2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Kia Sportage

$24,550 · Crossover

$27,390 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Kona ignites the subcompact segment with its sharp styling and surprising efficiency, starting aggressively at an MSRP of $24,550 and achieving an excellent combined 31 MPG. Contrast this with the 2025 Kia Sportage, a larger, more muscular contender boasting a robust 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, offering palpable punch over the Kona's 147 hp. While the Kona is slightly nimbler at 171.3 inches long, the Sportage provides significantly more utility with a cavernous 39.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. The Sportage also features a more engaging 8-speed automatic transmission against the Kona's CVT. Ultimately, choosing between the Kona's lower barrier to entry and better fuel economy versus the Sportage's dominant power and superior spaciousness defines this exciting showdown.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 31 combined MPG versus the Sportage's 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Kia Sportage

The 2025 Kia Sportage is the family choice, offering substantially more utility with 39.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to 25.5 cu ft in the Kona.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Kia Sportage

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Kia Sportage for its significantly higher output of 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provides better entry-level value with an MSRP that undercuts the Sportage by nearly $3,000.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

Your budget is strict, as the Kona has a lower starting MSRP of $24,550.
Maximizing fuel stops is key, thanks to its 31 combined MPG rating.
You prefer a slightly more compact footprint, measuring 171.3 inches in length.

Choose the Kia Sportage if...

You need serious hauling capacity, as the Sportage boasts 39.6 cu ft of cargo space.
You crave responsive power, benefiting from the 40 hp advantage over the Kona.
You desire a traditional transmission experience with the 8-speed shiftable automatic.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Kona	Kia Sportage
Length	171.3"	183.5"
Width	71.9"	73.4"
Height	62.2"	65.4"
Wheelbase	104.7"	108.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
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	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	187 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4000 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	Hyundai	Kia
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	29/34 MPG	25/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.6/421.6 mi.	357.5/457.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	14.3 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	8.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.4 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	57.5 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	54.8 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	Hyundai	Kia
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	39.4 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.2 in.	41.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	55.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.4 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R17	235/65R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	—
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Kia
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	7 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 100000 mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2025 Kia Sportage.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Kona and the 2025 Sportage?

The 2025 Kia Sportage holds a significant edge in power, producing 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, which is a substantial 40 hp increase over the 2025 Hyundai Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.

Which crossover offers better fuel efficiency for daily city driving?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona is the more frugal choice for the city, achieving an EPA rating of 29 MPG in city driving compared to the 2025 Kia Sportage's 25 MPG.

Is the difference in size between these two crossovers meaningful?

Yes, the 2025 Kia Sportage is noticeably larger, measuring 183.5 inches long and 65.4 inches high, giving it a much greater physical presence and utility advantage over the Kona's 171.3-inch length.

How do the MSRPs compare for these base models?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers a lower starting price at $24,550, positioning it as the more accessible option when compared to the 2025 Kia Sportage, which starts at $27,390.

Does the transmission type affect the driving feel significantly?

The difference is noticeable; the Kona uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT), prioritizing smooth efficiency, while the Sportage employs a more traditional 8-speed shiftable automatic, which many drivers prefer for a more direct and engaged feel.

If cargo capacity is a major concern, which vehicle should I select?

The 2025 Kia Sportage is the clear winner for hauling, offering 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space, easily eclipsing the 25.5 cubic feet available in the smaller 2025 Hyundai Kona.