2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2020 Subaru Outback

Subaru had a winning formula with the Outback and aimed for incremental improvements in 2020. The sixth-gen Outback was built on Subaru’s Global Platform, boasting a 70% increase in structural rigidity. The base 2.5-liter engine, though seemingly similar to the 2019 model, had 90% new parts. For those seeking more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine from the Ascent was available in higher trims. Externally, changes were subtle, mainly in the head- and taillights, but the interior saw significant upgrades, including an 11.6-inch touchscreen for most trims and the innovative DriverFocus system.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona was a funky small SUV with a playful design, especially appealing to younger buyers. The front featured a busy grille flanked by multiple lighting elements, while the rear had a more subdued crossover look. Inside, the Kona maintained a fun yet practical attitude with neat seat patterns and a well-organized infotainment system. The interior layout was simple and intuitive, making good use of the compact space.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an upgraded 2.5-liter engine with 182 horsepower, a 7-hp increase over the 2019 model. This engine offered 26 mpg city and 33 highway, a 1 mpg improvement in both categories. For those needing more power, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the XT trims delivered 260 hp and 277 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in around 7 seconds. Both engines were paired with a CVT, which Subaru tuned to mimic a traditional automatic transmission, minimizing the typical CVT drawbacks.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The base engine came with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the turbo engine had a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. FWD was standard, with AWD available for an additional $1,400. The Kona handled well, offering a fun and agile driving experience, though the dual-clutch transmission was less smooth at low speeds. Fuel economy varied slightly with drivetrain choices, with the best being 28/32/30 mpg for the turbo engine with FWD.

The 2020 Subaru Outback excelled in functionality, offering 32.5 cubic feet of trunk space, expandable to 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The interior was spacious enough for a 6’4” driver to sit comfortably in both the front and rear seats. Visibility was a strong point, though the rear quarters had a notable blind spot. The Outback’s design prioritized proportion, contributing to better handling and less chance of rollover.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, with controls and displays easily accessible. The front seats were wide and well-padded but lacked sufficient support for spirited driving. Rear-seat passengers had good headroom but limited legroom. The Kona’s cargo space was limited compared to competitors, though small-item storage was generous and well-placed.

The 2020 Subaru Outback featured an 11.6-inch touchscreen, which was visually impressive but suffered from lag and buried climate-control functions. The system’s responsiveness was a significant drawback, with delays in navigation, app switching, and even volume control. Camera resolution was also subpar, detracting from the overall tech experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, six speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB inputs. Higher trims offered additional tech like SiriusXM radio, navigation, wireless device charging, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, responsive, and easy to navigate, making it a strong point for the Kona.

The 2020 Subaru Outback had a strong safety suite, including standard AWD and Subaru’s EyeSight system. However, the DriverFocus system was problematic, frequently issuing false alerts. EyeSight also had issues with visibility obstructions, turning off in conditions like snow, mud, or direct sunlight.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and more. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.