Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid vs Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, ensuring it stood out in the crossover class. Its design featured a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a futuristic look. The Kona's design, while not traditionally handsome, combined curves, bulges, and sharp angles in a way that was visually satisfying. The newer model was noticeably larger, offering more interior space and a more assertive stance, especially in the sportier N Line trim. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, providing a solid and airy feel with ample tech features. Options like a sunroof and powered liftgate were available with specific trims and packages.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid continued the evolutionary improvements seen in previous generations. It carried forward changes from 2024, including new sheet metal and chassis construction, with the most noticeable update being the frameless grille with a curved wing bar. The Crosstrek Hybrid was sold in a single trim in Canada, offering a balance of rugged utility and refined comfort inside. The cabin featured consistent material quality, with black leather upholstery in Canadian models. Standard features included heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a power moonroof. The Crosstrek Hybrid's interior 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 Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The N Line trim boasted a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available for an additional cost on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line. The Kona's ride and handling were competent, with AWD models benefiting from a more sophisticated suspension setup.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The hybrid powertrain combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson/Miller-cycle engine with an 118 hp traction motor, resulting in a total system output of 194 hp. This made it the fastest Crosstrek to date, although highway acceleration didn't feel significantly faster. The hybrid system utilized two motor-generators for engine start/stop functions and regenerative braking. During testing, the Crosstrek Hybrid recorded 7.6 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 6.5 L/100 km. Subaru's AWD system and X-Mode traction management provided enhanced capability on variable terrain.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered ample cargo space, with 723 litres available with the rear seats in place and 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom measured 970 millimetres, providing adequate space for most passengers. The front seats were comfortable, with a generous range of movement and a reach- and height-adjustable steering wheel. Interior storage was excellent, with numerous compartments for personal items. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth, leatherette, and Alcantara sport seats available. Climate control ranged from basic single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid improved upon previous iterations by offering more horsepower and cargo space. The trunk provided 527 litres of space behind the rear seats and 1,433 litres with the seats folded. The fuel tank remained a generous 63 litres, allowing for long-distance travel without frequent refueling. Rear-seat space was ample, with 926 millimetres of legroom, surpassing competitors like the Corolla Cross Hybrid. Front storage was limited, with a small tray for wireless charging and two cupholders. Overall, the Crosstrek Hybrid offered a practical and spacious interior.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The N Line trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing a cohesive and customizable display. Audiophiles could upgrade to an eight-speaker Bose audio system with the N Line's Ultimate package. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid came with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, but the system was less competitive compared to rivals. The software was slow, and many controls were managed via touchscreen buttons. However, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, providing an alternative to the Starlink software. The Crosstrek Hybrid included a Harman Kardon stereo and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, although the navigation map couldn't display Google Maps when using phone projection.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and more. The N Line with the Ultimate package added advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and a Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS), reflecting its strong safety credentials.

The 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid did not receive a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, scoring "Marginal" in the moderate overlap front crash test. However, the NHTSA awarded it five stars in its overall safety rating. The Crosstrek Hybrid included Subaru's EyeSight advanced driver assistance systems, offering features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. Despite lacking a semi-autonomous driving system, the Crosstrek Hybrid provided a comprehensive suite of safety features.