Hyundai Kona vs Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery size options. The larger battery, which was standard on the Limited trim, provided enhanced power, performance, and range, albeit at a higher cost. Prices ranged from $36,495 to $46,895, including the destination charge. The XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the optional larger battery, transforming it into the XLE Plus for an additional $3,000. The total MSRP, including options like Heavy Metal paint and various mats, was $40,468. The 2026 bZ's design improvements, particularly the body-color trim, were a welcome change from the previous model's black overfender trim. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner look, with a 14-inch center touchscreen and integrated climate controls. However, the digital driver display's placement and size remained a concern.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona was offered in four trim levels: SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited, with prices ranging from $27,100 to $34,135, including the destination charge. The Kona's design was polarizing, especially with the Limited trim's Neoteric Yellow paint. The test vehicle's MSRP, with AWD and additional features, was $36,375. Despite its divisive appearance, the Kona impressed with its quality and attention to detail, particularly the H-Tex artificial leather interior. The spacious interior comfortably accommodated four adults, with a choice of Black or Grey interiors. The Kona's technology, including widescreen digital instrumentation and traditional analog controls, was user-friendly. However, the white control labels on a metallic background posed visibility issues during the day.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of power and efficiency options. The XLE with FWD and a 57.7-kWh battery delivered 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles and an efficiency rating of 26 kWh/100 miles. Upgrading to the 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles, maintaining the same efficiency. Dual-motor models, available only with the larger battery, produced 338 hp and offered varying ranges and efficiency ratings depending on the trim. The bZ's charging capabilities included compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and a CCS adapter, with fast charging taking about 30 minutes to reach 80% capacity. The bZ's driving experience was generally agreeable, though it lacked one-pedal driving capability and exhibited some handling issues on winding roads.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options. The SEL Premium and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base SE and SEL Sport trims had a less powerful 2.0-liter engine with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft, mated to a CVT. The turbocharged engine provided satisfying acceleration, while the AWD option improved ride quality with a multi-link rear suspension. Fuel economy for the turbo ranged from 26 to 28 mpg, with AWD producing the lower figure. The Kona's ride and handling were mixed, with a firm ride over sharp road irregularities and a softer feel at higher speeds. The brakes showed signs of overheating during testing, but the turbocharged engine performed well on road trips.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered 8.1 inches of ground clearance, making it easy to enter and exit. Both front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment available in XLE and Limited trims. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest and a tray beneath the center console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was limited. The bZ provided 27.7 cubic feet of cargo space, reduced to 25.8 cubic feet in the Limited trim due to a JBL subwoofer. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo capacity to 56.9 cubic feet (55 cubes in the Limited trim).

The 2026 Hyundai Kona was a practical small SUV with ample interior room and cargo space. The Limited trim featured interior upgrades like ambient lighting, H-Tex artificial leather, and heated and ventilated front seats. The front passenger seat was height-adjustable, enhancing comfort. The Kona's interior offered impressive storage options, including a dashboard tray and a roomy center console bin. Rear passengers had access to additional storage spaces. The Kona's "smart" hands-free power liftgate opened automatically when sensing the key fob, revealing 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came standard with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The driver display's placement and size made it difficult to read, while the infotainment system lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM satellite radio and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect feature powered the native navigation system and the Intelligent Assistant voice assistant, which performed well during testing.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona featured a widescreen configurable digital display, with the Limited trim offering two 12.3-inch screens. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a lifetime complimentary subscription to Bluelink+ connected services. The Kona's digital key technology and Hyundai Pay system added convenience. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a responsive digital voice assistant. The Kona also included a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system and additional tech features like a surround-view camera system and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included features like high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided subtle braking and steering inputs for added safety. The Limited trim offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control's response was inconsistent, and the driver monitoring system was overly sensitive. The IIHS rated the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech as Good, but the headlights received a Poor rating, and frontal-impact crash tests earned Acceptable ratings.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona boasted an impressive array of standard driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The Kona also featured a rear occupant warning system and a safe exit warning system. The Limited trim added a Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist. The IIHS awarded the Kona its highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating, while the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating due to frontal-impact collision scores.