2023 Tucson vs 2023 Kona

These models helped Hyundai Motor Company become the 2023 Top SUV Brand at US News and World Report. Does this mean the different models are equally worthy of their pricetag?

How do the Tucson and Kona siblings compare? How do the Ioniq 5 and Hyundai Venue figure into this lineup of smaller Hyundai SUV models? If you are looking for the right SUV at the right price, this comparison is for you.

1. Are these Hyundai SUVs equally worthy?

   In US News and World Report rankings by automotive class, positive numbers are across the board with every major Hyundai SUV at or near the top. This consistency is a big reason it earned the 2023 Top SUV Brand.

   2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrids rank #1 among hybrid SUVs at US News. 2023 Tucsons are the #2-ranked compact SUV with two rows of seating. At Kelley Blue Book, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is top of its class. That puts it ahead of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR V Hybrids.

   Likewise, the standard Kona is the #4-ranked subcompact SUV, beating out many higher priced models. Kona Electric vehicles earn heaps of praise as highly competent and extremely affordable electric SUVs.

   Hyundai is the only brand to have two electric SUVs in the affordable SUV marketplace. The Ioniq 5 won two car of the year awards. 2022 EV of the Year from Car and Driver was followed by 2023 SUV of the Year from Motor Trend.

2. How Big are Subcompact and Compact Hyundai SUVs?

   Called compact SUVs, 2023 Tucsons have grown large enough to compete with the Hyundai Santa Fe in several specifications. It now has a 15 cu ft advantage compared to the 2023 Kona. That’s how it is able to offer 39 inches of legroom for passengers in the rear seats.

   

   The new Ioniq 5 EV cabin is nearly as spacious as the Tucson. However, there’s a difference of 10 cubic feet of cargo space. The Kona cabin is definitely more spacious than the Venue cabin, and Kona owners enjoy a bit more cargo space.

3. How Do the SUV Trim Levels Compare?

   Most economical, the Kona SE is well equipped with the most important driver assistance technologies from a rear cross traffic alert to a forward-facing autobrake system. The SEL, N Line and Limited add amenities as well as the opportunity to choose a turbo powertrain. The Kona EV and speedy Kona N are separate trim levels.

   From the SE trim through the EV, Konas are considered excellent values in the subcompact SUV class. This model year Car and Driver recommends the Kona Limited for its standard features and fun turbo engine.

   With the inexpensive Tucson SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims, the Hyundai SUV offers three of the best and most affordable packages of the compact SUV class. Even the Tucson Hybrid Blue is priced well within the range of many 2 row SUV shoppers. Technology is top notch, and the amenities list is longer than many rivals at these trim levels.

   The Limited Tucson trims are near-luxury level in quality and comfort, setting them much further apart from the Kona SUVs. Car and Driver recommends the Tucson Hybrid SEL Convenience for its blend of amenities and value pricing.

4. Will the Hyundai SUV be fun to drive?

   When Motor Trend was praising Hyundai, it noted how the automaker puts an emphasis on performance in every way. Of course, critics especially praise the Hyundai N division, but the Hyundai hybrids, plug-in hybrids and EVs provide a remarkable power outlay.

   Indeed the Kona N is especially fun with 276 horses under the hood and the kick of 289 lb-ft of torque. Kona Electric models don’t have as much horsepower but they definitely move fast off the line with 291 lb-ft of torque. Plus they have a long electric driving range.

   The highly rated Tucson is never short on performance, but the 2023 Hyundai Tucson HEV and PHEV definitely make driving more fun by providing a higher level of horsepower and torque.

   Hyundai SUV Models Ranked By Horsepower

   1. 2023 Hyundai Kona N: 276 horsepower, 289 lb-ft

   2. 2023 Tucson PHEV: 261 horsepower, 258 lb-ft

   3. 2023 Tucson Hybrid: 226 horsepower, 258 lb-ft

   4. 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5: 225 horsepower, 258 lb-ft

   5. 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric: 201 horsepower, 291 lb-ft

   6. 2023 Hyundai Tucson: 187 horsepower, 178 lb-ft

   7. 2023 Hyundai Kona: 147 horsepower, 132 lb-ft

   8. 2023 Hyundai Venue: 121 horsepower, 113 lb-ft

5. What about Ownership Costs?

   Consumers who care about the cost to own are in good shape with Hyundai SUV models. The Tucson and Kona have the longest possible warranties in the business. Limited warranties go up to 5 years instead of cutting off at 3 years. Powertrain warranties go up to 10 years instead of cutting off at 5 years.

   Overall fuel efficiency is essential to keeping costs in check. Obviously the EVs, hybrids and PHEVs are excellent. The regular gas-powered models are quite efficient, especially in highway driving.

6. What is Hyundai SUV Gas Mileage?

   Here are the basics on Hyundai compact and subcompact SUV fuel economy. Also, the numbers here represent the front-wheel drive models of all gas-powered SUVs.

   2 Row Hyundai SUV Models Ranked by Highway Efficiency

   1. 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric mpge: 106/134 Hwy/City

   2. 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 mpge: 98/132 Hwy/City

   3. 2023 Tucson Plug In Hybrid mpge: 80 Combined

   4. 2023 Tucson Hybrid mpg: 38/38 Hwy/City

   5. 2023 Hyundai Kona mpg: 35/30 Hwy/City

   6. 2023 Hyundai Venue mpg: 33/29 Hwy/City

   7. 2023 Hyundai Tucson mpg: 33/26 Hwy/City

   8. 2023 Hyundai Kona N mpg: 27/20 Hwy/City

   Most numbers are EPA estimates. MPGe refers to the miles per gallon-equivalent. You can get more information at the Fuel Economy federal website.

7. Are Hyundai SUVs as safe as possible?

   Automotive critics aren’t the only ones who have been recognizing the Hyundai brand. In May 2022, the automaker had earned more Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awards in a 7-year period than any other brand.

   That’s Top Safety Pick and Top Safety Pick Plus for most of its SUVs. Plus the brand consistently earns 5 stars in testing at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You can check each model at the IIHS website or the NHTSA website to learn more.

Conclusion

With the wide range of powertrains and trim levels, few brands can give you the choices that you’ll find in the Hyundai Tucson and Kona families. We hope this information is useful to you as you determine which Hyundai SUV is the right size and style for you.

Please enjoy looking at our inventory online. The next step is always a test drive. Stop by Earnhardt Hyundai in North Scottsdale to get behind the wheel and experience a highly ranked Hyundai SUV for yourself.