2025 Kia Niro vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

$26,990 · Crossover

$25,350 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Kia Niro bursts onto the scene as an efficiency champion, blending futuristic styling with astonishing fuel economy, clocking in at an impressive 53 combined MPG. Its sibling rivalry features the ruggedly styled 2026 Hyundai Kona, which offers slightly more raw power with 147 horsepower versus the Niro's 139 hp, though it sacrifices efficiency significantly, achieving only 31 combined MPG. While the Niro excels in stretching fuel costs thanks to its nearly 22 MPG advantage, the Kona fights back with superior utility, boasting a larger 25.5 cu ft cargo capacity compared to the Niro's 22.8 cu ft. Priced marginally higher at an MSRP of $26,990 versus the Kona's $25,350, the decision hinges on whether stellar 53 MPG is more crucial than the Kona's greater power and space.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Kia Niro

The 2025 Kia Niro offers drastically superior fuel economy at 53 combined MPG, minimizing daily operating expenses for commuters.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for families by offering a slightly larger cargo area at 25.5 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Kona

Enthusiasts will appreciate the Kona's higher output of 147 horsepower, despite the Niro’s torque advantage of 195 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers a lower entry price point at $25,350 while delivering slightly more horsepower.

Choose the Kia Niro if...

You prioritize extreme fuel savings, benefiting from 53 combined MPG versus the Kona's 31 MPG.
You prefer the feel of a 6-speed automated manual transmission over a standard CVT.
Your daily commute requires the absolute minimum stops for refueling.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You need maximum space, as the Kona provides 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want the marginally punchier acceleration afforded by its 147 horsepower rating.
You are seeking the lowest possible starting MSRP at $25,350.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Kia Niro	Hyundai Kona
Length	174.0"	171.3"
Width	71.8"	71.9"
Height	60.8"	62.2"
Wheelbase	107.1"	104.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	—	✓
LED Headlights	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	1.6 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	139 hp @ 5700 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	195 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 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	Kia	Hyundai
Transmission Type	6-speed automated manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	53/54 MPG	29/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	53 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	588.3/599.4 mi.	359.6/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	11.1 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Push Button Start	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.2 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	53.3 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—

Rearseats

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.5 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	39.8 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.4 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.0 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P205/60R H	215/60R17
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Kia	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
EV Battery Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Hybrid Component Warranty	10 yr./ 100000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ 100000 mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Kia Niro and 2026 Hyundai Kona.

How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 Niro and the 2026 Kona?

The difference is substantial; the Kia Niro achieves 53 combined MPG, giving it an advantage of 22 MPG over the Hyundai Kona, which is rated at 31 combined MPG. This efficiency gap drastically alters long-term running costs.

Which crossover offers more practical space for hauling gear?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona is the more practical hauler, offering 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. This is slightly more than the 2025 Kia Niro’s 22.8 cubic feet.

Does the extra horsepower in the Kona truly translate to a better driving experience?

The Kona has 147 hp compared to the Niro’s 139 hp, which may offer slightly quicker acceleration off the line. However, the Niro counters with significantly higher torque at 195 lb-ft versus the Kona's 132 lb-ft.

What is the starting price difference between the two models?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona has a lower starting MSRP at $25,350, undercutting the 2025 Kia Niro’s starting price of $26,990.

What drivetrain technologies are used in these FWD crossovers?

The Niro utilizes a specialized 6-speed automated manual transmission paired with its hybrid system, while the Kona employs a conventional continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

Are the dimensions similar, or is one noticeably larger on the road?

They are closely sized, but the Kona is slightly taller at 62.2 inches compared to the Niro's 60.8 inches, while the Niro is marginally longer by about 2.7 inches.