2025 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2025 Hyundai KONA

Among the wide selection of subcompact SUVs in Orlando, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and 2025 Hyundai KONA compete head-to-head for your attention. They’re perfectly sized for zipping through central Florida’s busy streets and weekend getaways, but each takes its own approach to everyday driving needs. In this subcompact SUV comparison, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each crossover to see which might be the better fit for you.

Performance and Powertrains

The 2025 Crosstrek offers two engine choices. The base model has a 2.0-liter BOXER four-cylinder with 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. All other trims get an upgraded 2.5-liter BOXER engine delivering 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Every Crosstrek includes a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) — perfect for Florida’s sudden downpours. The base Crosstrek accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds, while sportier variants hit this in 8.1 seconds.

The KONA’s base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine makes 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims feature a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that outputs 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. Both engines come standard with front-wheel drive (FWD) and either an eight-speed automatic transmission or an Intelligent Variable Transmission. A big difference between these models is that you need to pay extra for AWD on the KONA.

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

Gas mileage matters for Orlando drivers. The 2025 Crosstrek’s 2.0-liter engine achieves 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. The 2.5-liter engine gets similar numbers but reduces highway mileage to 33. The off-road Wilderness trim lowers this to 25 mpg city/29 mpg highway. The KONA lineup gets up to 29 mpg city/34 mpg highway with FWD, while turbocharged trims go as low as 24 mpg city/29 mpg highway with AWD.

These differences add up. The Crosstrek’s X-MODE settings boost efficiency and traction in various conditions, while the KONA’s Snow mode helps AWD grip.

Capability and Handling

Ground clearance sets these SUVs apart. The Crosstrek sits 8.7 inches off the ground standard, while the Wilderness model sits at 9.3 inches with a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Other trims tow 1,500 pounds. Plus, the Crosstrek’s Symmetrical AWD and X-MODE systems help you safely and easily navigate tricky terrain.

The KONA offers up to 8.3 inches of ground clearance and optional HTRAC AWD to handle slippery conditions. The KONA’s suspension feels sportier and urban-focused — better for quick turns than off-road adventures.

For Florida adventures, Crosstrek’s standard AWD provides immediate grip on wet roads, beach access, and Ocala Forest trails without extra cost. On the other hand, the KONA handles daily driving well but requires thought about when you need that traction.

Interior Space, Tech, and Comfort

These SUVs show different priorities inside. The Crosstrek offers 120.4 cubic feet of interior volume: 39.8 inches of front headroom, 42.9 inches of front legroom, 38 inches of rear headroom, and 36.5 inches of rear legroom. You’ll also find 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 54.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

The KONA provides 126.7 cubic feet of interior volume, with 39.9 inches of front headroom and 41.7 inches of legroom. There’s also generous cargo space available: 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.7 cubic feet with seats folded. Tech-wise, KONA shines with dual 12.3-inch screens, over-the-air updates, Digital Key smartphone access, and artificial intelligence voice commands. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard.

Subaru counters with water-repellent StarTex upholstery on the Wilderness trim, which is excellent for Florida’s outdoor life and summer storms. You get either dual 7-inch displays or an 11.6-inch touch screen on higher trims, plus wireless connectivity. The Crosstrek focuses on durability, while the KONA emphasizes a futuristic design.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

With a five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rating for over six consecutive years and regular Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick recognition, the Crosstrek dominates safety testing. Its EyeSight 4.0 technology comes standard with Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency steering.

The KONA earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025 but received four-star NHTSA ratings for FWD and AWD models. Its SmartSense suite includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection, Lane Following Assist, driver attention warning, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. Higher trims add Highway Driving Assist.

Orlando’s tourist traffic and storm visibility issues make the Crosstrek’s five-star ratings valuable. Plus, EyeSight’s automatic braking helps with I-4 congestion and theme park chaos. Both offer solid driver aids, but Crosstrek’s superior crash scores give families extra confidence.

Pricing, Warranty, and Ownership Value

The 2025 Crosstrek starts at $26,560 and goes up to $33,360. The KONA costs less, starting at $24,550 and reaching $32,100. While you can save a few thousand versus similar Crosstrek trims, you don’t get standard AWD.

Hyundai’s five-year/60,000-mile basic and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty coverage is better than the Crosstrek’s three-year/36,000-mile basic and five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties. However, Subaru’s strong resale value can make up for this difference. At Sport Subaru South, we offer clear pricing and financing to help you navigate Florida’s car market.

Why Choose Sport Subaru South for Your Crosstrek Purchase

At Sport Subaru South, we understand our local customers’ needs. We serve the Orlando area with test-drive incentives, online tools, quick delivery, and quality service facilities. Our factory-trained techs, competitive financing, and straightforward pricing make car shopping easier. Once you’ve chosen a vehicle from our large inventory, our friendly staff will make the buying process easy and efficient. Receiving the 2025 Subaru Love Promise Customer and Community Commitment Award shows our dedication to community involvement and excellent customer service.

Finding Your Perfect Subcompact SUV Match in Orlando

Both SUVs serve Orlando shoppers well, but target different needs. The KONA offers better tech, lower prices, and a superior warranty. Optional AWD and efficient engines work great for basic commuting. But the Crosstrek excels with standard AWD for Florida weather, superior ground clearance, and X-MODE for central Florida adventures. Strong resale values and five-star safety ratings justify higher costs if you prioritize family safety. Visit Sport Subaru South to test the Crosstrek’s AWD, interior space, and safety tech. A quick drive will show if it matches your Orlando lifestyle.