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2019 Volvo XC40 vs 2020 Hyundai Kona

2019 Volvo XC40
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Hyundai Kona
2020 Hyundai Kona
$20,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Hyundai Kona
$20,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Volvo XC40 emerges as the more compelling choice, offering a well-rounded package of style, performance, functionality, technology, and safety features. While the 2020 Hyundai Kona impresses with its exterior design and safety ratings, it falls short in terms of interior space, practicality, and overall value.

Choose the 2020 Hyundai Kona if:

Shop Now
6.8of 10overall
  • You are drawn to the sleek and sporty exterior design with advanced safety features.
  • You value a wide range of standard and optional features, including advanced infotainment and connectivity options.
  • You are looking for a smaller, more affordable crossover with a focus on exterior styling and safety technology.

Choose the 2019 Volvo XC40 if:

Shop Now
7.8of 10overall
  • You prioritize standout styling, ample interior space, and smart storage solutions.
  • You seek a well-balanced driving experience with strong performance and advanced safety features.
  • You are willing to invest in a premium vehicle with a focus on design, technology, and quality.
Overview

MSRP

$33,700

MSRP

$20,300

Average price

$24,352

Average price

$18,459

Listings

112

Listings

602
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Poor visibility
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Not much cargo space

2019 Volvo XC40 Reviews Summary

If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance.

Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world.

This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices.

Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out.

2020 Hyundai Kona Reviews Summary

The Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV is one of the smallest cars you can buy with all-wheel drive. It competes in a class of four-door hatchbacks with the lifted suspensions and higher driving positions that crossover buyers want—and with the same generous list of convenience and safety features that come on larger crossovers. We last tested the Kona when it came out for 2018, but a new trim level and more standard driver assists are the major changes for 2020. For what Hyundai charges, the Kona is cramped and the interior disappoints, yet exterior style and on-road performance are spectacular.
Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.0L 187 hp I4

Engine

2.0L 147 hp I4

Drive Train

FWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

187 hp @ 4700 rpm

Horsepower

147 hp @ 6200 rpm

MPG City

23

MPG City

27

MPG Highway

33

MPG Highway

33
2019 Volvo XC40
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Hyundai Kona
2020 Hyundai Kona
$20,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2019 Volvo XC40
$33,700MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Hyundai Kona
$20,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

Based on the ratings and comparison, the 2019 Volvo XC40 emerges as the more compelling choice, offering a well-rounded package of style, performance, functionality, technology, and safety features. While the 2020 Hyundai Kona impresses with its exterior design and safety ratings, it falls short in terms of interior space, practicality, and overall value.

Choose the 2020 Hyundai Kona if:

Shop Now
6.8of 10overall
  • You are drawn to the sleek and sporty exterior design with advanced safety features.
  • You value a wide range of standard and optional features, including advanced infotainment and connectivity options.
  • You are looking for a smaller, more affordable crossover with a focus on exterior styling and safety technology.

Choose the 2019 Volvo XC40 if:

Shop Now
7.8of 10overall
  • You prioritize standout styling, ample interior space, and smart storage solutions.
  • You seek a well-balanced driving experience with strong performance and advanced safety features.
  • You are willing to invest in a premium vehicle with a focus on design, technology, and quality.
Overview
MSRP
$33,700
$20,300
Average price
$24,352
$18,459
Listings
112
Shop all listings
602
Shop all listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.6
4.4
Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10

Read full review

6.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Spacious
Cons
  • Irritating transmission
  • Poor visibility
Pros
  • Stylish design
  • Fun to drive
Cons
  • Poor value for money
  • Not much cargo space
Summary

If any brand is experiencing a revival in terms of both form and function, it's Volvo. The Swedish automaker is experiencing a renaissance, delivering new cars that are not only breathtaking to look at inside and out, but that also provide fantastic technology, safety, and performance.

Volvo was once the Safety Brand, but with the advent of advanced safety technology, many other brands have caught up. Volvo has found its niche in high fashion, backed by continually improving safety technology that rivals the best in the world.

This recent trend started with the XC90 SUV and was followed by the V90 wagon. These are world-class vehicles, but they also fetch high prices.

Enter the 2019 Volvo XC40. It scales down much of what makes those high-end models so great, offering it in a (comparatively) more affordable subcompact SUV package. The XC40 offers ingenious cargo solutions, incredibly advanced technology, and even a new way to go about car ownership. Is that enough to make it stand out compared to other subcompact SUVs? Read on to find out.

The Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV is one of the smallest cars you can buy with all-wheel drive. It competes in a class of four-door hatchbacks with the lifted suspensions and higher driving positions that crossover buyers want—and with the same generous list of convenience and safety features that come on larger crossovers. We last tested the Kona when it came out for 2018, but a new trim level and more standard driver assists are the major changes for 2020. For what Hyundai charges, the Kona is cramped and the interior disappoints, yet exterior style and on-road performance are spectacular.
Video
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.0L 187 hp I4
2.0L 147 hp I4
Drive Train
FWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
187 hp @ 4700 rpm
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
MPG City
23
27
MPG Highway
33
33
Look and feel
2019 Volvo XC40
9/10
2020 Hyundai Kona
8/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Hyundai Kona is rated 8 out of 10. The 2019 Volvo XC40 boasts standout styling with an upright appearance, providing a more SUV-based design compared to its competitors. It offers plenty of head- and legroom and comes in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription, each with unique features and design elements. The 2020 Hyundai Kona impresses with its sleek, sporty, and dramatic exterior design, offering a premium vibe from every angle. However, the interior quality falls short compared to its exterior, with hard, dull plastics and lackluster finishes.
Performance
2019 Volvo XC40
7/10
2020 Hyundai Kona
9/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2019 Volvo XC40 7 out of 10 and the 2020 Hyundai Kona 9 out of 10. The 2019 Volvo XC40 is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that delivers 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It provides brisk acceleration, well-weighted steering, and responsive turn-in, offering a balanced driving experience. The 2020 Hyundai Kona features a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, providing strong acceleration and a fast-reacting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. However, the engines produce more noise and vibration than expected, and the ride is stiffer compared to its competitors.
Form and function
2019 Volvo XC40
9/10
2020 Hyundai Kona
5/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 9 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Hyundai Kona is rated 5 out of 10. The XC40 impressively utilizes its space, offering plenty of front-seat head- and legroom, smart storage solutions, and a hands-free power liftgate. It also provides ample backseat legroom and a clever cargo area with a decent-size load floor and additional storage options. The 2020 Hyundai Kona falls short in terms of luggage space, offering one of the smallest cargo holds in its class with 19 cubic feet of cargo space and 46 with the rear seats folded. It lacks the interior roominess and practicality compared to its competitors.
Technology
2019 Volvo XC40
8/10
2020 Hyundai Kona
7/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 8 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Hyundai Kona is rated 7 out of 10. The 2019 Volvo XC40 features a large portrait-oriented touchscreen that integrates almost all vehicle controls, providing seamless functionality and easy navigation. It also offers standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility and an available 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. The 2020 Hyundai Kona comes with a good list of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offers additional advanced features such as wireless charging, an eight-way power driver's seat, and an eight-speaker Infinity stereo in higher trims.
Safety
2019 Volvo XC40
7/10
2020 Hyundai Kona
8/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 7 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Hyundai Kona is rated 8 out of 10. The 2019 Volvo XC40 prioritizes safety with standard features such as a full array of airbags, City Safe automatic braking system, and optional driver-assistance systems like blind-spot detection, cross-traffic alert, and Pilot Assist. However, it has some safety pitfalls due to its design, including poor rearward visibility. The 2020 Hyundai Kona achieved high safety ratings, scoring five out of five stars overall in NHTSA crash tests and earning the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation. It offers standard forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor, providing comprehensive safety features.
Cost Effectiveness
2019 Volvo XC40
7/10
2020 Hyundai Kona
4/10
The 2019 Volvo XC40 is rated 7 out of 10 by CarGurus experts, while the 2020 Hyundai Kona is rated 4 out of 10. The 2019 Volvo XC40 offered reasonable value when new, but with various optional packages and features that could significantly increase the price. The 2020 Hyundai Kona, meanwhile, offered a wide range of features at different price points, but didn't represent great value for money when new.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.

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