Small SUVs are ideal for those who need passenger and cargo space for their families but also want a vehicle that can make its way through crowded city streets. The Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Kona are two great examples of quality small SUVs. While there's no wrong choice when deciding between these two, learning more about them may help you decide which suits you and your family best. Keep reading to discover how they compare in key aspects.
Size and Space
A red car driving past a sign that says yes by Paul Kansonkho is licensed with Unsplash License
If you frequently have to drive family members around and also enjoy taking long road trips, you need plenty of space for your passengers and their stuff. The second-generation Kona offers 101.2 cubic feet of passenger volume. It's also smartly designed, providing enough leg and headroom for both rows. The Kona has 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the two rows of seats. If you ever need more, the second row can fold down. This increases cargo space to an impressive 63.7 cubic feet. However, older Konas are significantly smaller and fit into the extra-small SUV class.
The Honda CR-V's interior is spacious and smartly designed. There's plenty of room for everyone and the large door openings make it easy to get in and out, regardless of passenger size. It offers 105.9 cubic feet of interior space, making it more spacious than the Kona. There's also significantly more cargo space, with 39.3 cubic feet available behind the rear seats. Folding the second row will give you access to a cavernous 76.5 cubic feet of space.
Performance and Efficiency
Low fuel consumption is usually important for SUV owners, as many of them regularly take long drives with friends and family. Both these vehicles have great fuel economy without compromising on performance. When equipped with the 204-horsepower hybrid powertrain, the Honda CR-V can accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 8.0 seconds, which should be enough for most SUV drivers. It does so while having a combined fuel economy of 40 mpg, or 37 mpg in the all-wheel-drive configuration.
The Hyundai Kona is similarly quick off the mark. Its 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine can push it from zero to 60 mph in around 7.8 seconds, with the help of its smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. The lack of a hybrid option means that the Kona has a lower fuel efficiency than the CR-V, with its most economical engine getting around 34 mpg. There's a fully electric version available, however, that can go for up to 261 miles with a single charge.
Features and Technology
Having infotainment systems to keep everyone engaged and entertained throughout your trips is the norm for most vehicle types, and this includes SUVs. The Honda CR-V is well-equipped in this department, even in its base version. The standard infotainment features include a 7-inch touch-screen interface, smartphone connectivity through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, and a four-speaker audio system. You can upgrade the touchscreen to a 9-inch, while smartphone connectivity is wireless on higher trims. The audio system can also be upgraded, to either an eight-speaker or a premium Bose 12-speaker audio system.
The Hyundai Kona comes with better standard infotainment features. All trims, including the base one, have a large 12.3-inch touch-screen interface and wireless smartphone connectivity through Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Higher trims add more complex tech features, such as wireless smartphone charging and the option of using your smartphone as a car key.
Safety Features
Having a safe vehicle should be every driver's top priority. The Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Kona both come with long lists of advanced driver aids that help the driver notice any potential road incident before it materializes. Here are some of them:
- Forward collision warning with automatic braking: It uses a set of sensors to detect any imminent frontal impact. It can also apply the brakes automatically if it doesn't sense an immediate reaction from the driver.
- Lane-keeping assistance: It constantly makes minor steering corrections to keep the vehicle in the center of its lane throughout your trips.
- Adaptive cruise control: It automatically maintains a constant speed while driving on the highway. It can also adjust this speed to keep a set distance from the vehicle in front.
- Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning: It warns the driver if another vehicle enters their blind spot while changing lanes or reversing.
Price and Value
The asking price for a used Honda CR-V or a Hyundai Kona generally depends on factors like the model year, trim level, and general condition. The CR-V's starting MSRP is $30,164 and the Kona's is $25,085. Given this price difference between new models, used CR-Vs are likely to be more expensive than used Konas, given the same mileage and condition. The price for a 10-year-old CR-V with around 100,000 miles is around $15,000. However, given Honda's stellar reputation for quality and durability, you can safely choose a well-maintained older model for a lower price.
The Hyundai Kona is a more recent model, as its first generation was released in 2018. This means that you won't find older and more affordable models like you can for the CR-V. You can, however, get a relatively new car with modern tech for an affordable price. You can find used Konas on our website that are only a few years old for around $18,000.
Come to AutoOne and We'll Help You Make Your Decision
Given the Honda CR-V's more ample interior space and superior fuel economy, it may make more sense to choose it if you regularly take long trips with loved ones. On the other hand, the Kona's more upscale look and superior infotainment features may make it more attractive for drivers who are looking for a more upscale experience and don't need all that space. While the choice is ultimately down to your personal needs and preferences, our staff is also here to help you by answering any question you may have about either vehicle. Call us today or come visit us.