2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Kona bursts onto the scene with more zest, boasting 147 hp and a slightly better combined MPG rating of 31 on regular unleaded fuel. Its compact footprint, measuring 171.3 inches long, prioritizes agility. Conversely, the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer counters with a torque advantage, generating a robust 162 lb-ft compared to the Kona's 132 lb-ft, hinting at a punchier low-end feel, despite its lower 137 hp output. The Trailblazer is also slightly larger at 174.1 inches in length and offers E85 compatibility for fuel flexibility. While the Kona offers 25.5 cu ft of cargo space, the Trailblazer sits at 25.3 cu ft. The Kona starts at $24,550, while the Trailblazer undercuts it significantly at $23,000, making the price a key battleground in this FWD crossover showdown.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona wins for commuters due to its superior 29/34 MPG split, promising fewer stops at the pump during the daily grind.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer secures the family vote by offering greater height at 64.2 inches, potentially translating to easier entry and exit for passengers.
2025 Hyundai Kona
Enthusiasts lean toward the Kona for its higher 147 hp output, suggesting a more engaging sprint to highway speeds.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer offers compelling value by starting at a lower MSRP of $23,000 compared to the Kona's $24,550.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize efficiency, evidenced by its 31 combined MPG rating.
- You want the most horsepower available in this pairing, delivering 147 hp.
- You prefer a slightly more maneuverable vehicle due to its shorter overall length of 171.3 inches.
Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...
- You seek the best starting price point, with an MSRP of only $23,000.
- You value low-end responsiveness, highlighted by its superior 162 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the slight extra vertical clearance provided by its 64.2-inch height and E85 fuel flexibility.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Chevrolet Trailblazer |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 174.1" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.2" |
| Height | 62.2" | 64.2" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 104.0" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Drying | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 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 | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 30/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 396.0/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 13.2 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 11.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
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. | 55.4 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 38.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 53.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 50.4 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 | 225/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| 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 Trailblazer.
Which vehicle is quicker from zero to sixty, based on these specs?
While 0-60 times are not listed, the 2025 Hyundai Kona has a distinct horsepower advantage with 147 hp versus the Trailblazer’s 137 hp, suggesting it might edge out the Chevy in pure acceleration.
Does the difference in MPG between the two crossovers matter much?
Yes, the Kona leads with a combined 31 MPG (29 city/34 highway) compared to the Trailblazer's 30 combined MPG. Over a year of commuting, that 1 MPG difference on the highway saves fuel costs.
What is the main difference in how these two crossovers handle power delivery?
The Trailblazer generates significantly more torque at 162 lb-ft, which means it likely feels stronger when accelerating from a stop or carrying heavy loads, even though the Kona has more peak horsepower.
Is the cargo capacity nearly identical between the Kona and the Trailblazer?
Yes, the capacities are extremely close; the Kona offers 25.5 cu ft, giving it a marginal edge over the Trailblazer's 25.3 cu ft. Neither vehicle offers substantially more storage volume.
Which crossover is physically larger?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is the larger vehicle, being 2.8 inches longer (174.1 inches vs 171.3 inches) and 2 inches taller (64.2 inches vs 62.2 inches) than the 2025 Hyundai Kona.
How does the ability to use E85 affect the Trailblazer's cost of ownership?
The Trailblazer’s flex-fuel capability offers the *option* to use E85, which can sometimes be cheaper than regular unleaded gas, but its fuel economy might drop when utilizing E85.
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