Hyundai Kona vs Tucson: Which Hyundai SUV Should You Buy?
Published October 23, 2026 · Last updated October 23, 2026
The Kona is the smaller, cheaper and easier-to-park SUV; the Tucson is the roomier family SUV, with 3.1 inches more rear legroom, about 50% more cargo space behind the rear seat and the only hybrid and plug-in hybrid of the two. The 2027 Kona SE starts at $25,500, $4,200 less than the 2026 Tucson SE at $29,700, and it is 11.4 inches shorter. Both earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, both offer all-wheel drive, and both are on the lot at Plaza Hyundai. Here is how they compare for drivers in Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island and across New York City.
Kona or Tucson: The Short Answer
- Choose the Hyundai Kona if you drive mostly in the city with one or two passengers: it starts $4,200 lower, is 11.4 inches shorter, gets 31 mpg combined with front-wheel drive and offers a 190-hp turbo that is quicker than the gas Tucson.
- Choose the Hyundai Tucson if you carry a family or want a hybrid: 41.3 inches of rear legroom against 38.2, 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat against 25.5, and a Tucson Hybrid rated up to 38 mpg combined with AWD.
- Our take: the Kona SEL Sport for singles and couples in the city; the Tucson Hybrid for families and long commutes.
Model-year timing: This comparison uses the 2027 Kona and the 2026 Tucson, the model years Plaza Hyundai is selling now. An all-new 2027 Tucson launches in South Korea in the fourth quarter of 2026, with U.S. arrival to follow; see our 2027 Tucson guide and 2027 Kona guide. Prices are manufacturer MSRPs before the $1,650 destination charge, the same on both. Browse every new Kona, every Tucson, Tucson Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, or all new Hyundais at Plaza Hyundai.
Kona vs Tucson at a Glance
| Spec | 2027 Hyundai Kona | 2026 Hyundai Tucson | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,500 (FWD); $27,000 (AWD) | $29,700 (FWD); $31,200 (AWD) | Kona |
| Engines | 2.0L four, 147 hp; 1.6L turbo, 190 hp | 2.5L four, 187 hp; hybrid 231 hp; plug-in hybrid 268 hp | Tucson |
| Transmission | IVT (2.0L); 8-speed automatic (turbo) | 8-speed automatic; hybrids 6-speed | — |
| All-wheel drive | Every trim, $1,500 | $1,500 on gas and SE/SEL Hybrid; standard on other hybrids and the plug-in | Tie |
| EPA mpg (combined) | 2.0L 31 FWD / 27 AWD; turbo 28 / 26 | Gas 28 FWD / 26 AWD; hybrid 36–38; plug-in 35 plus 32 miles electric | Tucson (hybrid) |
| 0–60 mph (Edmunds tests) | 7.8 s (1.6L turbo) | 10.2 s (gas AWD); 7.6 s (plug-in hybrid) | Kona (turbo) |
| Length / wheelbase | 171.3 in / 104.7 in | 182.7 in / 108.5 in | Kona (parking) |
| Rear legroom | 38.2 in | 41.3 in | Tucson |
| Cargo (seats up / folded) | 25.5 / 63.7 cu ft | 38.7 / 74.8 cu ft (plug-in 31.9 / 66.3) | Tucson |
| Touchscreen | 12.3 in | 12.3 in | Tie |
| IIHS 2026 | Top Safety Pick+ | Top Safety Pick+ | Tie |
| Edmunds expert rating | 7.9/10 (2026) | 7.9/10 | Tie |
| Warranty (basic / powertrain) | 5 yr/60,000 mi / 10 yr/100,000 mi | 5 yr/60,000 mi / 10 yr/100,000 mi | Tie |
Want Today's Price on a Hyundai Kona or Tucson?
Tell us the model, trim, drivetrain and color you have in mind and the best way to reach you, and a Plaza Hyundai product specialist will send current Kona and Tucson availability, Plaza pricing with today's incentives and a test-drive time, usually within the hour during business hours. Not sure which one fits? Tell us who rides with you and how far you drive, and we will price a Kona and a Tucson side by side. No deposit, no obligation, no middlemen.
Size and Dimensions
How much bigger is the Tucson than the Kona? It is 11.4 inches longer (182.7 against 171.3 inches), 1.5 inches wider and rides on a wheelbase 3.8 inches longer, and it stands about 3 inches taller. On a crowded Bay Ridge block, those 11 inches are often the difference between taking the first open spot and circling again. With AWD, both sit high for snowy side streets: 8.3 inches of ground clearance on the Tucson and 8.1 to 8.3 on the Kona.
| Dimension | 2027 Hyundai Kona | 2026 Hyundai Tucson |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3 in | 182.7 in |
| Width | 71.9 in | 73.4 in |
| Height | 62.2–63.6 in | 65.6 in FWD; 66.3 in AWD |
| Wheelbase | 104.7 in | 108.5 in |
| Ground clearance | 6.7–6.9 in FWD; 8.1–8.3 in AWD | 7.1 in FWD; 8.3 in AWD |
Interior and Cargo Space
Up front, both feel roomy. In back, the Tucson gives adults 41.3 inches of legroom against 38.2 in the Kona, and its rear seats recline, which matters on a drive out to the Hamptons. Cargo space follows: the Tucson holds 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 74.8 with it folded, against 25.5 and 63.7 in the Kona. A double stroller or a hockey bag plus groceries fits more easily in the Tucson; the Kona still takes two carry-ons and a week of shopping. The Tucson Plug-in Hybrid gives up some space to its battery, with 31.9 and 66.3 cubic feet.
Engines, Hybrid and Kona Electric
The Kona SE and SEL Sport use a 2.0-liter four with 147 hp and an IVT; the SEL Premium and Limited step up to a 1.6-liter turbo with 190 hp and an eight-speed automatic, which Edmunds clocked from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The gas Tucson uses a 2.5-liter four with 187 hp and an eight-speed automatic and took 10.2 seconds with AWD, so the turbo Kona is the quicker gas SUV for merging onto the BQE.
Only the Tucson offers a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. The Tucson Hybrid makes 231 hp and is rated up to 38 mpg combined; the Plug-in Hybrid makes 268 hp, runs 32 miles on electricity and reached 60 mph in 7.6 seconds in Edmunds testing. The gas-free option on the Kona side is the Kona Electric, which skipped the 2026 model year in the US. Hyundai has said a 2027 Kona Electric is returning; the 2025 model was rated 200 miles on the SE and 261 on the SEL and Limited, from $32,875 (InsideEVs, electrive). Ask us about availability.
Fuel Economy
With gas engines, the front-drive Kona 2.0 is the most efficient, at 28/35/31 mpg city/highway/combined against 25/33/28 for the front-drive Tucson. The Tucson Hybrid changes that: the Blue SE is rated 38/38/38 with AWD and other Tucson Hybrid trims 36 combined.
| Version | Gallons a year | Cost a year |
|---|---|---|
| Kona 2.0 FWD (31 mpg) | 387 | $1,705 |
| Kona 2.0 AWD (27 mpg) | 444 | $1,957 |
| Tucson gas AWD (26 mpg) | 462 | $2,033 |
| Tucson Hybrid Blue SE AWD (38 mpg) | 316 | $1,391 |
With AWD, the Tucson Hybrid saves about $565 a year over a Kona 2.0 AWD and $640 over a gas Tucson AWD.
AWD
Both offer HTRAC all-wheel drive for $1,500. On the Kona it is available on every trim, from the $27,000 SE AWD up. On the Tucson it is optional on gas models and the SE and SEL Hybrid, and standard on the Blue SE, SEL Convenience, Limited and Night hybrids and on the Plug-in Hybrid. The cheapest AWD Kona costs $4,200 less than the cheapest AWD Tucson ($31,200), and the AWD Tucson Hybrid Blue SE costs $32,800.
Tech and Safety
Every Kona and Tucson has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kona Limited adds a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Bose audio, a sunroof, ventilated front seats and Surround View Monitor; on the Tucson, the digital cluster arrives with the SEL Premium and Hybrid SEL Convenience, and the Limited adds Bose audio and a 360-degree camera.
Both come standard with forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist and blind-spot warning, and the Kona adds Safe Exit Warning and rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist on every trim. Both earned a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Ownership coverage is identical: a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage and 10 years or 100,000 miles on the Tucson's hybrid battery (Hyundai warranty).
Trims and Price Compared
Is the Kona cheaper than the Tucson? Yes, by $4,200 at the base level: $25,500 against $29,700 with front-wheel drive, and $27,000 against $31,200 with AWD. Trim for trim the gap holds, but the turbo Kona SEL Premium ($28,425) costs less than a base Tucson SE and is quicker. The real question is space: for about $2,900 more than a Kona SEL Sport ($26,825), the Tucson SE buys the bigger cabin and cargo area.
2027 Hyundai Kona trims
| Trim | FWD MSRP | AWD MSRP | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | $25,500 | $27,000 | 147-hp 2.0L, 17-in alloys, 12.3-in touchscreen, blind-spot warning |
| SEL Sport | $26,825 | $28,325 | Adds 18-in alloys, wireless charging, Smart Cruise Control |
| SEL Premium | $28,425 | $29,925 | 190-hp turbo, 19-in alloys, heated steering wheel |
| Limited | $32,535 | $34,035 | Adds sunroof, Bose, ventilated seats, 12.3-in digital cluster, Surround View |
2026 Hyundai Tucson trims
| Trim | MSRP | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| SE | $29,700 FWD; $31,200 AWD | 187-hp 2.5L, 17-in wheels, 12.3-in touchscreen |
| SEL | $31,050 FWD; $32,550 AWD | Adds 18-in wheels, hands-free power liftgate, heated front seats |
| XRT | $33,725 FWD; $35,225 AWD | Black cladding, Terrain Mode |
| SEL Premium | $34,050 FWD; $35,550 AWD | Adds moonroof, 12.3-in digital cluster |
| Limited | $39,675 FWD; $41,175 AWD | Adds leather, Bose audio, 360-degree camera |
| Hybrid SE / SEL | $31,300 FWD; SEL $32,750 FWD, $34,250 AWD | 231-hp hybrid |
| Hybrid Blue SE | $32,800 (AWD) | 38 mpg combined |
| Hybrid SEL Convenience / Limited / Night | $35,250 / $42,425 / $42,925 (AWD) | Digital cluster; Limited equipment |
| Plug-in Hybrid SEL / Limited | $40,675 / $48,900 (AWD) | 268 hp, 32 miles electric |
Compare every grade in Hyundai Kona and Venue Trims Compared and Hyundai Tucson Trims Compared. Plaza Hyundai layers its own offers on top of Hyundai's, so check the current Hyundai specials in Brooklyn, get pre-approved for financing and get your trade-in value before you visit.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Hyundai Kona if you drive mostly in the city with one or two passengers and want the lowest price and easiest parking: it is 11.4 inches shorter, starts $4,200 lower and gets 31 mpg with front-wheel drive. Buy the Hyundai Tucson if you carry a family, need more cargo space or want a hybrid: it has 3.1 inches more rear legroom, 13.2 more cubic feet behind the rear seat and a 38-mpg hybrid. For most New York families, the Tucson Hybrid is our pick; for city commuters, the Kona SEL Sport.
Best for families
38 mpg combined with AWD and 38.7 cu ft of cargo, $32,800.
Best for city driving
31 mpg, wireless charging and a 171-inch footprint, from $26,825.
190-hp turbo
0–60 in 7.8 s for less than a base Tucson, from $28,425.
32 miles electric
268 hp and electric commuting, from $40,675.
Final Scorecard
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Kona | $25,500 vs $29,700 (FWD); $27,000 vs $31,200 (AWD) |
| City size and parking | Kona | 11.4 in shorter |
| Rear seat and cargo | Tucson | 41.3 vs 38.2 in; 38.7 vs 25.5 cu ft |
| Performance (gas) | Kona | Turbo 7.8 s vs 10.2 s |
| Hybrid options | Tucson | Hybrid and plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel economy | Tucson (hybrid) | Up to 38 mpg; gas Kona 31 vs gas Tucson 28 (FWD) |
| Safety | Tie | Both 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ |
| Warranty | Tie | 5-yr/60,000-mi basic and 10-yr/100,000-mi powertrain on both |
| Overall for NYC | Split | Kona for city commuters; Tucson Hybrid for families |
Still deciding? Go smaller in Hyundai Venue vs Kona, go bigger in Hyundai Tucson vs Santa Fe, or compare grades in Hyundai Kona and Venue Trims Compared and Hyundai Tucson Trims Compared. Cross-shopping other brands? Read Hyundai Kona vs Competitors: Rogue, Leaf, Kicks and More.
Hyundai Kona vs Tucson: Frequently Asked Questions
How much bigger is the Tucson than the Kona?
The Tucson is 11.4 inches longer (182.7 against 171.3 inches), 1.5 inches wider, about 3 inches taller and rides on a wheelbase 3.8 inches longer. Inside, it has 3.1 inches more rear legroom and 38.7 cubic feet behind the rear seat against 25.5.
Is the Kona cheaper than the Tucson?
Yes. The 2027 Kona SE starts at $25,500, $4,200 less than the 2026 Tucson SE at $29,700, and at $27,000 with AWD against $31,200. Prices exclude the $1,650 destination charge.
Kona Electric vs Tucson Hybrid: which should I buy?
The Tucson Hybrid, for most buyers today. It makes 231 hp, offers AWD, is rated up to 38 mpg combined and starts at $31,300, and Plaza Hyundai has it in stock. The Kona Electric is front-wheel drive only and skipped the 2026 model year in the US; the 2025 model was rated 200 to 261 miles of range from $32,875, and Hyundai is bringing back a 2027 version. Choose the Kona Electric if you can charge at home and want to stop buying gas.
Does the Kona have a hybrid?
Not in the US. The Kona is sold with a 2.0-liter or 1.6-liter turbo gas engine, and the Kona Electric is the electrified version. If you want a small Hyundai hybrid SUV, the Tucson Hybrid and Tucson Plug-in Hybrid are the options.
Which gets better gas mileage, the Kona or the Tucson?
Among gas models, the Kona: 31 mpg combined for the front-drive 2.0-liter against 28 for the front-drive Tucson. The Tucson Hybrid beats both, at 36 to 38 mpg combined.
Free home delivery within 25 miles. Plaza Hyundai delivers your new or pre-owned Hyundai to your door — free within a 25-mile radius, which covers all five boroughs, much of Nassau County and parts of northern New Jersey. Our service department also offers pickup and drop-off across New York City.
Ask Our Team About DeliveryTest-Drive the Hyundai Kona and Tucson at Plaza Hyundai
Visit Plaza Hyundai (2726 Nostrand Ave) to drive the Kona and the Tucson back to back, sit in both back seats and load your own stroller or luggage. Part of the family-owned Plaza Auto Mall, serving New York since 1975, with free delivery within 25 miles. No Hassle, No Pressure, No Middlemen. Call Plaza Hyundai sales at (800) 556-2369, or browse the inventory below.
*MSRP excludes destination ($1,650 for both the Hyundai Kona and the Hyundai Tucson), taxes, title and registration fees. Specifications and pricing are based on manufacturer information for the 2027 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Hyundai Tucson available as of October 23, 2026, as published by Hyundai Motor America and Edmunds, with dimensions from iSeeCars. Acceleration figures are Edmunds test results. Safety ratings from IIHS; fuel prices from AAA. EPA ratings are estimates; actual mileage will vary. See dealer for details.
Hyundai Kona and Tucson Inventory at Plaza Hyundai
Below is every new Kona, Tucson, Tucson Hybrid and Tucson Plug-in Hybrid at Plaza Hyundai, with Plaza pricing, trim, drivetrain and color on each listing. Use it to run the same comparison as this article: a Kona SEL Sport against a Tucson SE for about $2,900 more, or a Kona AWD against a Tucson Hybrid Blue SE for winter driving and better mileage. Listings marked In Transit are on their way to Nostrand Avenue and can be reserved now. Found one? Tap Confirm availability or Schedule a test drive on the listing, or call (800) 556-2369, and we will have it ready next to its Kona or Tucson counterpart. Free delivery within 25 miles.
