Current small-SUV comparison · Delray Beach, Florida

2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2027 Hyundai Kona

The Crosstrek is the stronger shortlist choice when standard AWD, 180 horsepower and 8.7 inches of ground clearance matter. The Kona may fit shoppers who want the lower FWD starting MSRP, higher FWD fuel-economy estimates, more published rear legroom and cargo space, or an available 190-horsepower turbo. Compare the exact drivetrains: Kona's $25,500 headline is for FWD, while every 2026 Crosstrek includes AWD.

Which small SUV fits your priorities?

Both are five-passenger small SUVs, but the least-expensive configurations make different tradeoffs. Use this fit guide before comparing the exact Crosstrek and Kona trims on your list.

Put the 2026 Crosstrek first if you prioritize:

  • AWD included on every trim instead of added as an option
  • 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque from the standard 2.5-liter gas engine
  • 8.7 inches of ground clearance, or 9.3 inches on Wilderness
  • Gas, Hybrid and Wilderness choices in the current Crosstrek lineup

Put the 2027 Kona first if you prioritize:

  • A $25,500 FWD starting MSRP before freight and other charges; Crosstrek starts higher but includes AWD
  • 28 city / 35 highway / 31 combined MPG in SE FWD; Crosstrek matches the 26-city rating of Kona SE AWD and publishes 33 highway MPG
  • 38.2 inches of rear legroom and 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat; Crosstrek gives up space but provides more base power and clearance
  • An available 190-horsepower turbo with an eight-speed automatic on higher trims; Crosstrek provides 180 horsepower and AWD from Base upward

2026 Crosstrek Base AWD vs. 2027 Kona SE gas specifications

This table identifies both base gasoline trims and shows both Kona drivetrains where Hyundai publishes different figures. It does not mix Crosstrek Hybrid or Kona Electric numbers into the gas comparison.

Current manufacturer-published U.S. specifications reviewed October 26, 2026
Decision point 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Base
2.5L gas / CVT / AWD 		2027 Hyundai Kona SE
2.0L gas / IVT / FWD or AWD
Starting MSRP $26,995; AWD included $25,500 for FWD; HTRAC AWD available, separately configured
Engine output 180 hp / 178 lb-ft 147 hp / 132 lb-ft
Transmission Lineartronic CVT Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Drivetrain Subaru Symmetrical AWD standard FWD standard; HTRAC AWD available
EPA-estimated MPG, city / highway 26 / 33 AWD 28 / 35 FWD; 26 / 29 AWD
Minimum ground clearance 8.7 in. 6.7 in. FWD; 8.1 in. AWD
Rear legroom 36.5 in. 38.2 in.
Cargo volume, rear seats up / folded 19.9 / 54.7 cu. ft. 25.5 / 63.7 cu. ft.
Gas-lineup powertrain choices 180-hp 2.5L gas engine on Base, Premium, Sport, Limited and Wilderness 147-hp 2.0L on SE and SEL Sport; 190-hp 1.6L turbo on SEL Premium and Limited

Manufacturer starting MSRPs exclude freight or destination, tax, title, license, options and other charges. Vehicle equipment and pricing can change. Cargo measurements come from each manufacturer and may not use identical methods.

Does the Kona really start for less?

Hyundai publishes a $25,500 starting MSRP for the 2027 Kona SE FWD. Subaru publishes a $26,995 starting MSRP for the 2026 Crosstrek Base, and that configuration includes AWD. The $1,495 headline difference compares two different drivetrains. Hyundai lists HTRAC AWD as available but the exact AWD vehicle, freight, options and total transaction amount must be checked separately.

If you want AWD, compare an actual Kona AWD configuration with an actual Crosstrek rather than subtracting the two FWD-versus-AWD base prices. Our Delray team can show you the window label, installed equipment and itemized price for the Subaru we sell. A Hyundai retailer must verify Kona inventory, pricing, fees, incentives and payments.

How do AWD and ground clearance compare?

Every 2026 Crosstrek includes Symmetrical AWD and 8.7 inches of ground clearance; Wilderness raises clearance to 9.3 inches. Hyundai makes HTRAC AWD available across the 2027 Kona lineup. The Kona SE publishes 6.7 inches of clearance with FWD and 8.1 inches with AWD.

For wet South Florida roads, compare smooth starts, turning behavior and control layout without treating any system as a guarantee of grip. Tires, speed, standing water and driver input still matter. If unpaved access, deep driveway transitions or frequent weekend gear are priorities, drive the standard Crosstrek and Wilderness rather than assuming one setup fits both uses.

Which is more efficient, and which has more power?

The Kona SE FWD has the higher base fuel-economy estimates: 28 city / 35 highway / 31 combined MPG. With AWD, the Kona SE is rated at 26 city / 29 highway / 27 combined MPG. The Crosstrek Base AWD is rated at 26 city / 33 highway MPG. Actual mileage varies with equipment, conditions and driving habits.

At base trim, Crosstrek publishes 180 horsepower and 178 lb-ft, compared with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft for Kona SE. The comparison changes on Kona SEL Premium and Limited, which use a 190-horsepower, 195-lb-ft turbo engine and eight-speed automatic. That turbo may suit drivers who want its output and conventional automatic; Crosstrek's counterbalance is 180 horsepower plus AWD without moving above Base. Drive the exact powertrain you would buy; do not use the turbo figure to describe the Kona SE price.

Which has more rear-seat and cargo room?

On the manufacturers' published figures, Kona has the larger numbers: 38.2 inches of rear legroom and 25.5 / 63.7 cubic feet of cargo room with the rear seats up / folded, compared with 36.5 inches and 19.9 / 54.7 cubic feet for Crosstrek gas trims. That is an honest Kona advantage. Crosstrek answers a different priority with standard AWD, 180 base horsepower and 8.7 inches of clearance; it does not erase Kona's space lead, but it can make Crosstrek the better overall fit when capability matters more than maximum published volume.

Measurements still do not answer every fit question. Bring a child seat, stroller, dog crate, beach chairs or the luggage you actually use. Check the lift-over height, opening shape, folded-floor transition, front-seat position and rear-door access before deciding which tradeoff works in daily use.

What about Crosstrek Hybrid and Kona Electric?

They are different ownership choices and should not be folded into the gas table. Subaru currently lists 2026 Crosstrek Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims with AWD, an estimated 194-horsepower total system output and 36 city / 36 highway MPG. The current Hyundai U.S. Kona Electric page is still labeled 2025 and describes a battery-electric model with EPA-estimated range rather than gasoline MPG.

If you are deciding between gasoline, hybrid and fully electric driving, start with your daily mileage, home-charging access, highway use, cargo needs and preferred drivetrain. Do not treat 2025 Kona Electric range or MPGe as a specification for the 2027 gasoline Kona.

How should you compare driver-assistance features?

Subaru lists EyeSight Driver Assist Technology as standard throughout the 2026 Crosstrek lineup. Hyundai lists forward-collision assistance, lane-keeping and lane-following assistance, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go as standard across the 2027 Kona trims. Other functions vary by trim, option or package.

Neither system makes the vehicle self-driving or replaces an attentive driver. During a comparison drive, locate the controls, change the following-distance setting, understand the dashboard alerts and ask which blind-spot, parking and rear cross-traffic functions are included on the exact vehicle.

Put the Crosstrek facts into a real Delray test drive

Choose a Crosstrek stock number first, then tell us which Kona configuration you are considering. We can prepare the Subaru for a useful seating, visibility, cargo and control check and provide an itemized Subaru price.

A Delray Beach comparison-drive checklist

Shoppers from Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach and Lake Worth can answer the important questions in one planned drive. Ask us to confirm the Crosstrek trim and availability before coming to 2102 South Federal Highway, Suite C.

  • Federal Highway maneuvering: compare low-speed visibility, mirror coverage, turning effort and parking-camera views.
  • I-95 merging: listen to the transmission, test response with normal traffic and compare base-engine power honestly.
  • Wet-road setup: identify the exact drivetrain, tires and driver-assistance settings rather than relying on the model badge.
  • People fit: set the front seat first, then check second-row knee room, child-seat access and headroom.
  • Cargo fit: bring beach gear, a stroller, golf bag or dog crate and test the opening and folded-seat shape.

Visit Schumacher Subaru of Delray: 2102 South Federal Highway, Suite C, Delray Beach, FL 33483. Call 561-760-1512 to confirm the vehicle and time you want.

2026 Crosstrek vs. 2027 Kona questions

Why compare a 2026 Crosstrek with a 2027 Kona?

This guide covers the 2026 Crosstrek vehicles and specifications in its stated scope. Hyundai's current U.S. gas-model page has moved to the 2027 Kona. Naming both years prevents older Kona data from being presented as current.

Is AWD standard on the Crosstrek and Kona?

AWD is standard on every 2026 Crosstrek trim. The 2027 Kona is FWD by default and offers HTRAC AWD across all four gas trims.

Which has better gas mileage?

Kona SE FWD publishes the higher base estimates at 28 city / 35 highway / 31 combined MPG. Crosstrek counters with AWD included and 26 city / 33 highway MPG; Kona SE AWD is 26 / 29 / 27. Choose Kona FWD when maximizing the published base MPG matters most, or Crosstrek when standard AWD, more base power and the stronger AWD highway estimate matter more. Actual mileage changes with trim, conditions and driving habits.

Which has more cargo room?

Hyundai publishes the larger numbers for Kona: 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 63.7 with it folded. Subaru publishes 19.9 and 54.7 for Crosstrek gas trims. Crosstrek does not overcome that paper advantage; its counterbalance is standard AWD, more base power and greater clearance. Test the objects you expect to carry and decide whether space or capability is the higher priority.

Does the Crosstrek have a hybrid, and is that like Kona Electric?

The 2026 Crosstrek offers Sport Hybrid and Limited Hybrid trims with AWD. Hyundai's current U.S. Kona Electric page is labeled 2025 and describes a fully electric vehicle. They use different energy sources and should be researched separately.

Can Schumacher Subaru of Delray quote a Kona?

No. This guide uses Hyundai-published MSRP and specifications for research. Schumacher Subaru of Delray can confirm current Crosstrek inventory and provide itemized pricing for the Subaru we sell; a Hyundai retailer must verify Kona pricing, fees, incentives and availability.

Choose a Crosstrek and finish the comparison

Browse the Crosstreks currently listed for Delray, identify the year, trim and stock number you want, then contact our sales team for availability, a comparison drive or an itemized Subaru price. You can also continue online through Express Store. Trade valuation is optional and is not required to use this guide.

Continue with the 2026 and 2027 Crosstrek guide or return to the Subaru vehicle comparison library. If useful, use the optional trade-value tool.