2026 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Comparison Overview
The battle between the 2026 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross pits efficiency and youthful flair against slightly superior power and established dependability. The Kona captivates with its bold, futuristic design and efficiency focused on highway cruising, boasting a 34 MPG highway rating. However, the Corolla Cross immediately strikes back with a more potent powertrain, delivering 169 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. While the Kona is nimbler at 171.3 inches long, the Toyota maximizes passenger space. Both offer compelling entry points under $25,500, with the Corolla Cross starting at a sharp $24,935 versus the Kona's $25,350. For drivers prioritizing punchier acceleration and a marginal combined fuel economy edge (32 MPG vs. 31 MPG), the Corolla Cross takes the dynamic lead.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Toyota Corolla Cross wins for commuters due to its slightly better 32 MPG combined fuel economy rating.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona offers a marginal advantage for families with 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, slightly exceeding the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
Enthusiasts will prefer the Corolla Cross for its significantly higher output of 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Toyota Corolla Cross
The Corolla Cross provides superior horsepower for a lower starting MSRP of $24,935 compared to the Kona’s $25,350.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You prioritize overall maneuverability, as the Kona is significantly shorter at 171.3 inches in length.
- You need maximum rear storage, as the Kona boasts 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
- You value slightly better highway cruising efficiency, achieving 34 MPG on the open road.
Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross if...
- You demand more spirited performance, thanks to the Corolla Cross's 169 horsepower engine.
- You seek the lowest entry price into this segment, with an MSRP of $24,935.
- You prefer a slightly taller stance and greater overhead space (64.9 inches high).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Toyota Corolla Cross |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 176.1" |
| Width | 71.9" | 71.9" |
| Height | 62.2" | 64.9" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 103.9" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| 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 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 169 hp @ 6600 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 151 lb-ft @ 4400 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 | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 31/33 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 32 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 384.4/409.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 12.4 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | With Real Time Traffic |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | — |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.9 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 52.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 52.6 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 | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 32.0 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 43.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | Steel |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | P215/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Cover Type | — | Full |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross.
How much more powerful is the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross than the Kona?
The Corolla Cross holds a distinct advantage in power, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. This is notably higher than the 2026 Hyundai Kona, which generates only 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
Which crossover is better for fuel economy on a daily commute?
The Toyota Corolla Cross edges out the Kona slightly with a combined rating of 32 MPG, compared to the Kona's 31 MPG combined. However, the Kona wins on the highway specifically, reaching 34 MPG versus the Corolla Cross’s 33 MPG.
What is the difference in size and interior space between these two models?
The Corolla Cross is physically longer at 176.1 inches compared to the Kona's 171.3 inches, and it is also taller at 64.9 inches. Despite its smaller length, the Kona surprisingly offers slightly more official cargo volume at 25.5 cu ft versus the Corolla Cross's 24 cu ft.
Are either of these vehicles available with All-Wheel Drive?
Based on the provided specifications, both the 2026 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross are listed with Front Wheel Drive (FWD) as the standard drive type.
How do the starting prices compare for the base models?
The pricing is extremely competitive, with the 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross starting at $24,935, making it $415 cheaper than the 2026 Hyundai Kona, which begins at $25,350.
Do these vehicles require premium fuel?
Fortunately, both small crossovers keep running costs down as they both use regular unleaded fuel, meaning no premium fuel surcharge is required for either the 147 hp Kona or the 169 hp Corolla Cross.
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