and deep door pockets. The Crosstrek Hybrid balanced practicality with comfort, making it a versatile choice for various needs.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured 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 a digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization and cohesion. Audiophiles could upgrade to N Line or Limited trims for an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained current.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but its software was slow and laggy compared to competitors. The system was a fingerprint magnet, and many controls were touchscreen-based, which could be frustrating. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Limited Hybrid featured a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, although the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps. Despite its shortcomings, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered some useful tech features.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Kona included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid faced challenges in safety ratings, with the 2025 model scoring only Marginal in the IIHS's moderate overlap front crash test. However, the NHTSA awarded it five stars for overall safety. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight ADAS, featuring adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pre-collision braking, and automatic emergency braking. While lacking a semi-autonomous driving system, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a solid suite of safety features.