While there are many similarities between these two subcompact SUVs, only one pulls ahead. It promises a bigger cabin, more cargo space, award-winning tech tools, performance fun, money-saving efficiency, and an established reputation for quality.

Find out more in this Honda HR-V comparison.  

Rankings and Ratings

If you look at critical rankings and ratings, you will see that Kona pulls ahead again and again. Not only that, but the Hyundai brand keeps winning major awards, honoring its lineup, its overall value, and its technologies.

Hyundai is Money magazine’s Best Automaker for the Money 2025. It’s also called the 2025 Best SUV Brand by the critics at US News and World Report.

The Kona and Electric Kona won in the Best Compact SUV category at the PARENTS 2025 Best Family Cars Awards. Meanwhile, the Kona Electric has been named Best EV in the 2025 Best Cars for the Money at US News and World Report.  

Adding another accolade, Kelley Blue Book named the Kona as 2025 Best Subcompact SUV in their Best Buy Awards. This smart subcompact SUV is also ranked #1 in its class at Motor Trend.  

Entertainment and Connectivity

The 2025 Honda HR-V has a 7-inch standard touchscreen with a 9-inch upgrade. It comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It almost seems like the Hyundai Kona is showing off with its 12.3-inch touchscreen. You can add a 12.3-inch digital driver display to complete the high tech cockpit.

And is this a good system? JD Power has named Hyundai as the Top Mass-Market Brand in the U.S. Tech Experience Index for five years in a row.  

With the HR-V, a three-month subscription to HondaLink is complementary. So it’s definitely generous that Hyundai supplies a 3-year complimentary subscription to BlueLink.  

And which app is best? JD Power recently declared the Bluelink app as #1 in its class.  

Performance and Efficiency

When it comes to performance and efficiency, the Honda HR-V and entry level Hyundai Kona promise similar capability. Beyond that, the Kona has a small advantage in fuel efficiency.

If you want the speediest of these gas-powered rides, that honor rests solely with the turbo Kona. It cranks out 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque while maintaining good fuel efficiency.  

If you are looking for the most exciting subcompact SUV, you again must turn to the Hyundai. The Kona Electric offers incredible e-torque for faster take-offs.  

Interior Space and Cargo

With the Kona’s makeover, it gained more space. It now surpasses many rivals, including the 2025 Honda HR-V in Scottsdale. Second-row passengers will find more headroom and legroom in the Kona. Travelers will find a bit more space in the cargo hold.

With the seats folded, the difference grows to favor the Kona by about 8 cubic feet. That’s another suitcase!  

Warranty Comparison: Hyundai Sweetens the Deal

We’ve tried to demonstrate that the Kona is on par or better than the Honda HR-V. What really sweetens the deal is the incredible warranty package you get from Hyundai.

A 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty will provide much more peace of mind than a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Likewise, a 5-year/60,000 mile Limited warranty provides more peace of mind than a 3-year/36,000 mile warranty.  

The Best Subcompact SUV

In the end, if you are looking for the best subcompact SUV, the 2025 Hyundai Kona is the better choice. Compared to the Honda HR-V in Scottsdale, Konas represent a value package with the technologies and amenities that new car owners want.

Earnhardt Hyundai in North Scottsdale is your destination for great deals on subcompact SUVs today. Schedule a test drive and put some fun into your busy week.