How Does The 2023 Hyundai Kona Compare To The Honda HR-V?

In 2023, the popularity of the subcompact SUV is made clear by the abundance of options available on the market. Combining the roomy practicality of an SUV with the compact size of the average sedan, the subcompact SUV is a great choice for either safe family drives or outdoor adventures.

Today, we’re going to compare and contrast the newest edition of two widely popular subcompact SUVs: the 2023 Hyundai Kona and the 2023 Honda HR-V. Although both may seem fairly similar on the surface — they’re both subcompact SUVs that comfortably seat five — there are notable differences in the interior and under the hood. Let’s dive deeper into some comparisons between the 2023 Hyundai Kona and the 2023 Honda HR-V. View our inventory of new vehicles or give us a call today at 817-367-4000.

The 2023 Hyundai Kona

2023 Hyundai Kona

Named the Best Buy of the Year among Subcompact SUVs by Kelley Blue Book and the Best New SUV for Teens by U.S. News & World Report two years in a row, in addition to receiving other awards, the Kona is one of the most popular small SUVs on the market today. Its modern, sleek design and advanced tech are made accessible by its abundant safety features and diverse range of trim options.

Trim Levels

The 2023 Kona comes in eight different trim levels, with the choice between a gas-powered or electric engine. The gas-powered Kona is available in the SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited versions, while the electric Kona is available in SE, SEL, and Limited versions. The standard base trim offers plenty of impressive specs, while the premium trim levels add a variety of features ranging from more powerful engines to more luxurious interior materials. The Kona is also available in a high-performance trim, the N.

Power and Performance

The standard version of the gas-powered 2023 Kona has a 147-hp 2.0L MPI four-cylinder engine with 132 lb-ft of torque. It gets an estimated 32 combined mpg and is also available in all-wheel drive. The standard version of the electric Kona has a 201-hp motor with 291 lb-ft of torque and an estimated charge range of 258 miles. The highest-performing trim level, the N, has a powerful 276-hp 2.0L turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine with 289 lb-ft of torque and features 19-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli P Zero Performance tires and an eight-speed wet dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters.

The 2023 Honda HR-V

For those who love the look and feel of a Honda, the HR-V maintains the brand’s classic style while adding a modern touch. Named by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety as the 2022 Top Safety Pick+, the HR-V is a practical choice for a safe and convenient daily commute, as well as for a comfortable adventure.

Trim Levels

The 2023 Honda HR-V is available in three different trim levels, the standard LX trim, the Sport trim, and the EX-L trim. All available options are gas-powered with the ability to add a range of features, such as heated front seats, a power moonroof, a wireless phone charger, ambient LED lighting, a remote engine start, a blind-spot information system with cross-traffic monitoring, an eight-speaker premium audio system, parking assistance sensors, tinted rear windows, and all-wheel drive.

Power and Performance

All trim levels of the HR-V feature a 158-hp inline four-cylinder engine with 138 lb-ft of torque and get an estimated 28 combined mpg. There isn’t a difference between the performance of the trims; largely, they exist to offer additional design, technological, or safety features rather than extra power.

Key Comparisons: the Kona vs. the HR-V

While both vehicles are designed with plenty of space for comfort and storage, the interior of the HR-V is slightly roomier, with 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Kona has a bit less at 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space. As a result, however, the Kona is a slightly more compact vehicle; your preference will ultimately depend on your needs and lifestyle.

In terms of technology, the Kona has more optional tech features to be added, including a 10.25-inch touch-screen display, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, and a digital key, all of which are unavailable with the HR-V. The HR-V does include walk away auto lock as an add-on, whereas the Kona doesn’t offer this as an option. Nevertheless, compared to the HR-V, the Kona offers everything you could want in an SUV and more.

The Kona also offers more safety extras, such as rear occupant alert, blind-spot collision avoidance, highway driving assist, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, which are also unavailable with the HR-V.

Performance and Efficiency

While the HR-V’s engine has greater horsepower than the engine on the standard Kona trim level, the Kona offers premium engine upgrades, including the 276-hp engine in the high-performing N trim. The option to go electric with the Kona is another major perk, while the HR-V only offers a gas-powered version. In terms of fuel efficiency, the 2023 Hyundai Kona comes out ahead with a slightly higher combined estimate of 32 mpg, while the 2023 Honda HR-V is only estimated to get 28 mpg. Both vehicles offer the choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

Price and Value

The starting MSRP for the 2023 Honda HR-V is a bit higher between the two at $23,650, while the Kona’s starting MSRP is $21,990. The most premium versions of each car are also comparable in price, at around $30,000 for both.

Shop the 2023 Hyundai Kona at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth

Overall, although they appear similar on the outside, there are significant differences between the Hyundai Kona and the Honda HR-V that should be noted when considering your options. For example, if you’re looking for more customization, the Kona will be your best choice, whereas the HR-V offers slightly more interior space. However, price won’t necessarily be a factor in your decision-making, as both sit at similar price points.

If you’re in the market for the 2023 Hyundai Kona or any other new, certified pre-owned, or used Hyundai vehicle, schedule a test drive today at Hiley Hyundai of Fort Worth, Texas. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is happy to answer any questions you may have about how you can get behind the wheel of your very own Kona. Contact us via our website for more information on our inventory and your financial options.