2025 Hyundai Kona Electric vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV
Comparison Overview
Struggling to decide between a punchy, affordable EV crossover and a long-range newcomer? The comparison between the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric (starting at $32,975) and the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV (starting at $35,100) boils down to prioritizing size and range versus initial cost and maneuverability. The Kona Electric is the clear budget-friendly option, sitting nearly $2,125 cheaper upfront, and its compact length of 171.5 inches makes city parking easier. However, the larger Equinox EV, spanning 190.6 inches, offers a massive advantage in driving distance, boasting 319 miles of range compared to the Kona’s 200 miles. Furthermore, the Chevy nearly closes the performance gap with 213 horsepower versus the Hyundai's 133 hp, suggesting a more capable highway cruiser, even if the Kona beats it slightly on base cargo space (25.5 cu ft vs 26.4 cu ft, a negligible difference given the size contrast).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
The 2025 Kona Electric wins for daily commuting due to its lower starting MSRP of $32,975 and smaller footprint for easier city navigation.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV
The 2026 Equinox EV is better for families because its significantly longer 319-mile range reduces range anxiety on longer trips.
2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV
Enthusiasts will prefer the Equinox EV as it delivers substantially more power with 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 133 hp.
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
The Kona Electric offers better immediate value by providing an accessible entry price point into the electric crossover segment.
Choose the Hyundai Kona Electric if...
- You need the lowest possible entry price into an electric crossover, starting at just $32,975.
- You prioritize easy handling and tight parking, thanks to its shorter 171.5-inch body length.
- Your daily driving needs are reliably under 150 miles, making the 200-mile range perfectly adequate.
Choose the Chevrolet Equinox EV if...
- Long-distance travel is important, as the 319-mile range significantly outclasses the competition.
- You desire much quicker acceleration, benefiting from 80 more horsepower (213 hp vs 133 hp).
- You can utilize the extra physical space provided by its larger dimensions (190.6 inches long).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona Electric | Chevrolet Equinox EV |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.5" | 190.6" |
| Width | 71.9" | 76.9" |
| Height | 62.0" | 64.8" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 116.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention 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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Type | electric | electric |
| Horsepower | 133 hp | 213 hp |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft | 236 lb-ft |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 1-speed direct drive | 1-speed direct drive |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | electric | electric |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | 131/105 MPGe | 117/100 MPGe |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | 118 MPGe | 109 MPGe |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | 200 mi. | 319 mi. |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | 29 | 31 |
| Charging Time (240V) | 5.1 hr. | 9.5 hr. |
| Battery Capacity | 48.6 kWh | — |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | SAE Combo | SAE Combo |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 17.7 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 58.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 38.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.4 in. | 38.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 50.7 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 245/55R19 |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 19 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| EV Battery Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric and 2026 Chevrolet Equinox EV.
Is the 2026 Equinox EV noticeably bigger than the 2025 Kona Electric?
Yes, the Chevrolet Equinox EV is significantly larger; it measures 190.6 inches long, making it nearly 20 inches longer than the Kona Electric's 171.5 inches. This size difference translates to a slightly larger available cargo capacity of 26.4 cu ft in the Chevy.
How much better is the performance of the Equinox EV in real-world driving?
The difference is substantial; the Equinox EV boasts 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, while the Kona Electric produces only 133 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque. This 80-horsepower gap means the Chevy will feel much quicker when passing or merging onto highways.
If I commute daily, does the Kona Electric's range cover most needs?
For typical commuters, the Kona Electric's 200-mile range is generally sufficient for several days of driving without needing a recharge. However, the Equinox EV’s 319-mile range offers much more flexibility for unexpected long detours.
What is the cost difference between these two electric crossovers?
The 2025 Kona Electric starts at $32,975, making it the cheaper entry point. The 2026 Equinox EV has a higher MSRP of $35,100, meaning you pay over $2,100 more for the upgrade in size and range.
Are the drive setups different between the two EVs?
No, both the 2025 Kona Electric and the 2026 Equinox EV come standard with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) and utilize a single-speed direct drive transmission, keeping their basic mechanical layouts similar despite performance differences.
Which crossover offers more usable cargo room?
The 2026 Equinox EV has a slight edge in measured cargo volume at 26.4 cubic feet, marginally beating the 2025 Kona Electric’s 25.5 cubic feet, although this small difference might not be noticeable unless carrying very bulky items.
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