The first thing to note in the comparison is the price. Although it is still relatively a brand new model, the Hyundai Kona is less expensive than the Crosstrek across all trim levels.
Reliability
Winner: Kona
Hyundai features and industry leading 60 month/60,000 mile basic warranty and a 10 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. The Subaru has a 36 month/36,000 mile basic and 5 year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty. While the Kona is a brand new model, J.D. Power’s2017 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed show that Hyundai vehicles are better in initial quality than Subaru vehicles.
J.D. Power ranks Hyundai 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 25 more problems per 100 vehicles, Subaru is ranked 25th, well below the industry average.
Consumer Reports’ April 2017 Auto Issue also reports that Hyundai vehicles are more reliable than Subaru vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Hyundai 4 places higher in reliability than Subaru.
Ride & Handling
Winner: Kona
Again, the Hyundai seems to be the clear winner for a number of reasons. The Kona’s larger tires and width profile should provide a surer grip to the road. Turn radius on the Kona is also tighter than the Subaru’s although that is to be expected given the slightly shorter wheelbase for the Kona. The variable assist power steering that is standard on the Kona and lacking on the Crosstrek also makes a difference, so the Kona will be easier to park and maneuver in tight quarters.
Safety
Winner: Kona
If safety is important to you then the Kona may be the better option. While both models feature a wide array of safety features, The Kona optional driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The Crosstrek doesn’t offer this option.
The Kona also features larger brake rotors which will stop the Kona quicker than the Subaru in case of an emergency.
Both vehicles have a complete array of airbags for all occupants, traction control, electronic stability systems, rear view cameras, rear parking sensors, blind spot warning systems, and lane departure warnings.
