Compact suv rivalry: honda hr-v vs hyundai kona – which offers the best value and tech?
What To Know
- The rear end is characterized by a split taillight design and a sloping roofline, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance.
- The HR-V has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive.
- The Kona with the turbocharged engine has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive, with automakers vying for the attention of discerning drivers. Two standout contenders in this arena are the Honda HR-V and the Hyundai Kona. Both offer a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and style. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the key differences and similarities between the Honda HR-V and the Hyundai Kona to help you make an informed decision.
Design and Styling
Honda HR-V: The HR-V exudes a sleek and modern aesthetic. Its sculpted body lines and angular headlights give it a sporty and sophisticated look. The rear end features a tapered roofline and wraparound taillights, creating a dynamic and eye-catching profile.
Hyundai Kona: The Kona, on the other hand, embraces a more rugged and adventurous design. Its squared-off silhouette, bold grille, and prominent wheel arches convey a sense of off-road capability. The rear end is characterized by a split taillight design and a sloping roofline, giving it a unique and distinctive appearance.
Interior and Space
Honda HR-V: The HR-V’s interior is designed with practicality and comfort in mind. The dashboard layout is intuitive and user-friendly, featuring a floating touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats offer ample legroom and headroom, while the second row provides generous space for passengers. The HR-V also boasts a versatile “Magic Seat” system that allows for multiple seating and cargo configurations.
Hyundai Kona: The Kona’s interior is equally spacious and well-appointed. The cabin features a modern and stylish design, with a clean dashboard layout and a large touchscreen infotainment system. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, while the rear seats offer decent legroom and headroom. The Kona also offers a generous cargo capacity, making it ideal for hauling gear.
Powertrain and Performance
Honda HR-V: The HR-V comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. It is mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that provides smooth and efficient acceleration. The HR-V offers a balanced driving experience, with adequate power for everyday commuting and occasional highway runs.
Hyundai Kona: The Kona offers a wider range of powertrain options. The base model comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It is also available with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produces 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The Kona’s powertrains are paired with either a six-speed automatic transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Kona delivers a more engaging and spirited driving experience, especially with the turbocharged engine.
Fuel Efficiency
Honda HR-V: The HR-V has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. With all-wheel drive, the fuel economy drops slightly to 27 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
Hyundai Kona: The Kona’s fuel economy varies depending on the powertrain option. The base model with the 1.6-liter engine has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The Kona with the turbocharged engine has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Safety Features
Honda HR-V: The HR-V comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Hyundai Kona: The Kona also offers an impressive array of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping assist. It received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS.
Price and Value
Honda HR-V: The Honda HR-V has a starting price of $23,650 for the base LX trim. The top-of-the-line EX-L trim starts at $29,450. The HR-V offers a good balance of features, performance, and value for its price.
Hyundai Kona: The Hyundai Kona has a starting price of $23,950 for the base SE trim. The top-of-the-line Limited trim starts at $31,250. The Kona offers a wider range of powertrain options and features, but it also comes with a slightly higher price tag.
Final Verdict
The Honda HR-V and the Hyundai Kona are both excellent compact SUVs that offer a compelling blend of practicality, versatility, and style. The HR-V excels in terms of interior space and fuel efficiency, while the Kona offers a more engaging driving experience and a wider range of powertrain options. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual preferences and priorities.
FAQs
Q: Which SUV has a more spacious interior?
A: The Honda HR-V offers slightly more interior space than the Hyundai Kona, particularly in the second row.
Q: Which SUV is more fuel-efficient?
A: The Honda HR-V is more fuel-efficient than the Hyundai Kona, especially with front-wheel drive.
Q: Which SUV has a more powerful engine?
A: The Hyundai Kona offers a more powerful turbocharged engine option, while the Honda HR-V has a more fuel-efficient base engine.
Q: Which SUV has a better safety rating?
A: Both the Honda HR-V and the Hyundai Kona have received top safety ratings from the IIHS.
Q: Which SUV has a lower starting price?
A: The Honda HR-V has a slightly lower starting price than the Hyundai Kona.
