I test drove the Kona and hated it. Very cheap feeling.

I ended up with a Subaru (Legacy) instead. Very happy with it.

Why not Mazda CX-3 or CX-30? Mazdas have been great for me. I went with Honda HR-V and hate it.

Kona comes in both hybrid and full EV versions.
Crosstrek has a plug-in hybrid engine available.

I'd get the PHEV Crosstrek. Those are some fun cars. They have quite a bit of power in such a small frame.

I don’t know anything about Hyundai, but I know plenty about Subaru Crosstrek’s - and I’ll never own another one again.

In less than 5 yrs/90k miles, it needed:

Both front CV axles.

3 wheel bearings. (1 under warranty, 2 not)

Cylinder head gaskets

Valve springs (under warranty)

Water pump (under warranty)

A/C condenser coil

2 power window motors (under warranty)

1 door lock solenoid (under warranty)

Dash instrument cluster


The transmission was starting to show warning signs of impending trouble when we traded it. That would’ve been out of warranty and $6,500.


Will NEVER own another Subaru again.

I would do the Subaru, partly because I think a Subaru will last longer and have better resale but also because all Subaru vehicles have AWD and I’m a first responder so need that for snow driving.

Anonymous wrote:I have owned a Golf that was always in the shop, a Subaru and now a Hyundai Kona. We must be car twins, OP. I am very happy with the Kona. You can get a lot of options for way less $$ than other cars because Hyundais are not as popular. But they have an excellent warranty, the Kona has a nice smooth ride, and it's very reliable. Two things I don't like about the Kona is its very forgettable/boring design (I have walked past my own car multiple times lol) and the hatchback doesn't hold as much cargo as one would think.

OP: Thanks for this. Do you find the back seat of the Kina cramped? That is my one reservation? Did you like the Subaru too or prefer the Kona?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Subaru over Kia any time. You can't be serious.

Are Kia and Hyundai the same company?

Yes, Hyundai bought Kia years ago

I have owned a Golf that was always in the shop, a Subaru and now a Hyundai Kona. We must be car twins, OP. I am very happy with the Kona. You can get a lot of options for way less $$ than other cars because Hyundais are not as popular. But they have an excellent warranty, the Kona has a nice smooth ride, and it's very reliable. Two things I don't like about the Kona is its very forgettable/boring design (I have walked past my own car multiple times lol) and the hatchback doesn't hold as much cargo as one would think.

Anonymous wrote:OP: read some old post suggesting the Crosstrek does not have much power? Seemed fine when I test drove it but is this something to consider?

My husband had one as a loaner and I thought it was peppy, but I usually drive a minivan so my standards are low in that regard.

The horn sound is fairly pathetic though. Dh beeped at me from it and I had to laugh. Big burly military officer, and the little “beep, beep” from the car was just too funny.

OP: read some old post suggesting the Crosstrek does not have much power? Seemed fine when I test drove it but is this something to consider?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Subaru over Kia any time. You can't be serious.

Are Kia and Hyundai the same company?

No, they are not the same company.

Anonymous wrote:Subaru over Kia any time. You can't be serious.

Are Kia and Hyundai the same company?

Subaru

Subaru over Kia any time. You can't be serious.

On the fence? Like the Subaru but a bit bigger than I have had. Heard both are reliable? Replacing a VW golf that I love driving but has been nothing but a nightmare with repair issues.