2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Buick Envista
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the nimble 2025 Hyundai Kona and the slightly more substantial 2026 Buick Envista boils down to prioritizing efficiency versus space. If your daily drive revolves around minimizing fuel stops, the Kona pulls ahead with 31 MPG combined, besting the Envista's 30 MPG, even though both use regular unleaded. However, if hauling gear matters, the Kona offers 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Envista's 20.7 cu ft, a significant difference despite the Kona being over 11 inches shorter in length (171.3 inches vs 182.6 inches). Priced almost identically, starting at $24,550 for the Kona and $24,600 for the Envista, the choice pivots on transmission feel—Kona’s CVT versus Envista’s 6-speed automatic—and engine output, where the Envista surprisingly delivers more grunt with 162 lb-ft of torque versus the Kona’s 132 lb-ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona
The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers slightly better fuel economy at 31 MPG combined, saving a bit at the pump.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona provides substantially more usable space with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Envista's 20.7 cubic feet.
2026 Buick Envista
The 2026 Buick Envista wins enthusiasts over with higher torque output at 162 lb-ft versus the Kona's 132 lb-ft.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona offers superior cargo capacity and slightly better MPG for essentially the same starting MSRP of around $24,550.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You want the absolute best fuel efficiency, as the Kona achieves 34 MPG highway.
- You need maximum packing space, as the Kona offers 25.5 cu ft of cargo area.
- You prefer the more traditional power delivery characteristics of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Buick Envista if...
- You prefer the feeling of a conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
- You need more low-end pull for merging, thanks to the Envista’s stronger 162 lb-ft of torque.
- You favor a longer vehicle profile, as the Envista measures 182.6 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Buick Envista |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 182.6" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.5" |
| Height | 62.2" | 61.2" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 106.0" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 1.2 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 28/32 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 369.6/422.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 13.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Sun Sensor | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 11.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 52.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette/Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 45.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Buick |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 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 and 2026 Buick Envista.
Which car is better for city driving in terms of fuel economy?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona holds a slight advantage in stop-and-go traffic, rated at 29 MPG in the city compared to the 2026 Buick Envista's 28 MPG city rating. Both vehicles utilize FWD for efficient operation.
How does the difference in horsepower and torque affect driving feel?
The Kona produces 147 hp, while the Envista has 137 hp; however, the Envista compensates with significantly more torque at 162 lb-ft versus the Kona’s 132 lb-ft. This means the Envista should feel stronger pulling away from a stop.
Is the Buick Envista actually a bigger vehicle than the Kona?
Yes, despite similar height dimensions, the Envista is notably longer, measuring 182.6 inches compared to the Kona's 171.3 inches. This longer wheelbase doesn't translate into more useful cargo volume, though.
Can I use E85 fuel in the Hyundai Kona?
No, the 2025 Hyundai Kona is strictly designed for regular unleaded fuel. The 2026 Buick Envista is flex-fuel capable, allowing it to run on E85 if you have access to it.
What is the price difference between these two crossovers?
These two are priced almost identically, making cost a minimal differentiator; the Kona starts at $24,550, whereas the Envista begins at $24,600. This small difference shouldn't sway your final decision.
Which car has the smaller physical footprint for tight parking spots?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona is the more compact option, measuring 171.3 inches long and 62.2 inches tall. The Envista is slightly longer and lower to the ground.
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