2025 Chevrolet Equinox vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox bursts onto the scene with a spirited 175 hp, making it the clear choice for drivers seeking immediate throttle response. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Kona charms with impressive frugality, achieving a combined 31 MPG from its 147 hp engine. This comparison boils down to power versus prudence in the compact crossover segment. The Equinox boasts a larger footprint at 183.2 inches long and offers a more cavernous 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Kona's 25.5 cubic feet. However, the Kona fights back hard on the wallet, starting at an accessible $25,350—a substantial $3,250 less than the Equinox’s $28,600 entry price. While the Equinox offers 28 more horsepower, the Kona counters with superior fuel economy, getting an extra 4 MPG combined. Deciding between these two means weighing the premium feel and capability of the Chevy against the sharp value proposition and efficiency of the nimble Hyundai.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined efficiency.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox provides more practical utility with its larger 29.8 cu ft cargo capacity.
2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox offers significantly more punch with 175 hp compared to the Kona's 147 hp.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona presents better value with a $3,250 lower starting MSRP.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...
- You prioritize robust acceleration supported by 175 horsepower.
- You need maximum hauling ability, thanks to 29.8 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the larger physical presence, measuring 183.2 inches in length.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Saving money upfront is crucial, with an MSRP starting $3,250 lower.
- You drive long distances and value efficiency, netting 31 MPG combined.
- You prefer a more nimble, compact package measuring only 171.3 inches long.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Equinox | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.2" | 171.3" |
| Width | 74.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 65.6" | 62.2" |
| Wheelbase | 107.5" | 104.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 175 hp @ 5600 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 26/28 MPG | 29/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 384.8/414.4 mi. | 359.6/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.8 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Heated Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cargo Floor Mats | ✓ | — |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.2 in. | 54.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.9 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.8 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 51.7 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 235/65R17 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Equinox than the 2026 Kona?
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox delivers 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, which is 28 more horsepower than the 2026 Hyundai Kona’s 147 hp rating. This power difference suggests the Equinox will feel noticeably quicker during acceleration.
Which crossover offers a significantly better price point?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is the clear budget winner, starting at $25,350. This undercuts the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox's $28,600 MSRP by $3,250.
Is the cargo space difference between these two crossovers significant for daily use?
Yes, the Equinox offers 29.8 cu ft of cargo space, giving it a distinct advantage over the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. For families or those frequently loading bulky items, this nearly 4.3 cu ft difference is substantial.
Which vehicle is better suited for highway cruising based on efficiency?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona excels on the highway, boasting a 34 MPG highway rating. While the Equinox manages 28 MPG highway, the Kona’s overall 31 MPG combined rating makes it the long-term fuel saver.
Do either of these base models offer All-Wheel Drive?
Based on the provided specifications, both the base 2025 Chevrolet Equinox and the 2026 Hyundai Kona are equipped with Front Wheel Drive (FWD). Customers interested in AWD will need to check for higher trim availability.
Are the transmissions very different between the two crossovers?
No, both the 2025 Equinox and the 2026 Kona utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT). This provides smooth power delivery for efficient driving characteristics in both models.
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