Hyundai Kona 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.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Kona starts from $32,500 before on-road costs, while the Subaru Crosstrek opens at $36,490. That makes the Hyundai Kona the more affordable entry point by $3,990.
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 $35,750 and $40,139 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Kona by roughly $1,570 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 83% for the Subaru Crosstrek.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Subaru Crosstrek packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Hyundai Kona.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona and 7 in the Subaru Crosstrek.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Subaru Crosstrek gets a 11.6-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona stands out with Apple CarPlay 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 Kona uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The Subaru Crosstrek responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 196Nm, paired to a cvt driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Subaru Crosstrek has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Kona is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 145mm 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 361L in the Hyundai Kona and 559L in the Subaru Crosstrek, giving the Subaru Crosstrek a 198L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona and $2,195/year for the Subaru Crosstrek. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Kona.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Hyundai Kona) vs $2,195 (Subaru Crosstrek). The Hyundai Kona saves you roughly $314 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Subaru Crosstrek). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Subaru Crosstrek if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Subaru's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Kona takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Hyundai Kona will save you roughly $314 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Subaru Crosstrek has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek?
The Hyundai Kona is the cheapest at $32,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Subaru Crosstrek by $3,990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Kona uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Subaru Crosstrek has the largest boot at 559L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Subaru Crosstrek makes the most power at 115kW. The Hyundai Kona is quickest to 100km/h in 9.9s.
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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