2026 Ford Maverick vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

$28,145 · Crossover

$25,350 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical difference between the 2026 Ford Maverick and the 2026 Hyundai Kona lies in fuel economy, with the Maverick achieving a 38 MPG combined rating versus the Kona's 31 MPG combined, a 7 MPG advantage. Power output also shows a substantial gap, as the Maverick delivers 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 44 hp surplus for the Ford. Priced at $28,145, the Maverick carries a $2,795 premium over the Kona's $25,350 MSRP. Furthermore, the Maverick offers a larger footprint, measuring 199.8 inches in length compared to the Kona's 171.3 inches, suggesting greater potential interior or utility volume. Both utilize FWD and regular unleaded fuel, but the Maverick's overall specification profile suggests a focus on utility and efficiency contrast against the Kona's lower entry price point.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Maverick

The 2026 Ford Maverick achieves 38 MPG combined, significantly better than the Kona's 31 MPG combined, leading to lower operational costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Ford Maverick

The Maverick’s greater length of 199.8 inches versus the Kona's 171.3 inches likely translates to superior cabin and passenger accommodation.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Maverick

With 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque, the Maverick offers 44 more horsepower than the Kona's 147 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona has a significantly lower MSRP of $25,350, providing better baseline acquisition value against the Maverick's $28,145 price.

Choose the Ford Maverick if...

Fuel efficiency is a top priority, given the Maverick's 38 MPG combined rating.
More power is required, as the Maverick produces 191 hp versus the Kona's 147 hp.
A larger vehicle exterior is preferred, evidenced by the Maverick's 199.8-inch length.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

The initial purchase price is the main constraint, as the Kona starts at $25,350.
Maximum available storage space is necessary, where the Kona offers 25.5 cu ft.
A slightly better highway MPG relative to the base model might be desirable (34 MPG vs. Maverick's 35 MPG, while costing less overall).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Maverick	Hyundai Kona
Length	199.8"	171.3"
Width	72.6"	71.9"
Height	68.8"	62.2"
Wheelbase	121.1"	104.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
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 Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	hybrid	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 5600 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	155 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

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Transmission Type	electrically variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	42/35 MPG	29/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	38 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	579.6/483.0 mi.	359.6/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.8 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	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	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
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	Ford	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	13.2 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Front Head Room	40.2 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	42.8 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	55.4 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	Ford	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	39.6 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.9 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	54.1 in.	52.4 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	P225/65R17	215/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Hyundai
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	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	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Maverick and 2026 Hyundai Kona.

What is the primary mechanical difference between the 2026 Maverick and Kona drivetrains?

The 2026 Ford Maverick produces 191 hp, significantly more than the Kona's 147 hp, providing superior acceleration potential. Both vehicles use front-wheel drive and regular unleaded fuel.

How much more does it cost to acquire the 2026 Ford Maverick over the Hyundai Kona?

The Maverick has an MSRP of $28,145, which is $2,795 more expensive than the Kona's base MSRP of $25,350.

Which crossover offers better long-term running costs based on fuel economy?

The Ford Maverick is projected to have lower running costs due to its 38 MPG combined rating, beating the Kona's 31 MPG combined figure by 7 MPG.

Are there significant size differences affecting interior space?

Yes, the Maverick is substantially longer at 199.8 inches compared to the Kona's 171.3 inches, suggesting the Maverick provides more overall volume. The Kona's specified cargo capacity is 25.5 cu ft.

Do both vehicles use the same type of automatic transmission?

No, the Maverick utilizes an electrically variable-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Kona is equipped with a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission.