2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
The 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer bursts onto the scene with the accessible appeal of its $23,000 starting MSRP, trumping the Hyundai Kona's $25,350 entry point. Excitement in the Trailblazer is driven by its surprising torque figure of 162 lb-ft paired with flex-fuel capability, offering a slight edge in low-end responsiveness. Conversely, the 2026 Hyundai Kona grabs attention with a marginally superior horsepower rating of 147 hp and better highway efficiency, achieving 34 MPG compared to the Trailblazer's 31 MPG. While the Kona is slightly shorter at 171.3 inches, the Trailblazer offers a fraction more vertical room at 64.2 inches high. Both deliver practical utility, yet the Kona edges out slightly on space with 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus 25.3 cu ft. These FWD crossovers, both sporting CVTs, present a tight battle for the budget-conscious buyer looking for modern efficiency and city-friendly dimensions.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior 34 MPG highway rating and slightly better overall combined MPG of 31.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Chevrolet Trailblazer offers a more spacious feel with a height of 64.2 inches and is significantly less expensive upfront at $23,000.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer’s higher torque output of 162 lb-ft provides a more eager feeling off the line compared to the Kona's 132 lb-ft.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The Trailblazer delivers an undeniable value proposition with a starting MSRP that is $2,350 less than the Kona.
Choose the Chevrolet Trailblazer if...
- You prioritize the lowest possible entry price, starting at just $23,000.
- You value stronger low-end pulling power, as evidenced by its 162 lb-ft of torque.
- You plan to utilize E85 fuel, as the Trailblazer supports flex-fuel options.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Maximum highway cruising efficiency is key, achieving 34 MPG on the open road.
- You prefer a marginally wider stance (71.9 inches) and slightly more cargo volume (25.5 cu ft).
- You want the highest peak horsepower figure, rated at 147 hp.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Chevrolet Trailblazer | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 174.1" | 171.3" |
| Width | 71.2" | 71.9" |
| Height | 64.2" | 62.2" |
| Wheelbase | 104.0" | 104.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Chevrolet | 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 |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.2 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 137 hp @ 5000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm |
| Torque | 162 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 30/31 MPG | 29/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 30 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 396.0/409.2 mi. | 359.6/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
Power Feature
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.4 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 52.3 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 | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.4 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.0 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.8 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.4 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/60R17 | 215/60R17 |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Spare Tire Type | — | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Chevrolet | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ 100000 mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ unlimited mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
Which vehicle is more fuel-efficient for daily driving?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona holds a slight edge in overall efficiency, posting a combined 31 MPG compared to the Trailblazer’s 30 MPG. The Kona also significantly outperforms the Trailblazer on the highway, reaching 34 MPG versus the Chevy's 31 MPG.
How do the base MSRPs compare between the two crossovers?
The Chevrolet Trailblazer is the clear budget winner with a starting MSRP of $23,000. This makes it $2,350 less expensive than the 2026 Hyundai Kona, which begins at $25,350.
Is the engine in the Trailblazer more powerful than the Kona's?
While the Kona has more horsepower (147 hp vs. 137 hp), the Trailblazer generates substantially more torque (162 lb-ft vs. 132 lb-ft). This suggests the Trailblazer might feel punchier during initial acceleration or city driving maneuvers.
Which vehicle offers more interior storage room?
The cargo capacity figures are very close, but the Hyundai Kona slightly leads with 25.5 cubic feet of storage space. The Chevrolet Trailblazer offers 25.3 cubic feet, a negligible difference for most users.
Can I use E85 fuel in either of these vehicles?
Only the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer is specified as a flex-fuel vehicle, meaning it can run on either regular unleaded gasoline or E85. The Hyundai Kona requires regular unleaded gasoline.
Are the overall exterior dimensions very different?
The dimensions are quite similar, but the Kona is slightly shorter in overall length (171.3 inches) and height (62.2 inches) than the Trailblazer (174.1 inches long and 64.2 inches tall), though the Kona is slightly wider.
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