Are you considering getting behind the wheel of the compact Tucson or the subcompact Kona but can’t figure out which Hyundai crossover SUV is better for you? To help you understand the differences between the two models, we created this 2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona comparison.

2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona crossover SUV comparison, we evaluated several areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, reliability, and price.

Tucson vs. Kona: Performance 

With its more powerful engine options, the 2023 Hyundai Tucson generates a higher horsepower output than the 2023 Hyundai Kona. It offers three engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (187 horsepower), a hybrid (226 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid (261 horsepower). 

In comparison, the Kona offers three gas engine options, along with an all-electric model: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder (147 horsepower), a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (195 horsepower), a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (207 horsepower), and 201 horsepower for the Kona Electric. 

However, the Kona is more maneuverable than the Tucson, with its smaller size, lower weight, and tighter turning circle. This maneuverability is helpful in a variety of ways, including driving in city traffic, moving through curves and around corners, backing up, and parking.

Tucson vs. Kona: Gas mileage

On the efficiency front, the fully gas-powered Tucson has an estimated fuel economy of up to 28 combined mpg, and the Tucson Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 43 combined mpg. Also, the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 84 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 35 combined mpg in hybrid mode.

In comparison, the fully gas-powered Kona has an estimated gas mileage of up to 32 combined mpg, while the Kona Electric has an estimated fuel efficiency rating of up to 120 combined MPGe. 

Tucson vs. Kona: Towing

If you want a crossover SUV that can tow, then the 2023 Tucson is the better choice for you. It has a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, while the 2023 Kona is not rated for towing.

Tucson vs. Kona: Off-road capabilities

Both Hyundai crossover SUVs offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the Tucson is more suitable for off-road use. For one, the Tucson has higher ground clearance than the Kona (up to 8.3 vs. 6.7 inches). Also, unlike the Kona, the Tucson has an off-road-focused model with the rugged XRT trim.

Tucson vs. Kona: Safety

The Tucson is safer than the Kona. For the previous model year, the Tucson earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. However, the Kona didn’t receive a safety award from IIHS.

Tucson vs. Kona: Passenger and cargo space

The Tucson is bigger than the Kona, which results in more passenger and cargo space. It has a total passenger volume of up to 108 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 80.3 cu-ft. In comparison, the Kona has a total passenger volume of up to 94.1 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 45.8 cu-ft.

Tucson vs. Kona: Warranty coverage and reliability

Like the rest of the models in the Hyundai lineup, the Tucson and Kona have very generous warranty coverage. The two crossover SUVs are backed by a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, the Tucson and Kona have a free maintenance plan, with three years or 36,000 miles of coverage.

However, the Tucson is more reliable than the Kona. It earned a J.D. Power reliability rating of 88/100, compared to 82/100 for the Kona. 

Tucson vs. Kona: Price

Which Hyundai crossover SUV costs more: the 2023 Tucson or the 2023 Kona? The full price information is not yet available for the 2023 Tucson and 2023 Kona, but we know that the Kona is more affordable. It has a starting price of $21,990 MSRP, compared to $26,450 MSRP for the Tucson. 

2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona: Which crossover SUV is better?

In this 2023 Hyundai Tucson vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona comparison, each Hyundai crossover SUV has various advantages. For the 2023 Tucson, advantages include horsepower output, towing, off-road capabilities, passenger and cargo space, and reliability. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Kona include maneuverability, gas mileage, and a lower price.