2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical distinction between the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross lies in performance output, with the Corolla Cross generating 169 hp compared to the Kona's 147 hp, a 22 hp advantage. This translates to 151 lb-ft of torque for the Toyota versus 132 lb-ft for the Hyundai. Fuel efficiency slightly favors the Corolla Cross at 32 combined MPG versus the Kona's 31 combined MPG, although the Kona offers marginally better highway efficiency at 34 MPG versus 33 MPG. In terms of physical footprint, the Corolla Cross is notably taller at 64.9 inches compared to the Kona's 62.2 inches, contributing to its 24 cu ft cargo capacity, which is slightly less than the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. With an MSRP of $24,550, the Kona is $385 less expensive than the Corolla Cross's $24,935 entry price, creating a clear trade-off between initial savings and power delivery.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross offers superior combined fuel economy at 32 MPG versus the Kona's 31 MPG, leading to lower running costs for regular drivers.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona offers slightly more usable storage space with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Corolla Cross's 24 cubic feet.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross delivers 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, substantially outpacing the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona achieves a lower entry price of $24,550 while still providing competitive efficiency metrics.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize the lowest initial purchase price, saving $385 off the MSRP compared to the Corolla Cross.
- You require maximum utility from the compact footprint, as the Kona offers 25.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- You frequently drive on the highway and prioritize the Kona's superior 34 MPG highway rating.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- You prioritize acceleration and passing power, leveraging the Corolla Cross's 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque advantage.
- You need slightly more vertical clearance, as the Corolla Cross stands 64.9 inches tall versus the Kona's 62.2 inches.
- You seek the marginally better overall efficiency with a 32 combined MPG rating.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 176.1" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 62.2" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 52.6 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 | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | P215/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| 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. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
How significant is the power difference between the 2025 Kona and the 2026 Corolla Cross?
The Corolla Cross has a notable power advantage, producing 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque, while the Kona is rated at 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. This 22 hp gap should be perceptible during acceleration maneuvers.
Which vehicle offers more interior utility for hauling items?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona provides a slight edge in maximum cargo capacity, measuring 25.5 cubic feet, compared to the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross's 24.0 cubic feet. Both vehicles share the same 71.9-inch width.
Are the fuel economy ratings very different between these two FWD crossovers?
The difference is minimal, with the Corolla Cross achieving 32 combined MPG versus the Kona's 31 combined MPG. However, the Kona is slightly better for long highway stretches at 34 MPG compared to the Toyota's 33 MPG.
Does the higher MSRP of the Corolla Cross ($24,935) justify its specifications over the Kona ($24,550)?
The $385 price premium on the Corolla Cross buys you significantly more horsepower and torque, along with a slightly better combined MPG figure. Buyers must weigh the increased performance against the Kona's lower acquisition cost.
Are there substantial size differences in exterior dimensions?
Yes, the Corolla Cross is physically longer by 4.8 inches (176.1 vs 171.3 inches) and taller by 2.7 inches (64.9 vs 62.2 inches), suggesting a slightly more substantial presence than the Kona.
Do both vehicles utilize the same type of transmission?
Yes, both the 2025 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross are equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for both of the base models compared here.
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