Head-to-head
2027 Hyundai Kona vs 2027 Subaru Outback
The Hyundai Kona wins clearly, 95.5 to 84.1, on tech & comfort, price, fuel & range. The Subaru Outback is ahead on space & cargo and performance.
A
2027 Hyundai Kona
The 2027 Hyundai Kona is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Kona FWD, is EPA-rated at 31 mpg…
vs
A*2027 Subaru Outback
The 2027 Subaru Outback is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Outback AWD, is EPA-rated at 2…
Verdict · default weights
2027 Hyundai Kona
Clear winThe Hyundai Kona wins clearly, 95.5 to 84.1, on tech & comfort, price, fuel & range. The Subaru Outback is ahead on space & cargo and performance.
Tech & comfort 2027 Hyundai Kona leads by 37.5
Price 2027 Hyundai Kona leads by 22.7
Space & cargo 2027 Subaru Outback leads by 24.5
| Category · weight | 2027 Hyundai Konaoverall 95.5 | 2027 Subaru Outbackoverall 84.1 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 77.3 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 100 | 86.4 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 89.6 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 75.5 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 84.4 | 99.9 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 100 | 62.5 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 95.5 | 84.1 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Hyundai Kona: base trim SE FWD · Subaru Outback: base trim Base AWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2027 Hyundai Kona wins
- It lists 41 standard driver-assist features against 24.
- It lists more comfort and tech equipment (44 points against 27.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½).
- It starts $7,495 lower ($25,500 against $32,995 base MSRP).
Where the 2027 Subaru Outback answers
- It holds 34.6 cu ft behind the second row against 25.5.
- It turns out 178 lb-ft of torque against 132.
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 100.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
53 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $25,500 | $32,995 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | naturally aspirated |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 1,999 cc | 2,498 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.0L MPI Atkinson DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder | DOHC 4-cylinder horizontally opposed SUBARU BOXER; aluminum cylinder block and heads |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | DOHC |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 28 mpg | — |
| MPG (combined) | 31 mpg | — |
| MPG (highway) | 35 mpg | — |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 6.052 | 4.111 |
| Transmission speeds | — | 8 |
| Transmission type | Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) | cvt |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 6.7 in | 8.7 in |
| Overall height | 62.2 in | 67.5 in |
| Overall length | 171 in | 192 in |
| Overall width | 71.9 in | 74 in |
| Wheelbase | 105 in | 108 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 63.7 cu-ft | 80.5 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 25.5 cu-ft | 34.6 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 127 cu-ft | 112 cu-ft |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | — |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.9 in | 41 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 40.5 in |
| Third-row headroom | 38.3 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.7 in | 43 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 39.5 in |
| Third-row legroom | 38.2 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,005 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,005 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,090 lbs | 5,027 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson strut with coil springs | MacPherson-type struts, lower L-arms, coil springs, dampers, stabilizer bar, hydraulic engine mounts |
| Rear suspension type | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle | Double wishbone, coil springs, dampers, stabilizer bar |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) | Electric Power Assisted Rack-and-Pinion (Dual Pinion) |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 36.5 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 315 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | Electronic | electronic |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 300 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | ventilated disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 18 in |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | alloy |
| Wheel width | 7 in | 7 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 215/60R17 | 225/60R18 100H |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 12.4 gal | 18 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Bluelink | MySubaru Companion |
| Connected services trial (standard tier) | — | 60 months |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 56.8 in | 57.9 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 57.4 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 55.2 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
184 features · differences first, then sharedSafety57 differ · 61 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) w/ Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection | std | — |
| Smart Cruise Control w/Stop & Go | std | — |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) w/ Junction Turning Detection | std | — |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) | std | — |
| Airbags (Front - Advanced): Driver (1), Front passenger (1) | std | — |
| Driver and front passenger side-impact FR (Thorax) (2) | std | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) | std | — |
| Rear view monitor with parking guidance | std | — |
| Side air curtains (front and rear passengers) with rollover sensors (2) | std | — |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) | std | — |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) | std | — |
| Safe Exit Warning (SEW) | std | — |
| 2.5-MPH Bumpers | std | — |
| ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) | std | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control w/Lane Centering | — | std |
| Adjustable front-seat shoulder belt anchors | std | — |
| Anti-theft System integrated with remote keyless entry and panic alarm | std | — |
| Auto Vehicle Hold | — | std |
| Auto Vehicle Shut Down | — | std |
| Automatic Emergency Steering | — | std |
| Bodyside reinforcements | std | — |
| Brake Assist | — | std |
| Brake-Booster Single, 10.5" LHD | std | — |
| DriverFocus® Driver Monitoring System | — | std |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Electronic Shift Lock System & Ignition Key Interlock – Electronic type | std | — |
| Emergency Lane Keep Assist | — | std |
| Emergency Stop Assist | — | std |
| EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology | — | std |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) w/ Direct Oncoming Detection | std | — |
| Front + Rear (outboard positions only) seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters | std | — |
| Front crumple zone | std | — |
| Haptic Feedback | std | — |
| High Beam Assist (HBA) | std | — |
| Hillstart Assist Control (HAC) | std | — |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | std | — |
| Lane Change Assist | — | std |
| Lane Departure & Lane Sway Warning | — | std |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA) | std | — |
| Lead Vehicle Start Alert | — | std |
| Occupant Classification System (OCS) - Seat weight sensor and seat track sensor | std | — |
| Passenger Airbag ON / OFF Indicator | — | std |
| Power window lock-out button | std | — |
| Pre-Collision Braking, Follow Distance Warning, and Throttle Management | — | std |
| Rear child safety locks | std | — |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Warning | — | std |
| Rear LATCH Lower Anchors and Upper Tether Anchors | std | — |
| Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) (door logic-type) | std | — |
| Rear Radar Detection Sensors | — | std |
| Rear Seat Reminder | — | std |
| Rear-Vision Camera | — | std |
| Reverse Automatic Braking | — | std |
| Seatbelt: Driver's Warning Light & Chime | — | std |
| Smart Cruise Controls (steering wheel-mounted) | std | — |
| Vehicle Stability Management | std | — |
| Immobilizer | std | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with Individual Tire Indicator | std | — |
| Blind Spot Warning | std | std |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with electronic traction control (TCS) and rollover sensors | std | std |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with electronic traction control (TCS) and rollover sensors | std | std |
| Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) with electronic traction control (TCS) and rollover sensors | std | std |
Infotainment17 differ · 17 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 12.3-Inch Touchscreen Audio (ccNC Lite): AM/FM/SiriusXM®/HD Radio® System with 6-speakers | std | — |
| Bluetooth® controls | std | — |
| 6-speaker system | — | std |
| AM/FM Stereo HD Radio® | — | std |
| Audio controls (Volume up/down, Seek up/down, Mode) | std | — |
| Bluelink® Connected Car System | std | — |
| Bluetooth® Audio Streaming, Hands-Free Phone Connectivity, SMS Text Messaging | — | std |
| Front dual 3-amp USB-C outlets (1x Power/Data & 1x Power) | std | — |
| MySubaru Companion (5-Year Free Trial/Subscription Required After): SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Advanced Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Diagnostic Alerts, Vehicle Condition Check, Vehicle Health Report, Service Appointment Scheduler, Remote Vehicle Locator, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and Immobilization | — | opt |
| MySubaru Companion+ (Subscription Required): Remote Engine Start w/Remote Climate Controls, Remote Lock, Unlock, Horn and Lights; Curfew, Boundary and Speed Alerts; Valet Mode w/Password Reset, Pin, and Speed Alert; Trip Logs; Driving Journal; MySubaru Personal Assistant | — | opt |
| OTA Software Updates | std | — |
| Paddle Shift Control | — | std |
| Rear dual 3-amp USB-C outlets (2x Power) | std | — |
| SiriusXM with 360L (4 Month Free Trial / Subscription required after) | — | opt |
| Subaru 12.1-inch Multimedia System | — | std |
| Voice Activated Controls | — | std |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ | — | std |
Convenience11 differ · 11 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Proximity key entry with push button start and remote start | std | — |
| Proximity w/ Remote Start, detachable valet key & push button start (2) | std | — |
| 12-volt outlet - Front | std | — |
| 12-Volt Power Outlet | — | std |
| Door Handles: w/ Driver & Front Passenger Door Unlock/Lock Sensor | — | std |
| Illuminated Engine Start / Stop Switch | — | std |
| Keyless Access w/ Push Button Start | — | std |
| Power door locks | std | — |
| Remote keyless entry system with alarm and panic | std | — |
| Remote releases (hood & fuel filler door) | std | — |
| Power windows with driver auto-up/down | std | — |
Climate4 differ · 4 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioning (manual) | std | — |
| Cabin air filter | std | — |
| PTC Heater | opt | — |
| Rear seat heater ducts | std | — |
Seating8 differ · 10 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Heated Front Seats (All-Weather Package) | — | std |
| 10-way Power Driver's Seat (includes 2-way Power Lumbar Support) | — | std |
| 60/40 Split flat rear seatback with adjustable head restraints and recline function | std | — |
| Height adjustment driver - Manual | std | — |
| Rear Seatback 60/40 split | — | std |
| Reclining Seatback | — | std |
| Seating capacity: 5 | std | — |
| Whiplash Reducing Front Seats | — | std |
| 6-way Manual Driver's Seat | std | std |
| Black Cloth Upholstery | std | std |
Interior28 differ · 29 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2-inch Color Multi-Information Display | std | — |
| 12.3-inch full digital instrument display | — | std |
| 3-Spoke steering wheel | std | — |
| Assist grips (3) & rear coat hanger (1) | std | — |
| Cargo area light | std | — |
| Cargo tie-down anchors (4) - 1x cargo area corners | std | — |
| Center Dash Panel: Black Tricot Cloth (No Stitch) | — | std |
| Central dome light (with delay) and auto cut-off | std | — |
| Cord Management Clip | — | std |
| Door bottle holders - Front and rear (1x per door) | std | — |
| Door handles - Black (interior) | std | — |
| Door sill plates - Plastic | std | — |
| Door storage pockets - Front and rear | std | — |
| Floor covering - Needle Punch | std | — |
| Front center console - Fixed armrest storage with tray | std | — |
| Front dual cupholders - Center console-mounted, fixed | std | — |
| Glove compartment with Damper | std | — |
| Headliner - Knit-Type | std | — |
| Power Window Switches - Front and rear | std | — |
| Rear Seatback and Cargo Floor (Carpeted) | — | std |
| Rear Seatback Release Levers | — | std |
| Shift knob (N/A on Shift-by-Wire trims) | std | — |
| Soft Grip Urethane Steering Wheel | — | std |
| Storage tray - Center Stack / Center Console / Above glovebox | std | — |
| Welcome Lighting | — | std |
| Manual Tilt + Telescoping | std | — |
| Floor mats - Carpeted | opt | — |
| Sunvisors w/ sliding function and dual vanity mirror with cover | std | — |
| Rear View Mirror: Day / Night | std | std |
Exterior37 differ · 38 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| LED Projector headlights | std | — |
| 17 X 7.0J Alloys / 215/60R17 | std | — |
| Active grille shutters (front grille) | std | — |
| Body cladding - Textured Black | std | — |
| Door Handles: Body Color | — | std |
| Fr/Rr Lower Bumper Molding - Textured Black | std | — |
| Front 2-speed/variable intermittent windshield wipers | std | — |
| Front Badge: Subaru 6 Star Logo | — | std |
| Front Grille: Black Insert Material w/ Black Accent | — | std |
| Heated Power Exterior Mirrors (All-Weather Package) | — | std |
| Hood insulator | std | — |
| Intermittent rear window wiper/washer (non-variable) | std | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | std | — |
| LED Fog Lights | — | std |
| LED Steering Responsive Headlights w/Automatic High Beams | — | std |
| LED taillights | std | — |
| Outside Mirrors - Bodycolor | std | — |
| Power Mirrors: Black | — | std |
| Rear Badge / Black: OUTBACK | — | std |
| Rear Badge / Black: SYMMETRICAL AWD | — | std |
| Rear Badge: 6 Star Logo | — | std |
| Rear Bumper Trailer Hitch Cover | — | std |
| Roof Antenna - Shark-fin | std | — |
| Roof Rail Tie Down Points: Black Finish | — | std |
| Roof Rails: Raised Ladder Type: Black finish w/ Black finish End Mount Accent Covers and Crossbar | — | std |
| Side Cladding Letter Imprint: SYMMETRICAL AWD | — | std |
| Sound Insulating Windshield | — | std |
| Washer fluid sensor | std | — |
| Wheel Arch & Side Cladding: Black | — | std |
| Window Beltline Molding - Black | std | — |
| Windshield Wiper De-Icer (All-Weather Package) | — | std |
| Automatic headlights | std | — |
| Rear window defroster with timer | std | — |
| Solar front glass - Front Door, Windshield | std | — |
| Compact Temporary Spare Tire | std | — |
| LED Center High-Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL) | std | — |
| Mud Guards - Front/Rear | opt | — |
| Rear Roof Spoiler: Body Color w/ Black Edge & End Panels | std | std |
Powertrain8 differ · 8 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive | opt | std |
| FWD | std | — |
| AWD Lock | opt | — |
| Drive Mode Select (Center-console mounted) | std | — |
| Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) | std | — |
| Nu PE Engine Family: 2.0L MPI Atkinson DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder, Displacement: 1,999 cc, full engine cover (DCVVT) | std | — |
| Shift-by-Cable w/ SHIFTRONIC® manual shift mode | std | — |
| X-MODE® Single-Mode System with Hill Descent Control | — | std |
Chassis3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Column-mounted, Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) | std | — |
| Front suspension: MacPherson strut with coil springs and stabilizer bar | std | — |
| Rear suspension: Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (FWD) / Multi-link (AWD) | std | — |
Cargo3 differ · 3 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD |
|---|---|---|
| Dual level cargo floor | std | — |
| Sub-floor Cargo Area Storage Cover | — | std |
| Sub-floor Tire Repair Kit | — | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPHyundai Kona
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Subaru Outback
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Subaru OutbackBase AWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25,500 (base trim) | $32,995 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $25,500 – $34,035 8 trims | $32,995 – $46,595 7 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Kona FWD | Outback AWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 31 | 27 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,150 | $2,500 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain warranty | — | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2027 Hyundai Kona or the 2027 Subaru Outback?
The Hyundai Kona wins clearly, 95.5 to 84.1, on tech & comfort, price, fuel & range. The Subaru Outback is ahead on space & cargo and performance. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Hyundai Kona scores 95.5 and the 2027 Subaru Outback 84.1. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2027 Hyundai Kona or the 2027 Subaru Outback?
The 2027 Hyundai Kona starts lower — $25,500 against $32,995, a gap of $7,495 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2027 Hyundai Kona or the 2027 Subaru Outback?
2027 Hyundai Kona: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2027 Subaru Outback: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2027 Hyundai Kona and the 2027 Subaru Outback?
Where the 2027 Hyundai Kona wins: it lists 41 standard driver-assist features against 24, lists more comfort and tech equipment (44 points against 27.5 on the press-kit count, standard = 1, optional = ½), and starts $7,495 lower ($25,500 against $32,995 base MSRP). Where the 2027 Subaru Outback answers: it holds 34.6 cu ft behind the second row against 25.5 and turns out 178 lb-ft of torque against 132. What they share: a Safety Signal of 100.