2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Ford Maverick
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Kona bursts onto the scene as the nimble city sprinter, kicking off at a tempting $24,550 MSRP, delivering efficiency with 31 combined MPG from its 147 hp engine. In contrast, the 2026 Ford Maverick offers brute capability, packing a potent 191 hp and commanding a slightly higher price tag of $28,145. The Maverick truly shines in efficiency for its power, boasting an impressive 38 combined MPG, significantly beating the Kona's 31 MPG rating, despite having 44 more horsepower available. Furthermore, the Maverick dwarfs the Kona in size, measuring nearly 30 inches longer at 199.8 inches versus the Kona's 171.3 inches, suggesting superior cabin or cargo utility—even though specific cargo data for the Maverick wasn't listed. This comparison pits Kona's agile footprint and lower entry cost against the Maverick's substantial power advantage and superior fuel economy.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $24,550, making daily driving more affordable upfront.
2026 Ford Maverick
The 2026 Ford Maverick is better suited for families as its significantly taller height (68.8 inches vs 62.2 inches) suggests a more spacious and commanding presence.
2026 Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick is the clear choice for enthusiasts, generating 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 147 hp.
2026 Ford Maverick
Despite a higher initial cost, the Maverick offers superior long-term value by achieving 38 combined MPG versus the Kona's 31 MPG.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize the lowest possible entry price, with the Kona starting at $24,550.
- You prefer a more compact vehicle for easier urban navigation, measuring only 171.3 inches in length.
- You are comfortable with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and don't need top-tier power figures.
Choose the Ford Maverick if...
- You require substantially more power, as the Maverick delivers 191 hp versus the Kona's 147 hp.
- Fuel efficiency on long hauls is critical, with the Maverick achieving 38 combined MPG, saving on fuel costs over time.
- You need a larger overall package, evidenced by the Maverick's 68.8-inch height and near 200-inch length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 199.8" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.6" |
| Height | 62.2" | 68.8" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 121.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 191 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 155 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | electrically variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 42/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 38 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 579.6/483.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 13.8 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 13.2 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 55.4 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 | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 35.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 54.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 5 yr./ unlimited 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 2026 Ford Maverick.
Is the higher price of the 2026 Ford Maverick justified by its performance over the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
Yes, the $3,595 price difference nets the Maverick an extra 44 horsepower (191 hp vs 147 hp) and 23 lb-ft more torque, significantly boosting acceleration potential.
Which vehicle offers better efficiency for city driving, the Kona or the Maverick?
The Ford Maverick wins for overall efficiency, rating at 38 combined MPG, beating the Hyundai Kona's 31 combined MPG rating, which helps offset its higher starting MSRP.
How much larger is the 2026 Ford Maverick compared to the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
The Maverick is physically much larger, measuring 199.8 inches long compared to the Kona's 171.3 inches, and it stands substantially taller at 68.8 inches versus 62.2 inches.
Both vehicles use regular unleaded fuel; does one have a clear advantage in running costs?
While both use regular fuel, the Maverick’s 7 MPG advantage in combined efficiency (38 MPG vs 31 MPG) means that despite its higher purchase price, operational fuel costs will likely favor the Maverick.
What powertrain difference exists between these two FWD models?
The 2025 Kona uses a standard continuously variable-speed automatic transmission paired with its 147 hp engine, whereas the 2026 Maverick utilizes an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission supporting its stronger 191 hp output.
Does the 2025 Hyundai Kona offer more cargo space than the 2026 Ford Maverick?
Based on provided data, the Kona has a listed cargo capacity of 25.5 cu ft, but the Maverick’s larger overall dimensions suggest it might have more overall utility, though its specific cargo volume is unlisted.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool