The 2022 Hyundai Kona is a great subcompact SUV, but it’s rivaled by some fierce competitors, including the Kia Niro, Ford EcoSport, Chevrolet Trax, and more.
The Kona is a cute and cheeky SUV that’s both fun to look at and fun to drive. But smart car shoppers don’t settle on the first car they test drive. If you love the Kona, consider its top eight competitors before signing the dotted line.
Jerry
—the car insurance
app that drivers can trust—has created a list of Hyundai Kona competitors to watch out for. Read on to discover price ranges, pros, cons, and more.And once you make your pick, Jerry can help you save money on Hyundai Kona car insurance costs
, as well—or insurance for any other vehicle! RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
1. Kia Niro
Starting price: $25,985 to $37,785
Selling points: Hybrid powertrain, available as a PHEV
Weak spot: Not available with all-wheel drive, unimpressive acceleration
Powered by a hybrid system that includes a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack, the 2022 Kia Niro
is phenomenally fuel-efficient. Upgrade to the plug-in version for added value, as well as a noticeably more exciting driving experience. The base trim is affordable and no-nonsense, while upgrading will offer you leather seats, a larger 10.3-inch infotainment system, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, remote start, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and more.
2. Ford EcoSport
Starting price: $23,335 to $29,690
Selling points: Standard all-wheel drive, agile handling, impressive towing abilities
Weak spot: Gas guzzler, cramped interior
The Ford EcoSport
is the carmaker's smallest and most affordable SUV, but it sure is mighty! All-wheel drive is standard, and this little force can pull a whopping 2,000 pounds—a best-in-class towing capacity. Plus, it’s easy to maneuver at both city and highway speeds. Unfortunately, the 166-horsepower four-cylinder engine isn’t exactly quick—nor is it fuel efficient. You’ll only get 23 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.
The interior isn’t super fashionable either, but it’s practical and comfortable for front-seat riders. It also offers competitive cargo space and convenient storage nooks throughout the cabin.
3. Chevrolet Trax
Starting price: $22,595 to $24,395
Selling points: Affordable, fuel-efficient, agile
Weak spot: Unrefined interior, basic features
The 2022 Chevrolet Trax
is Chevy’s smallest, most affordable, and most fuel-efficient SUV. Everything you expect from an SUV is available, including reasonable ground clearance, optional all-wheel drive, and a utilitarian cargo area. A 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 155 horsepower. When combined with a six-speed automatic transmission and your choice of front- or all-wheel drive, you’ll enjoy quick and agile steering.
Only two trims are available, and you’ll have to splurge on the highest option for niceties like cruise control, rear-window tint, heated exterior mirrors, and remote start.
4. Jeep Renegade
Starting price: $26,290 to $32,740
Selling points: Cute exterior, impressive off-road chops
Weak spot: Relatively high price tag, slow acceleration
If you want a compact and affordable Jeep, look no further than the 2022 Jeep Renegade
. Every trim is available in front- or all-wheel drive and boasts a spacious interior, relaxing ride, and a long list of standard driver assistance equipment. Even better, the Renegade is customizable to your unique driving style and needs. If you crave the off-road capabilities that Jeep is known for, opt for the Trailhawk trim, which can tackle some seriously rough terrain.
On the other hand, if you prefer something a bit more luxurious, the Latitude includes 17-inch wheels, dual-zone climate control, and upgraded interior materials.
5. Toyota C-HR
Starting price: $25,615 to $28,635
Selling points: Attractive, unique styling inside and outside
Weak spot: Cramped rear seat, lackluster acceleration
Toyota makes eight different SUVs, but—like many of the options on our list—the 2022 Toyota C-HR
is their smallest and least expensive option. Its name stands for “coupe high rider,” and its exterior stylings are appropriately sporty and unique. Since this is a two-door vehicle, the back seat is a bit cramped, but the vehicle has a surprisingly impressive amount of cargo space. Plus, the materials inside the cabin are high-quality and durable, including an upscale-looking dashboard that metallically glistens in the right light.
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6. Honda HR-V
Starting price: $23,115 to $27,915
Selling points: Impressive cargo space, good fuel efficiency
Weak spot: Weak engine that produces unrefined sounds
Think of the 2022 Honda HR-V
as the best-selling CR-V’s little sister. Don’t worry—it’s just as practical, with a setup specifically designed to maximize cargo space. This is thanks to the second-row “Magic Seat” that folds flat to accommodate bulky items that typically can’t fit in a subcompact SUV. With the rear seats stowed, you can fit up to 22 carry-on suitcases!
The interior is pretty comfortable for passengers, too. Spacious front seats offer ample head and legroom for even the tallest of passengers, while the rear seats will fit most adults cozily.
The HR-V earned a top 5/5 safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, although key safety features aren’t standard. You’ll have to upgrade to access automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist.
7. Nissan Kicks
Starting price: $21,285 to $23,845
Selling points: Affordable price tag, high-tech features
Weak spot: Lacks all-wheel drive, slow acceleration
Originally launched in 2018, the 2022 Nissan Kicks
is one of the least expensive subcompact SUVs on the market today. It’s powered by a fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine. All-wheel drive isn’t available though, meaning off-roading is off limits. You’ll get plenty of bang for your buck when it comes to tech features, including an intuitive and user-friendly interface projected onto a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen. You’ll also enjoy a standard six-speaker audio system and Bluetooth connectivity but can upgrade with packages that include a Bose system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.
8. Subaru Crosstrek
Starting price: $24,320 to $36,770
Selling points: Classic outdoorsy styling, available as a PHEV, standard all-wheel drive
Weak spot: Boring interior, not as tall as most SUVs
No list of SUVs would be complete without a Subaru, and the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek
certainly gives the Kona a run for its money. Its rugged exterior aesthetically suits even the most outdoorsy individual, and it comes standard with all-wheel drive. However, it won’t tackle rough terrain with too much moxie. Fortunately, its roof rack can be used to carry your favorite outdoor gear—or, you can keep your things in its spacious cargo area. The interior isn’t luxurious, but it is practical and easy to clean.
The best part? The Crosstrek is one of the most fuel-efficient crossovers on the market, with the hybrid model rated at up to 90 MPGe combined and 35 mpg on the highway.
Hyundai Kona vs. the competition
Now that you have all the details, let’s compare the Hyundai Kona to its competitors by lining up the specs side-by-side!
| | | | | | Fuel economy (city/highway) |
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| | 1.6L 4-cylinder; 2.0L 4-cylinder | | | | |
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| | 2.0L 4-cylinder; 2.5L 4-cylinder | | | | |
How to compare car insurance quotes in under a minute
Once you pick the perfect subcompact SUV, protect it with the perfect car insurance policy. You can save money on car insurance
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