Subcompact SUVs like the 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2025 Chevrolet Trax are a great compromise between the added interior room and versatility typical of an SUV minus the higher prices and steeper fuel bills of a larger model.
The Kona is fresh from a complete redesign that’s given it a bold new exterior and upgraded interior tech. This latest Kona is also longer, taller, and wider than before, which is a boon to carving out more legroom and cargo volume. It won us over so much that we awarded it the Kelley Blue Book Subcompact SUV Best Buy of 2024.
As for the Trax, it also received a total revamp for the 2024 model year. From its sporty exterior to additional standard driver aids, this latest version of the Trax looks ready to take the fight against several rival small SUVs, including, as you probably guessed, the Kona.
So hop aboard, and let’s get acquainted with the highlights of the Hyundai Kona and Chevy Trax.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona has a starting price of $25,745, including the mandatory factory-to-dealer delivery fee, and there are six trims: SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line S, N Line, and Limited. The SEL Convenience and N Line S are new grades for 2025. Worthy of mention is the standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with over-the-air updates, automatic high-beam headlights, and a quartet of USB-C ports.
But perhaps the most significant news — at least for those relegated to the second row — is that this larger Hyundai Kona has three inches more rear legroom than the previous model. Cargo volume increases behind the split-folding rear seatback by about five cubic feet.
Hyundai Kona Highlights
Turbocharged 4-cylinder: Serving dutifully in the two lower trims is a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). For some added verve, we suggest sampling the 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that comes with the N Line and Limited. This powertrain is the better option if you like to play in the fast lane.
Outstanding warranty coverage: The Hyundai Kona brings with it extra automotive peace of mind, so to speak, thanks to its 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage and 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage.
Wireless smartphone connectivity: The 12.3-inch touchscreen comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the Kona trim lineup. Car shoppers love this feature, and this new larger display makes it even better.
Look-at-me exterior: Hyundai wasn’t shy about giving the Kona an attention-grabbing shape. The horizontal light that runs the width of the front end is one of this small SUV’s most prominent design touches.
Read our Hyundai Kona Expert Review or see 2025 Hyundai Kona models for sale near you.
2025 Chevrolet Trax
The 2025 Chevy Trax has a starting price of $21,495, and it’s available in five trims: LS, 1RS, LT, 2RS, and Activ. Similar to the Hyundai Kona, standard equipment is plentiful and includes an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic high beams, remote keyless entry, two USB ports, and satellite radio.
Even going all in on the range-topping Activ model has a price hovering just over $25,000, compared to a Hyundai Kona Limited’s price of roughly $33,000.
Chevrolet Trax Highlights
Good fuel economy: Getting the Trax down the road is a turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder that sends 137 hp to the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic. Unlike the Kona, all-wheel drive is not available. To its credit, this little Chevy returns a solid EPA-rated 30 mpg combined in city and highway driving.
Safety first: The Chevy Safety Assist bundle of advanced safety features is standard and consists of automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, a rear-seat reminder, and automatic high beams. Paying less for an SUV shouldn’t mean sacrificing driver aids, so kudos to Chevrolet.
A clear view of the road ahead: Another key to safer driving is spotting potential obstacles better. The Trax now has LED headlights as standard versus the halogen lights used previously.
Hello, handsome: We must admit, the Trax’s previous version had a relatively anonymous jellybean-like shape. That’s great if you’re a fan of jellybeans, though we think the sharper lines of the 2025 Trax are a big improvement. Dare we say this Chevy’s exterior is less polarizing than the Hyundai Kona? (Yes, we do.)
Read our Chevrolet Trax Expert Review or see 2025 Chevrolet Trax models for sale near you.
Similarities
Easy to park and good on gas, the Hyundai Kona and Chevy Trax are ideal for SUV shoppers who don’t need something gargantuan parked in their garage or driveway. They also have expressive designs that give them a little more personality than many competing models.
Conclusion
To start, we really like what Chevrolet has done with the Trax. The cabin looks youthful, fresh, airy, and modern. Passenger space and cargo volume are pretty much a tie between these two—and that’s a good thing because they offer plenty. The Trax stumbles a little in its meager passing power and lack of all-wheel drive. The ride is on the firm side for a small SUV, but it handles spiritedly in trade.
In our opinion, the Hyundai Kona is the more well-rounded offering here. You have a choice of two engines plus the option of front- or all-wheel drive. Granted, higher-end models are much pricier than the Trax, though they look and feel every bit worth that premium.
New 2025 Hyundai Kona Prices
New 2025 Chevrolet Trax Prices
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$21,495 |
TBD |
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$23,395 |
TBD |
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$23,595 |
TBD |
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$25,395 |
TBD |
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$25,395 |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors.
The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership.
These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Hyundai Kona | 2025 Chevrolet Trax | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 2,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 28 city/35 highway/31 combined | 28 city/32 highway/30 combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 1.6-liter 4-cyl., AWD | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4 stars | Not rated |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.7 inches | 106.0 inches |
| Overall Length | 171.3 inches | 178.6 inches |
| Width | 71.9 inches | 71.8 inches |
| Height | 62.2 inches | 61.4 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.8 feet | N/A |
| Headroom, Front | 39.9 inches | 39.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 38.1 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 38.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.8 inches | 55.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.2 inches | 54.3 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 25.5 cubic feet | 25.6 cubic feet |