2025 Hyundai Kona vs. 2025 Subaru Crosstrek: Which Compact SUV Fits Life in Sandy, Utah?

Why This Comparison Matters

Whether you're commuting from Draper to South Jordan or planning weekend getaways to Moab or Bryce Canyon, your compact SUV needs to balance city comfort with Utah-tested capability. The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and the 2025 Hyundai Kona both offer compelling packages—but if your priorities include all-weather confidence, off-road versatility, and long-term value, one clearly pulls ahead.

Performance & Powertrain

The Crosstrek is powered by a Subaru Boxer® engine offering 152 horsepower and a low center of gravity—enhancing stability on mountain roads and sharp curves around Cottonwood Heights. Step up to the 2.5L engine on Sport and Limited trims, and you’ll enjoy quicker acceleration and smoother highway merging than the Kona N Line.

The Kona’s standard engine offers slightly less horsepower, and while its turbocharged variant boosts performance, it's limited to higher trims and still can’t match the Crosstrek’s trail-rated pedigree.

Fuel Economy

The Kona does offer a slight fuel economy advantage, with up to 34 highway mpg compared to the Crosstrek’s 33–34 highway mpg. For daily drives through Midvale or West Jordan, both are efficient enough—but the Crosstrek’s added capability more than makes up for a 1–2 mpg difference for many Utah drivers.

Interior Space & Cargo

Crosstrek offers a roomier front row with 42.9 inches of legroom, besting the Kona’s 41.7". While the Kona wins on rear legroom by about 2 inches, the Crosstrek’s more squared-off cargo area makes loading bulkier gear—like snowboards or strollers—much easier.

All-Weather and Off-Road Readiness

This is where the Crosstrek firmly outpaces the Kona. Every 2025 Crosstrek comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and boasts 8.7 inches of ground clearance—perfect for unpaved roads, snowstorms in Herriman, or muddy trailheads near the Wasatch. AWD is optional on the Kona, and its lower ride height (6.9 inches) limits its off-road potential.

Ride Comfort & Daily Use

Thanks to its suspension tuning and sound insulation, the Crosstrek delivers a calm, confident ride—even on Utah’s rougher roads. While the Kona’s lighter frame makes it easy to navigate tight city streets and parking lots, many drivers describe the Crosstrek as more refined and stable at higher speeds or longer drives.

Safety & Family Confidence

The Crosstrek continues Subaru’s tradition of safety leadership. With standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology, it includes lane centering, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision braking. It was even named Parents Magazine’s Best Compact SUV for Families. The Kona also includes robust safety features, but AWD is not standard and rear visibility is more limited due to its coupe-like design.

Utah-Ready Verdict

If your adventures include snowy commutes through Sandy, summer escapes to Southern Utah, or just want one vehicle that’s as flexible as your lifestyle, the Subaru Crosstrek is built for it. The Kona is a solid urban cruiser, but the Crosstrek brings year-round confidence and off-road versatility that’s hard to beat.

Choose the Crosstrek if you:

• Live in snow-prone areas like Riverton, Herriman, or Cottonwood Heights
• Plan road trips or off-pavement exploring in Utah’s mountains or deserts
• Need a more rugged, all-purpose vehicle that’s still fuel-efficient

Choose the Kona if you:

• Drive primarily in the city and prioritize mpg and maneuverability
• Don’t need standard AWD or high ground clearance
• Prefer a lighter, more compact urban layout

See the 2025 Crosstrek at Mark Miller Subaru South Towne

At Mark Miller Subaru South Towne in Sandy, we know Utah drivers need more than a commuter car—they need a companion built for adventure. Stop by our dealership to test drive the new 2025 Subaru Crosstrek and see why so many of your neighbors trust Subaru for life in the Beehive State.