Tale of the tape: toyota yaris cross vs hyundai kona, head-to-head

In the realm of compact crossovers, the Toyota Yaris Cross and Hyundai Kona stand out as formidable competitors. Both vehicles offer a blend of versatility, style, and practicality, making them ideal for urban dwellers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key aspects of these two SUVs, providing insights to help you make an informed decision.

Exterior Design: Striking Silhouettes

Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross exudes a rugged and adventurous aura with its angular lines and pronounced wheel arches. Its compact dimensions and high ground clearance give it an assertive stance, while the sleek LED headlights and taillights add a touch of sophistication.

Hyundai Kona: The Kona boasts a more futuristic and sporty appearance. Its sharp creases and bold curves create a dynamic silhouette, while the hexagonal grille and sleek LED lighting lend it a distinctive character. The Kona’s contrasting roof and two-tone color options further enhance its visual appeal.

Interior Space and Comfort: Room with a View

Toyota Yaris Cross: Despite its compact exterior, the Yaris Cross offers surprisingly spacious interiors. The cabin is well-appointed with comfortable seats, ample legroom, and a generous cargo area. The large windows provide excellent visibility, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere.

Hyundai Kona: The Kona’s interior is equally spacious and well-equipped. The seats are supportive and offer adjustable lumbar support, while the rear seats provide ample headroom and legroom. The cargo area is slightly smaller than the Yaris Cross, but still sufficient for everyday needs.

Performance and Handling: Power and Agility

Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine paired with a CVT transmission. It delivers adequate power for city driving and highway cruising, but may struggle with heavy loads or steep inclines. The handling is responsive and穩健, with precise steering and well-controlled body roll.

Hyundai Kona: The Kona offers a range of engine options, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder. The turbocharged engine provides significantly more power and acceleration, while the four-cylinder engine offers a smoother and more fuel-efficient ride. The handling is agile and engaging, with sharp steering and a firm suspension.

Technology and Features: Connectivity and Convenience

Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It also features a range of safety features, including lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Hyundai Kona: The Kona offers a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with similar connectivity features. It also boasts a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability.

Fuel Economy and Eco-Friendliness: Efficiency and Sustainability

Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross is known for its fuel efficiency, with an EPA-estimated 32 mpg combined for the FWD model and 29 mpg combined for the AWD model. It also offers a hybrid version that provides even better fuel economy.

Hyundai Kona: The Kona’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine option. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg combined, while the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine gets 27 mpg combined. The Kona does not offer a hybrid or electric version.

Reliability and Safety: Peace of Mind and Protection

Toyota Yaris Cross: Toyota has a well-established reputation for reliability and durability. The Yaris Cross is expected to follow suit, offering peace of mind for long-term ownership. It has also received excellent safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Hyundai Kona: Hyundai has made significant strides in reliability in recent years. The Kona has proven to be a reliable vehicle overall, with few reported issues. It has also earned high safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

Pricing and Value: Bang for Your Buck

Toyota Yaris Cross: The Yaris Cross has a starting price of $19,500 for the base LE trim. The top-of-the-line XLE trim starts at $24,950. The hybrid version starts at $24,000.

Hyundai Kona: The Kona has a starting price of $21,950 for the base SE trim. The top-of-the-line Ultimate trim starts at $28,950. The turbocharged engine is available as an option on the SEL and Ultimate trims.

Final Thoughts: The Verdict

The Toyota Yaris Cross and Hyundai Kona are both excellent choices in the compact crossover segment. The Yaris Cross offers a more fuel-efficient and reliable option, while the Kona provides more power and advanced technology. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which vehicle has a larger cargo area?
A: The Toyota Yaris Cross has a slightly larger cargo area than the Hyundai Kona.

Q: Is the Toyota Yaris Cross available in all-wheel drive?
A: Yes, the Toyota Yaris Cross is available with all-wheel drive as an option.

Q: Does the Hyundai Kona offer a hybrid or electric version?
A: No, the Hyundai Kona does not offer a hybrid or electric version.

Q: Which vehicle has a better warranty?
A: Both the Toyota Yaris Cross and Hyundai Kona offer comprehensive warranties, with Toyota providing a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and Hyundai providing a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty.

Q: Is the Hyundai Kona more expensive than the Toyota Yaris Cross?
A: The Hyundai Kona has a slightly higher starting price than the Toyota Yaris Cross.