VS
At a Glance
Power
190hp @ 6000
180hp @ 5800
Torque
195lb-ft @ 1700
178lb-ft @ 3700
Fuel
28 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Towing
—
1500lbs
Engine
1.6 L/98ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Kona and the Subaru Forester is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Kona delivers 190hp @ 6000 while the Subaru Forester produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Kona returns 28 mpg est. while the Forester uses 30 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $32,650 for the Kona and $33,385 for the Forester. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Hyundai KonaLimited FWD 2026 - From $32,650
Subaru ForesterPremium AWD 2026 - From $33,385
Performance
Power Output (hp)
190hp @ 6000
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
195lb-ft @ 1700
178lb-ft @ 3700
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.6 L/98ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
—
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
30 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
26mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
33mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.2gal
16.6gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
171.3in
183.3in
Width (in)
71.9in
72in
Height (in)
62.6in
68.1in
Wheelbase (in)
104.7in
105.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
Coming Soonlbs
3569lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
1500lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Kona
Fuel Economy
Forester
Value
Kona
Practicality
Forester
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Kona
Lower starting price ($32,650)
Higher fuel consumption (28 mpg est.)
Subaru Forester
Better fuel economy (30 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Kona or Forester?
The Kona gets 28 mpg est. and the Forester gets 30 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Forester is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Kona or Forester?
The Kona produces 190hp @ 6000 and 195lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Forester delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 3700 of torque. The Kona is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Kona and Forester?
The Kona starts from $32,650 and the Forester from $33,385. The Kona is cheaper by $735 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Kona or Forester?
The Kona has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Forester can tow 1500lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Kona or the Forester?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.