2025 Toyota RAV4 vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical divergence between the 2025 Toyota RAV4 (car1) and the 2026 Hyundai Kona (car2) is the $4,450 difference in Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the Kona starting at $25,350 against the RAV4's $29,800. This price gap supports a substantial 56 horsepower disparity, as the RAV4 produces 203 hp compared to the Kona's 147 hp. Fuel economy is competitive, with the Kona edging out a slight advantage at 31 combined MPG versus the RAV4's 30 MPG. However, the larger RAV4 offers 37.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Kona's 25.5 cu ft volume. While both utilize front-wheel drive and regular unleaded fuel, the RAV4's larger dimensions (180.9 inches long versus 171.3 inches for the Kona) contribute to superior utility, contrasting with the Kona's lower entry cost and marginally better city efficiency (29 MPG vs. 27 MPG).
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy rating of 31 combined MPG and lower initial cost.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is the superior family choice, offering 37.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, which is 12.1 cu ft more than the Kona.
2025 Toyota RAV4
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is the clear performance choice, delivering 203 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque versus the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona provides better immediate value, starting $4,450 lower while achieving slightly better overall fuel efficiency.
Choose the Toyota RAV4 if...
- You require maximum utility, benefiting from the RAV4's 37.6 cu ft of available cargo space.
- Performance is prioritized, leveraging the 203 hp engine and 184 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the proven reliability associated with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Budget constraints require the lowest initial investment, starting $4,450 less than the competitor.
- Maximum efficiency is sought, as the Kona achieves 31 combined MPG.
- A more compact exterior footprint (171.3 inches in length) is necessary for easier urban maneuvering.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota RAV4 | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.9" | 171.3" |
| Width | 73.0" | 71.9" |
| Height | 67.0" | 62.2" |
| Wheelbase | 105.9" | 104.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 Ventilated 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 203 hp @ 6600 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 5000 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 | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/35 MPG | 29/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 391.5/507.5 mi. | 359.6/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14.5 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Push Button Start | — | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.8 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 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 | 4-way | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.5 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.8 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.4 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 47.7 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | Alloy |
| Wheel Cover Type | Full | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R17 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota RAV4 and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
What is the direct fuel economy difference between the two crossovers?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is slightly more efficient with a combined rating of 31 MPG, edging out the 2025 Toyota RAV4's 30 combined MPG. In city driving, the Kona's 29 MPG is two miles better than the RAV4's 27 MPG.
How much more cargo room does the RAV4 offer over the Kona?
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 provides substantially more space with 37.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is significantly greater than the 2026 Hyundai Kona, which offers 25.5 cubic feet.
Is the power difference between the two vehicles significant?
Yes, the power difference is substantial; the RAV4 produces 203 horsepower, while the standard Kona model outputs only 147 horsepower, creating a 56 hp gap favoring the Toyota.
What is the impact of the difference in vehicle size on ownership?
The RAV4 is longer at 180.9 inches compared to the Kona's 171.3 inches, resulting in more interior volume but potentially slightly tougher parking situations. Both utilize FWD configurations.
Which vehicle has the better base MSRP?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona has the significantly lower entry price at $25,350. The 2025 Toyota RAV4 starts $4,450 higher at $29,800.
Do both vehicles use similar automatic transmissions?
No, they utilize different automatic transmissions; the RAV4 features an 8-speed shiftable automatic, while the Kona employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).
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