2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Chevrolet Equinox

$24,550 · Crossover

$28,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a smaller, efficient city runabout and a slightly larger, more potent option often boils down to balancing initial outlay against long-term running costs and space. The 2025 Hyundai Kona starts appealingly lower at $24,550 compared to the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox's $28,600, presenting a $4,050 upfront savings. The Kona prioritizes efficiency, achieving a combined 31 MPG, notably beating the Equinox's 27 MPG combined rating. However, the Equinox fights back with superior muscle, delivering 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, a clear advantage over the Kona's 147 hp. Although the Equinox offers substantially more space with 29.8 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Kona's 25.5 cu ft, drivers commuting daily might prefer the Kona’s better fuel economy across those longer journeys.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Kona

The Kona wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG combined fuel economy rating and lower initial MSRP.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

The Equinox offers significantly more utility for families, boasting 29.8 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Chevrolet Equinox

Enthusiasts will prefer the Equinox for its noticeably higher output of 175 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Kona

The Kona provides better overall value by costing $4,050 less upfront while delivering 4 more MPG.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You need to keep your initial purchase price low, as the Kona starts at $24,550.
Maximizing fuel stops is crucial, given the Kona's impressive 31 MPG combined rating (vs. 27 MPG for Car 2).
You prefer a slightly smaller footprint for easier city maneuvering, noted by its 171.3-inch length.

Choose the Chevrolet Equinox if...

You require extra room for gear or passengers, as the Equinox provides 29.8 cu ft of cargo space.
You value quicker acceleration supported by 175 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque.
You don't mind paying $4,050 more upfront for the added power and slightly larger dimensions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Kona	Chevrolet Equinox
Length	171.3"	183.2"
Width	71.9"	74.9"
Height	62.2"	65.6"
Wheelbase	104.7"	107.5"

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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	175 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 2000 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	Chevrolet
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	29/34 MPG	26/28 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.6/421.6 mi.	384.8/414.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	14.8 gal.

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	✓	✓
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	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Heated Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	11.3 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	39.9 in.	40.0 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	57.7 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	54.2 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	Hyundai	Chevrolet
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.2 in.	39.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	55.8 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.4 in.	51.7 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Chevrolet
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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.	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 Chevrolet Equinox.

How much more efficient is the Kona compared to the Equinox?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona is rated for 31 MPG combined, giving it a solid 4 MPG advantage over the 2026 Chevrolet Equinox, which achieves 27 MPG combined.

Does the price difference justify the power gap?

Yes, the Equinox costs $4,050 more, but it counters with an extra 28 horsepower (175 hp vs 147 hp) and 52 more lb-ft of torque (184 vs 132).

Which vehicle has better utility for hauling items?

The Equinox is the clear utility winner, offering 29.8 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Kona's 25.5 cubic feet.

Are either of these vehicles rated for premium fuel?

Fortunately, neither vehicle requires pricier fuel; both the Kona and the Equinox are specified to run on regular unleaded gasoline.

Which one is physically smaller for parking?

The Kona is noticeably more compact, measuring 171.3 inches long and 62.2 inches high, making it the nimbler choice versus the Equinox's 183.2-inch length and 65.6-inch height.

Do either of these base models offer All-Wheel Drive?

Based on the provided specifications, both the base 2025 Hyundai Kona and the base 2026 Chevrolet Equinox models listed here are configured with front-wheel drive.