2021 Honda HR-V vs. 2021 Hyundai Kona at Spring Honda in Cranbrook, BC

With the popularity of crossover and compact SUVs at an all time high, it’s not surprising to see a number of manufacturers with a number of these vehicles in their model lineups. Honda’s strategy is a little different, producing fewer vehicles offering more thoughtful performance, design, and utility. One of these vehicles is the crossover HR-V, which we’ve already looked at compared to Hyundai’s Tucson. Today, we’ll be comparing the HR-V to another Hyundai, the Kona, to see which comes out on top. Read on to find out!

Design & Features

As mentioned in the previous model comparison (found here), the HR-V offers sleek and sporty styling with a side of serious utility. It is worth noting that, unlike the previous comparison, the HR-V is larger than the 2021 Hyundai Kona—in length, width, and wheelbase. That’s not the only area where the 2021 HR-V provides more value, with over 100 and 330 litres more cargo volume, with the rear seats up and down, respectively. Add in more passenger volume, and the HR-V does a fair share more with its space than the Kona. The Kona attempts to make up for this lack of space with a few more amenities, but at the end of the day these are two similarly equipped crossovers, with a huge difference in potential and utility.

Performance & Capability

In terms of engine performance, the 2.0-litre MPI Atkinson 4-cylinder of the Kona narrowly edges out the 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC® 4-cylinder found in the HR-V, offering 146 horsepower (compared to 141) and 132 lb-ft of torque (compared to 127). This difference is essentially negligible, especially when you take into account the highly efficient Honda CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that has the HR-V coming out ahead of both the Tucson and Kona’s 6-speed automatic transmission. Once again, all-wheel drive is an option for both of these models, with Hyundai’s AWD system adding another $2,000 to the sticker price.

Safety

In terms of value, the 2021 HR-V once again takes the cake, with Honda Sensing™ Technologies coming standard on every HR-V trim, while all the similar safety systems in the Hyundai Kona (save Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist) being an add-on. Granted, the base price of the Kona is less than that of the HR-V, but it’s hard to put a price on safety—something the 2021 Honda HR-V offers plenty of.

 

 

Honda HR-V vs. Hyundai Kona Verdict

Two crossover SUVs offering similar size, styling, and performance, the 2021 Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V are well-matched to start. But when you dig a little deeper into the matter, you see that the HR-V offers more space and smarter design, not to mention a great deal of standard safety equipment you have to pay extra for on the Kona. With the HR-V costing about $3,000 more than the Kona, that gap narrows in a hurry when you add all-wheel drive and safety features—making the HR-V a smarter choice from the get-go.

If you’re looking for a crossover SUV that can help get you and your gear from point A to point B, in style, then simply fill out the form below to book a test drive in the 2021 Honda HR-V—Cranbrook, British Columbia’s source for all things automotive.

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