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HomeComparisonsHyundai Inster vs Subaru Crosstrek
Spec Battle Updated 20 April 2026 5 min read

Hyundai Inster vs Subaru Crosstrek

A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.

Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.

SpecHyundaiSubaru
Price (RRP)$39,000$38,990
Fuel typeElectricPetrol
Range (WLTP)327km
Battery42 kWh
Power71.1kW115kW
Max DC Charge120kW
10-80% Charge Time28 min
Fuel Economy7.2 L/100km
Boot Space280L291L
Towing1,400kg
Warranty5yr / Unlimited5yr / Unlimited
ANCAP Safety4 Stars5 Stars
V2LYes (3.6kW)No

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Price Breakdown

The Hyundai Inster starts from $39,000 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Crosstrek opens at $38,990. That makes the Subaru Crosstrek the more affordable entry point by $10.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $42,900 and $42,889 respectively.

The Hyundai Inster qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Subaru Crosstrek, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Safety Rundown

The Subaru Crosstrek holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Inster. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Hyundai Inster and 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 5 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Subaru Crosstrek, against 4 on the Hyundai Inster.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

Charging Times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.

How long to charge

42kWh usable

Public DC

50kW charger · 0–80%

40 min

Ultra-rapid DC

up to 120kW · 0–80%

21 min

Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 120kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.

Feature Showdown

The Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Subaru Crosstrek gets a 11.6-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Inster stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L that you will not find on the Subaru Crosstrek. The Subaru Crosstrek counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Drivetrain

The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 71.1kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout.

The Subaru Crosstrek responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels.

The Subaru Crosstrek has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 71.1kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 670mm shorter than the Subaru Crosstrek at 4,495mm (2,670mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Subaru Crosstrek generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 291L in the Subaru Crosstrek, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 11L advantage.

Turning Circle

Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.

10.6m to 10.8m

TightestHyundai Inster Standard RangeTightest turn at 10.6m, easiest U-turns and carparks
Hyundai Inster Standard Range
10.6mTighter
Best
Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0L
10.8m
Worst
Hyundai Inster Standard Range
10.6m · Good

Based on 10.6m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways
Subaru Crosstrek AWD 2.0L
10.8m · Good

Based on 10.8m turning circle:

  • U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
  • Standard parking bay
  • Tight carparks
  • Narrow laneways

Turning circle ratings

Under 10m, Excellent
10 to 11m, Good
11 to 12m, Average
Over 12m, Large
Compare U-turns side by side

Turning Circle · U-turn compare

kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars
Tap to add/remove
TightestHyundai InsterTightest turn at 10.6m, needs the least road to swing around
Hyundai InsterTightest10.6 m
Good△ 3-point
Subaru Crosstrek10.8 m
Good△ 3-point
Scrub the turn

0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep

Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.

Under 10 m · Excellent 10–11 m · Good 11–12 m · Average Over 12 m · Large

Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.

True Cost to Own

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek). Both match on warranty length.

Who Should Buy Which?

Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.

Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.

The Verdict

The Subaru Crosstrek takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.

Common questions

Which is cheapest, Hyundai Inster and Subaru Crosstrek?

The Subaru Crosstrek is the cheapest at $38,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Inster by $10.

Which is the most fuel-efficient?

The Subaru Crosstrek uses the least fuel at 7.2L/100km on the combined cycle.

Which is safest?

The Subaru Crosstrek has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.

Which has the most boot space?

The Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 291L.

Which can tow the most?

The Subaru Crosstrek has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,400kg.

Which is the most powerful?

The Subaru Crosstrek makes the most power at 115kW.

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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.

Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026

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