2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Honda HR-V

$24,550 · Crossover

$26,200 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Honda HR-V lies in their size difference: the HR-V extends an extra 8.5 inches in length (179.8 inches vs. 171.3 inches). Performance metrics show the HR-V leads with 158 horsepower compared to the Kona's 147 hp, alongside slightly superior torque at 138 lb-ft versus 132 lb-ft. However, efficiency favors the Kona, achieving 31 MPG combined, notably exceeding the HR-V's 28 MPG combined rating. Price is also a factor, with the Kona starting at $24,550, making it $1,650 cheaper than the HR-V's $26,200 MSRP. While the Kona offers slightly more cargo space at 25.5 cu ft compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft, the overall spec sheet presents a trade-off between the Kona's superior economy and lower entry price against the HR-V's marginally higher power output and larger exterior footprint.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona is the commuter winner due to its superior 31 MPG combined rating versus the HR-V's 28 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda HR-V

The 2026 Honda HR-V wins for families due to its 8.5-inch length advantage, potentially offering better rear passenger comfort.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda HR-V

Enthusiasts will favor the 2026 Honda HR-V for its 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers better value, starting at $24,550, which is $1,650 less than the equivalent HR-V.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

Fuel efficiency is paramount, as the Kona delivers 31 MPG combined versus the HR-V's 28 MPG.
Budget control is a priority, given the Kona's $24,550 MSRP is lower than the HR-V's $26,200.
You prefer a slightly smaller exterior footprint (171.3 inches long) for easier urban maneuvering and parking.

Choose the Honda HR-V if...

More inherent power is desired, as the HR-V produces 158 horsepower compared to the Kona's 147 hp.
Maximum exterior dimension is sought, with the HR-V measuring 179.8 inches in length.
You require marginally higher torque delivery (138 lb-ft vs. 132 lb-ft) for immediate responsiveness.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Kona	Honda HR-V
Length	171.3"	179.8"
Width	71.9"	72.4"
Height	62.2"	63.4"
Wheelbase	104.7"	104.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	158 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	138 lb-ft @ 4200 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	Honda
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	29/34 MPG	26/32 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	28 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.6/421.6 mi.	364.0/448.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	14.0 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	4
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	—
Stereo Power	—	180W
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Remote Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.4 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	56.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	54.0 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	Honda
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	38.0 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.2 in.	37.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.4 in.	47.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	—
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	—	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	—	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Honda
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Honda HR-V.

Which crossover offers better fuel economy: the 2025 Kona or 2026 HR-V?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona is significantly more fuel-efficient, achieving 31 MPG combined (29 city/34 highway). The 2026 Honda HR-V is rated lower at 28 MPG combined (26 city/32 highway).

Is there a substantial horsepower difference between the two vehicles?

Yes, the 2026 Honda HR-V possesses 158 horsepower, providing 11 more horsepower than the 2025 Hyundai Kona, which generates 147 hp.

How do the starting prices compare for the base FWD models?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona has a lower entry price of $24,550. The 2026 Honda HR-V starts at a higher MSRP of $26,200 for its comparable configuration.

Does the increased size of the HR-V translate to better cargo space?

Despite being 8.5 inches longer externally, the 2025 Kona actually offers marginally more maximum cargo capacity at 25.5 cu ft compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft.

Are both crossovers equipped with similar transmissions?

Both vehicles utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission. Both base models are also listed with front-wheel drive configurations.

Which vehicle is physically larger overall?

The 2026 Honda HR-V is larger in all exterior dimensions; it is 179.8 inches long, 72.4 inches wide, and 63.4 inches tall, compared to the Kona's dimensions.