2026 Chevrolet Trax vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

$21,600 · Crossover

$25,350 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between the 2026 Chevrolet Trax and the 2026 Hyundai Kona often boils down to budget versus features, which is a classic new car dilemma. The Trax jumps out immediately with a lower MSRP of $21,600, saving buyers a significant $3,750 compared to the Kona's starting price of $25,350. While the Trax offers decent efficiency at 30 MPG combined, the slightly pricier Kona nudges ahead with a better 31 MPG combined. Performance figures show the Kona boasting a higher 147 hp versus the Trax’s 137 hp, although both deliver torque around 160 lb-ft. Space is nearly identical, with the Trax being marginally larger overall and offering 25.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Kona’s 25.5 cu ft, meaning practical usability remains high in both subcompact crossovers.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Kona

The Kona wins for commuters due to its marginally superior combined MPG rating of 31 compared to the Trax's 30 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Chevrolet Trax

The Trax offers slightly more overall physical space and a lower entry price, which is often prioritized by budget-conscious families.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Hyundai Kona

The Kona appeals more to enthusiasts by offering a higher horsepower output of 147 hp versus the Trax's 137 hp.

💰 Best Value

2026 Chevrolet Trax

The Trax provides better overall value by undercutting the Kona's MSRP by a substantial $3,750.

Choose the Chevrolet Trax if...

Your absolute top priority is saving money upfront, as the Trax starts $3,750 cheaper.
You prefer traditional gear changes, as the Trax uses a 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT.
You need slightly more length and height, as the Trax measures 178.6 inches long and 61.4 inches high.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You prioritize maximizing fuel economy, as the Kona achieves 34 MPG on the highway versus the Trax's 32 MPG.
You want slightly more power for merging, thanks to the Kona's 147 horsepower output.
You prefer a slightly more upright stance, as the Kona is 0.8 inches taller than the Trax.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Chevrolet Trax	Hyundai Kona
Length	178.6"	171.3"
Width	71.8"	71.9"
Height	61.4"	62.2"
Wheelbase	106.0"	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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
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 Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	1.2 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	flex-fuel (FFV)	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	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/32 MPG	29/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	30 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	369.6/422.4 mi.	359.6/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Chevrolet	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	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Push Button Start	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.0 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	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
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	39.6 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.7 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	52.1 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	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.1 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.7 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.3 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	45.8 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	—
Wheel Cover Type	Full	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/60R17	215/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Chevrolet	Hyundai
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
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 Trax and 2026 Hyundai Kona.

How significant is the difference in fuel economy between the 2026 Trax and Kona?

The difference is minor but present; the Kona achieves 31 MPG combined (29/34 city/highway), while the Trax scores 30 MPG combined (28/32 city/highway). Over a year of driving, this could result in saving a small amount on fuel costs with the Kona.

Is the Trax significantly larger inside for cargo compared to the Kona?

Not noticeably; the Trax offers 25.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, whereas the Kona provides 25.5 cu ft. For day-to-day needs, their utility space is practically identical.

Which vehicle offers better standard power output?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona has a slight edge in power, generating 147 horsepower compared to the 2026 Chevrolet Trax's 137 horsepower. Both use regular unleaded fuel.

What accounts for the nearly $4,000 price difference?

The primary differentiator is the MSRP, with the Trax starting at $21,600 and the Kona starting at $25,350, resulting in a $3,750 price gap for the base models.

Do these crossovers offer different types of transmissions?

Yes, the Trax uses a traditional 6-speed shiftable automatic, while the Kona utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).

If I drive in heavy city traffic, which car is better for stop-and-go driving?

The Kona will be slightly more efficient in the city, rating 29 MPG versus the Trax’s 28 MPG. However, the Trax uses a geared automatic transmission, which some drivers prefer over a CVT for responsiveness.