It isn’t every year that a new generation comes to market. However, that’s the case with both the Subaru Crosstrek and Hyundai Kona in 2024.

That should mean that both have the best new technology and a bigger size. Is that the case? Keep scrolling to find out.

New Generations

These two subcompact SUVs enter a new generation in 2024. That means new features and an altered style. However, the Subaru Crosstrek upgrade doesn’t earn the same praise that has been heaped on the upgraded Kona.

Edmunds writes that the sleek and modern updates to the Kona interior make the overall package more cohesive. Reviewers at The Drive praise the Kona for many aspects, including visual charm, intelligence, more style, more tech and more space. They write that this generation has grown up in the right ways.

The Kona is praised for its new curved dashboard with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and an available 12.3-inch digital instrument display. On the other hand, critics complain about the sluggish input response times of the Subaru’s infotainment system. They note that graphics can look outdated. Overall, the Crosstrek dash tech is considered slightly behind the times.  

Then there’s the matter of size. The Kona grew while the Crosstrek didn’t.  

Size and Spaciousness

No matter how you look at it, the Subaru Crosstrek is smaller than the Hyundai Kona. When it comes to passenger volume, the Kona has 101.2 cubes vs 100.5 cubes in the Crosstrek.

As The Drive writes, there are substantial gains in useful space. For instance, Hyundai utilized a clever seating design. Thinner seats allow for more rear space, but the seats themselves are quite comfortable. Front row passengers will feel well-supported while back row passengers will appreciate more wiggle room.

With no increase in size, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek 2nd-row has slightly less headroom and two inches less legroom than the Kona. If you ever have backseat passengers, this will really matter.

Cargo and Utility

Significantly, the Kona cargo hold has 5.6 extra cubes of space compared to its Subaru rival. When the seats are folded, there’s an even bigger gap. The Kona owner has 63.7 cubes of space behind the 1st row while the 2024 Crosstrek owner has 54.7 cubes. That’s a 9 cubic foot difference.

Furthermore, the Hyundai Kona is known for its innovative storage features. A dual-level cargo hold floor can be used to hide items or to create a big flat surface. Unique storage clips are available to hold the cargo cover vertically to claim different space. 

Clearly the extra length has provided extra space, and engineers made sure it was as useful as it is expansive.  

Drivability and Power

Reviewers have lots of praise for the Kona. US News calls it a great daily driver. Their test drivers say it has better handling than many rivals. Car and Driver calls it a slam-dunk for most computers.

This praise is important because the Hyundai Kona does not have as much horsepower as the Subaru Crosstrek. The Subaru Crosstrek has a 152-horsepower engine while the Kona engine generates 147 horsepower. However, the Kona N-Line and Limited models offer a 190-horsepower turbo.

If efficiency is your biggest priority, the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric is remarkable. It earns up to 129 mpg-e in city driving and goes up to 260 miles on a single charge. There’s nothing like it in the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek lineup.

Adding more fun, the Kona EV is also the most powerful in this Kona vs Crosstrek comparison. Output is 201 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Learn more in this new Kona review.

Standards and Extras

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek in Phoenix AZ comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, a 4.2-inch driver display, a USB port, and Bluetooth. Larger and easier to use, the Kona 12.3-inch touchscreen is exceptional in this class. Plus the high-tech Kona has two front USB ports, two rear USB ports, and push button start.

Stepping up, the Subaru shopper can get an 11.6 touchscreen, but there is no upgrade for the driver’s screen. The Kona shopper can step up to a curved display with a 12.3-inch digital driver display.

Exclusive to the Hyundai Kona, ventilated seats are available to help you beat the heat during a long Phoenix AZ summer. The Crosstrek has an exclusive 10-speaker Harman Kardon stereo upgrade. However, the Kona does offer an 8-speaker Bose upgrade that’s specific to this model.

One Hyundai extra is more compelling than all the rest. It’s the long coverage that you get with the Kona. Subaru just doesn’t keep up.

Conclusion

Perhaps if you want something practical and utilitarian, the Subaru Crosstrek is fine. However, if you want something fun, high tech and forward-leaning, the 2024 Hyundai Kona is the answer. Lower price points and ample warranties are sure to sweeten the deal.

Book a test drive at your Earnhardt Hyundai - San Tan dealer. We’re open every day to make it convenient for your schedule.