2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Chevrolet Trax
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Kona jumps into the fray with a slight performance edge, boasting 147 hp and better fuel economy at 31 combined MPG, making its spirited character appealing. Conversely, the 2026 Chevrolet Trax stakes its claim on raw pulling power, delivering a robust 162 lb-ft of torque, significantly higher than the Kona's 132 lb-ft, despite only achieving 30 combined MPG. The Trax also offers superior length at 178.6 inches versus the Kona's 171.3 inches, translating to a marginal advantage in cargo space at 25.6 cu ft. While the Kona starts higher at an MSRP of $24,550, the Trax undercuts it significantly at $21,600, positioning it as the budget champion. Both use FWD and regular unleaded fuel, but the Kona's slightly peppier engine aims for driving fun while the Trax focuses on attainable torque and affordability in this compact crossover duel.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona
The 2025 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 29/34 MPG city/highway compared to the Trax's 28/32 MPG.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is better suited for families by offering slightly more practical space with 25.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft and longer overall length.
2025 Hyundai Kona
Enthusiasts will prefer the Kona because it offers more peak horsepower at 147 hp, making it feel quicker off the line despite lower torque figures.
2026 Chevrolet Trax
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax provides superior value, starting at an MSRP of $21,600, which is nearly $3,000 less than the Kona's $24,550.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize the highest horsepower figure available, opting for the Kona's 147 hp.
- You want the best fuel efficiency rating, netting 34 MPG on the highway.
- You prefer a slightly smaller overall footprint, measuring 171.3 inches in length.
Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...
- Maximizing torque is crucial, as the Trax delivers an impressive 162 lb-ft.
- You are budget-conscious, taking advantage of the significantly lower starting MSRP of $21,600.
- You value maximum cargo volume, even if by a slim margin (25.6 cu ft).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Chevrolet Trax |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 178.6" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.8" |
| Height | 62.2" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 106.0" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| 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 | flex-fuel (FFV) |
| 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 | 6-speed shiftable 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 | 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 | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 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 | — | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 52.1 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 | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 38.1 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 54.3 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 | 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 | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Chevrolet |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| 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 Trax.
Which crossover is more powerful: the 2025 Kona or the 2026 Trax?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona has the edge in raw horsepower, producing 147 hp compared to the 2026 Chevrolet Trax's 137 hp. However, the Trax counters with significantly more torque at 162 lb-ft versus the Kona's 132 lb-ft.
How much larger is the cargo area in the Trax versus the Kona?
The 2026 Chevrolet Trax offers marginally more cargo utility, providing 25.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. The 2025 Hyundai Kona trails slightly with 25.5 cubic feet.
Is there a significant price difference between these two FWD crossovers?
Yes, the price gap is substantial; the 2026 Chevrolet Trax starts at $21,600, whereas the 2025 Hyundai Kona has a higher entry MSRP of $24,550.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona wins the efficiency battle, delivering a combined 31 MPG, slightly eclipsing the 2026 Chevrolet Trax's 30 combined MPG rating.
Do either of these models offer all-wheel drive?
Based on the provided specifications, both the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Chevrolet Trax are listed exclusively with front-wheel drive (FWD) for this comparison set.
What are the differences in their transmissions?
The 2025 Kona utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) for smooth power delivery, while the 2026 Trax uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
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