Motor Trend Compares the Crosstrek Hybrid with the Kona AWD

When the massive popularity of SUVs first began in the 1980s, few probably predicted that subcompact SUVs would be such a fiercely competitive category. But what would have seemed too small and too carlike to those listening to Michael Jackson, Madonna, U2, and Prince on their brand-new CD players has become the default entry-level vehicles for new buyers and recently married couples. Motor Trend decided to directly compare two of the most popular models in the segment, neither of which bears a Toyota or Honda badge. Ewing Subaru of Plano tells you what they found.

The Subaru side of the comparison has the biggest news, with the hybrid drivetrain applied to the 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid. As Motor Trend points out, this is the third time the Crosstrek has had a hybrid in its lineup. It starts with the 2.5-liter flat-four found on the conventional Crosstrek, now part of a Toyota-sourced hybrid system featuring two motor-generators fed by a 1.1 kWh lithium-ion battery, which itself is charged by braking and deceleration. It does not plug in. The combined system produces 194 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.

Power is managed by a CVT, and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is standard. Unlike many hybrid crossovers that achieve this by powering the rear wheels with a rear-mounted motor, Subaru retains its mechanical Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system to maintain the Crosstrek’s off-road capability. MPG is 36 for both city and highway driving. The Crosstrek Hybrid starts at $34,995, but Motor Trend selected the range-topping Limited model, which, with a few options, had an as-tested price of $38,410.

Hyundai makes a Kona hybrid, but it isn’t sold in the U.S., so you’re left with the binary choice of all gas or all electric. Motor Trend chose the petrol path, which uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 that produces power very close to the Crosstrek Hybrid’s 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a conventional 8-speed automatic. As expected, fuel mileage is considerably lower than in a hybrid model, with 25 city, 28 highway, and 26 combined. Perhaps for consistency, they chose the “Limited” Kona as well, and definitely for consistency, they opted for AWD, adding just some floormats, which brought the total to $35,990.

When it comes to the exterior, they like the Kona’s modern lines but question whether it will age well. There is no such concern with the Crosstrek, as it is not all that different from how it has looked for 13 years since its introduction. In their words: “The Crosstrek is a good-looking vehicle and less anchored to its time than the Kona.”

They do prefer the Kona’s dash, however, citing it as more modern in appearance, though material quality is equally commendable on both. They also liked the transmission being controlled by a steering wheel stalk, clearing more space on the center console. This “new idea” is ironic for anyone who grew up when nearly all domestic sedans had the transmission in the same place. The Crosstrek’s dash is similar to what all Subarus have had for a while. Motor Trend is of the mind that the vertical format of the center screen doesn’t make the best use of the space, particularly when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Differences in interior room and cargo space were considered a wash in practical use. The Kona was commended for having more toe space for rear passengers. The Crosstrek was lauded for still having rocker switches for the front seat heaters that stay on until you turn them off, rather than a timer that automatically shuts them off.

The Crosstrek’s hybrid system is designed to improve MPG, so performance gains are minor compared to the non-electrified models. Motor Trend noted that its 0-60 time of 7.9 seconds is a nearly negligible 0.2 seconds quicker than non-hybrid models, and just as negligibly 0.2 behind the 7.7 time from the Kona. That said, they appreciated the “welcome surge of low-end torque that helps the Subaru move off smartly,” particularly compared to the Kona’s turbo lag. Beyond acceleration, they found “the Crosstrek is the better-driving crossover,” and criticized the Kona’s “lifeless and overly heavy” steering. They sum up thusly: “Both cars handle acceptably well, with good grip and confidence in the turns, but the Subaru feels more alive and engaging.”

Thus, it may not be a surprise that when a vehicle drives better and has 10 mpg better combined fuel economy, the Crosstrek emerged as Motor Trend’s winner.

Ewing Subaru of Plano encourages you to select a Crosstrek Hybrid out of our vast inventory and test it yourself to see what you think. It may well be that Motor Trend’s choice may be yours as well.