2025 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax explodes onto the scene as the ultimate budget champion, starting at an aggressive MSRP of just $20,500, dramatically undercutting the 2026 Hyundai Kona's $25,350 price tag—a massive $4,850 separation. The Trax delivers a solid 137 hp and achieves a respectable 30 MPG combined on regular unleaded. Meanwhile, the Kona counters with a slightly more potent 147 hp and better efficiency, pulling 31 MPG combined, making it marginally better for highway cruising with 34 MPG versus the Trax's 32 MPG. Although the Trax is slightly larger at 178.6 inches long compared to the Kona's 171.3 inches, both offer near-identical utility with approximately 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space. For the driver prioritizing raw savings and accessible power, the Trax leads, but the Kona appeals with its slightly superior refinement and slightly punchier engine.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its slightly better 31 MPG combined rating and more modern CVT transmission for smoother city driving.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax takes the family nod by offering a larger footprint (178.6 inches long) and a significantly lower starting price point.
2026 Hyundai Kona
Enthusiasts lean toward the Kona as it delivers 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, besting the Trax's 137 hp and 162 lb-ft for a sportier feel despite lower torque.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax offers undeniable value, saving buyers a substantial $4,850 at the starting MSRP compared to its rival.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- You need the absolute lowest entry price, as the Trax starts $4,850 cheaper than the Kona.
- You prefer the punchier low-end acceleration delivered by its 162 lb-ft of torque.
- You appreciate a longer chassis for potentially easier ingress/egress, measuring 178.6 inches long.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the Kona achieves 34 MPG highway versus the Trax's 32 MPG.
- You seek marginally more peak horsepower (147 hp) for quicker merging maneuvers.
- You prefer the smoothness of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission over the Trax's 6-speed automatic.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trax | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 178.6" | 171.3" |
| Width | 71.8" | 71.9" |
| Height | 61.4" | 62.2" |
| Wheelbase | 106.0" | 104.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear 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 Solid 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 Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | flex-fuel (FFV) | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 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 | 6-speed shiftable 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) | 28/32 MPG | 29/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 369.6/422.4 mi. | 359.6/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 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 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.6 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.1 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 | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.1 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.3 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 45.8 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | 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 Trax and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
What is the main financial difference between the 2025 Trax and the 2026 Kona?
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax has a commanding lead in initial affordability, starting at $20,500, whereas the 2026 Hyundai Kona begins at $25,350, resulting in a $4,850 price gap favoring the Trax.
Which crossover is faster in terms of raw power output?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is slightly quicker on peak power, boasting 147 hp compared to the Trax's 137 hp. However, the Trax generates more rotational force with 162 lb-ft of torque versus the Kona's 132 lb-ft.
Are there significant differences in fuel efficiency between the two models?
Yes, the Kona offers marginally better efficiency, achieving 31 MPG combined and 34 MPG highway, while the Trax achieves 30 MPG combined and 32 MPG highway.
How do the cargo capacities compare for hauling gear?
The cargo capacities are nearly identical; the 2025 Trax offers 25.6 cu ft, slightly edging out the 2026 Kona's 25.5 cu ft, meaning both are practical for weekend trips.
Which vehicle uses a more conventional transmission system?
The 2025 Chevrolet Trax utilizes a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the 2026 Hyundai Kona employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
Is the Kona notably smaller than the Trax?
The Kona is slightly more compact overall; it measures 171.3 inches in length compared to the Trax's 178.6 inches, although the Kona is slightly taller at 62.2 inches versus 61.4 inches.
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