2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Nissan Rogue

$24,550 · Crossover

$29,090 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the nimble 2025 Hyundai Kona and the substantially larger 2026 Nissan Rogue often comes down to budget versus space. The Kona offers a wallet-friendly entry point starting at $24,550, significantly undercutting the Rogue's $29,090 MSRP by $4,540. While the Kona is efficient with 31 combined MPG, the Rogue edges it out slightly with 32 combined MPG, although both use regular unleaded fuel. Power is a major differentiator; the Kona only delivers 147 hp, whereas the Rogue boasts a substantial 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque—a 54 hp advantage. However, the Kona is a more compact vehicle at 171.3 inches long, which is helpful for tight city parking, contrasted with the Rogue’s greater size and nearly 6 more cubic feet of cargo space (31.6 cu ft vs. 25.5 cu ft). This comparison highlights a clear trade-off between affordability and outright capability.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Kona

The Kona wins for commuters due to its lower MSRP of $24,550 and smaller footprint, making city maneuvering easier.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Nissan Rogue

The 2026 Nissan Rogue is the clear family choice, offering substantially more space with 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Nissan Rogue

The Rogue satisfies driving enthusiasts more, offering 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Kona's 147 hp.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Kona

The Kona provides superior value by offering sufficient space and efficiency at a $4,540 lower starting price.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You prioritize the lowest ownership cost, with an MSRP starting at only $24,550.
You frequently navigate tight urban environments where the Kona's shorter 171.3-inch length is an advantage.
You don't need peak power and are satisfied with 147 hp for daily driving needs.

Choose the Nissan Rogue if...

You require maximum utility and storage, benefiting from the Rogue's 31.6 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You desire noticeably stronger acceleration, thanks to the Rogue's 201 hp engine.
You want slightly better highway fuel economy, as the Rogue achieves 36 highway MPG.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Kona	Nissan Rogue
Length	171.3"	183.0"
Width	71.9"	72.4"
Height	62.2"	66.5"
Wheelbase	104.7"	106.5"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
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	✓	✓
Front Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	1.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 3
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	147 hp @ 6200 rpm	201 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm	225 lb-ft @ 2800 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	Nissan
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	29/34 MPG	29/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	32 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.6/421.6 mi.	420.5/522.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	14.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
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	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
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	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	41.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	57.1 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	54.1 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	Nissan
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	39.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.2 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	55.9 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.4 in.	53.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
Wheel Material	Alloy	Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.0 in	17 x 7.5 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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Hyundai	Nissan
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.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Nissan Rogue.

Is the 2026 Nissan Rogue significantly bigger than the 2025 Hyundai Kona?

Yes, the Rogue is considerably larger; it is 11.7 inches longer (183.0 inches vs. 171.3 inches) and offers 6.1 cubic feet more cargo room (31.6 cu ft vs. 25.5 cu ft), making it better suited for larger hauling needs.

How much more power does the Rogue have over the Kona?

The Rogue has a substantial power advantage, producing 201 hp compared to the Kona's 147 hp, which is a 54 hp difference, resulting in much better passing power on highways.

Which crossover saves more money at the pump annually?

While both are competitive, the Rogue holds a slight edge with 32 combined MPG versus the Kona’s 31 combined MPG, though both use regular unleaded fuel.

What is the price gap between the base models?

There is a significant $4,540 difference in their starting MSRPs, with the 2025 Kona beginning at $24,550 and the 2026 Rogue starting at $29,090.

Are the driving dynamics similar since both use CVTs?

Although both utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission, the Rogue’s much higher torque (225 lb-ft vs. 132 lb-ft) means it will feel much stronger when accelerating from a stop compared to the Kona.

Does the Kona’s smaller size affect interior comfort metrics?

The Kona is shorter in length and height (62.2 inches vs. 66.5 inches), which primarily translates to less absolute cargo space (25.5 cu ft) but results in a potentially more maneuverable vehicle overall.