With their efficient engines, comfortable interiors, and superior maneuverability, subcompact crossovers are excellent options for city dwellers. The Hyundai KONA and Chevrolet Trax have set the standard in recent years, delivering all the qualities motorists look for in this class with cute styling to boot. But which one is right for you? We compare these Hyundai and Chevy vehicles to see which small SUV might suit you best.
KONA vs. Trax Engine
Every 2024 Chevrolet Trax receives a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter inline-three engine. It’s got enough power to get moving, but Car and Driver called its transmission “sluggish.” Hyundai offers a selection of gas-powered engines which both provide more horsepower. A 147-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four is the base model. For more power under the hood, the N Line and Limited Trim vehicles offer a 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-four engine. Hyundai pairs this motor with an eight-speed automatic transmission, rather than the standard six-speed the base model and Trax offer, for smoother gear changes.
All Chevrolet Trax trims have front-wheel drive, while Hyundai gives KONA customers the option of front- or all-wheel drive on all gas-powered models. Front-wheel drive is perfect for getting around the city, but this system doesn’t provide the traction you’ll need when off-roading. If you love hitting the trails in your downtime, the versatile KONA with all-wheel drive is the clear choice.
Unlike Chevrolet, Hyundai also offers an electric version of its subcompact SUV. The base model SE has a 133-hp 99 kW electric motor while the higher trims have a 201-hp 150 kW electric engine. All versions have front-wheel drive and single-speed reduction gear transmission.
Fuel Economy
A subcompact SUV’s fuel efficiency is one of its key selling points. Neither the KONA nor the Trax will cause you too much pain at the pump, with impressive fuel economy in all driving conditions. The Trax gets 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg in the open road.
The KONA’s results vary depending on your engine and whether you choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The front-wheel-drive KONA vehicles are always the most efficient, but they only beat the all-wheel-drive option by a couple of miles per gallon. In most cases, the KONA is also a nose ahead of the Trax. For example, the base model SE with front-wheel drive gets 29 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.
Space
Hyundai and Chevrolet have both increased their vehicle’s wheelbases to boost the size of their subcompact SUV interiors in 2024. Their new and improved cabin dimensions are so similar that it’s very difficult to split them. Just a fraction of an inch separates the headroom and legroom in the front and back, so you and your crew should be just as comfortable traveling in either vehicle. Both vehicles are also five-seater SUVs.
When you compare cargo space though, the KONA asserts its dominance. It offers 63.7 cubic feet of space in the trunk, much more than the 54.1 cubic feet in the Trax. That means you don’t have to worry about packing light for weekends away or buying a few extra luxuries at the mall.
Interior
Chevrolet has redesigned the Trax’s interior in 2024 to make it more stylish and user-friendly. The driver-facing infotainment screen and well-positioned controls are intuitive, but the Trax still doesn’t look as modern or luxurious as the KONA. Uninspiring materials and an unwillingness to innovate let it down. Little details such as the ambient lighting, column-mounted shifter, and optional leather upholstery help the KONA stand above its nearest rival.
Infotainment Technology
Hyundai and Chevrolet both help motorists stay connected when they’re on the move with a host of smart technology on board their subcompact SUVs. The new Chevrolet Trax has MyLink while Bluelink+ gets the job done in the KONA. You can use both via an intuitive touch screen, although the KONA’s larger one makes navigating the system at a glance a little easier. The screen is 8 inches as standard, or 11 inches when you choose the LT trim or higher. That’s still smaller than the 12.3-inch screen that Hyundai offers in all KONA vehicles.
The KONA is one of the first Hyundai vehicles to get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability as part of its new Connected Car Navigation Cockpit. This update brings its technology in line with the Chevrolet Trax. Both vehicles have the option of wireless device charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
You can also take charge of your vehicles using your smartphone. Simply download the Bluelink+ or MyChevrolet app, depending on your vehicle to access features such as remote start and access and climate control from your preferred device. Hyundai Pay is a unique feature exclusive to Hyundai vehicles that city drivers will love. Rather than fumbling for your wallet, you can use Hyundai Pay to conveniently pay for your parking at affiliated lots and garages. As the network expands, you can increasingly use Hyundai Pay at EV charging and gas stations.
Safety Features
Hyundai and Chevrolet both treat drivers with many of the high-tech safety features that some makers charge extra for. Chevy Safety Assist is standard with every Trax while Hyundai equips each KONA with Hyundai SmartSense. Both systems offer the following driver assistance features:
- Automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection.
- Lane departure warning.
- Lane-keeping assist.
- High-beam assist.
Hyundai’s system is a little more comprehensive though, with extra standard features for your peace of mind, such as:
- Lane following assist.
- Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.
- Blind-spot collision warning.
- Driver attention warning.
- Rear occupant alert.
- Safe exit warning.
Test-Drive a 2024 Hyundai KONA at Huffines Hyundai McKinney Today
The latest Hyundai KONA and Chevrolet Trax are both excellent vehicles equipped with all the features you need for the urban jungle, but the KONA’s extra power, versatility, and refinement make it worth the few extra dollars it costs. Come and see for yourself at Huffines Hyundai McKinney today. Our team can organize a test drive and answer any questions you have about this or any new Hyundai vehicles. Make sure to ask about our amazing specials, which can make these great vehicles even better value.