Head-to-head
2027 Hyundai Kona vs 2027 Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage wins clearly, 96.8 to 89.6, on fuel & range, space & cargo, performance. The Hyundai Kona is ahead on price and safety.
A
2027 Hyundai Kona
The 2027 Hyundai Kona is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 4 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Kona FWD, is EPA-rated at 31 mpg…
vs
A2027 Kia Sportage
The 2027 Kia Sportage is sold in the U.S. as a plug-in hybrid, hybrid and gas compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Sport…
Verdict · default weights
2027 Kia Sportage
Clear winThe Kia Sportage wins clearly, 96.8 to 89.6, on fuel & range, space & cargo, performance. The Hyundai Kona is ahead on price and safety.
Fuel & range 2027 Kia Sportage leads by 23.7
Price 2027 Hyundai Kona leads by 12
Space & cargo 2027 Kia Sportage leads by 22.9
| Category · weight | 2027 Hyundai Konaoverall 89.6 | 2027 Kia Sportageoverall 96.8 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricew 4 | 100 | 88 | ||||||||||||
Base MSRP of the trim (or the model's lowest trim). Lower is better. | ||||||||||||||
| Fuel & rangew 3 | 76.3 | 100 | ||||||||||||
EPA annual fuel cost and combined mpg / MPGe; EV range when both are electric. | ||||||||||||||
| Safetyw 4 | 100 | 97.6 | ||||||||||||
NHTSA 5-Star rating, WhichTrim Safety Signal (open recalls by severity), owner complaints, standard driver-assist features (from the press kit, or from what the manufacturer filed with NHTSA where there is none). Open park-outside / do-not-drive advisories cost 25 points. | ||||||||||||||
| Space & cargow 2 | 77.1 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Seats, cargo volume behind the 1st and 2nd rows, rear legroom. | ||||||||||||||
| Performancew 2 | 80.3 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Horsepower, torque and horsepower per ton. | ||||||||||||||
| Tech & comfortw 3 | 89.8 | 100 | ||||||||||||
Standard (1) and optional (0.5) infotainment, convenience, climate and interior features from the manufacturer's press kit. | ||||||||||||||
| Warrantynot compared | No data | No data | ||||||||||||
| Overall | 89.6 | 96.8 | ||||||||||||
Trim vs trim · 6 of 7 categories compared
Hyundai Kona: base trim SE FWD · Kia Sportage: base trim LX FWD. Pick a trim in the tool to compare any other trim.
Change what matters to you →Scores are 0–100 per category from the data on this page. The weights are yours to set.
Where the gap is
the biggest differences, from the scorecard's own numbersWhere the 2027 Kia Sportage wins
- It is rated 41 combined against 31 (EPA mpg or MPGe).
- It costs $500 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,650 against $2,150).
- It holds 36.6 cu ft behind the second row against 25.5.
Where the 2027 Hyundai Kona answers
- It starts $3,490 lower ($25,500 against $28,990 base MSRP).
- It lists 41 standard driver-assist features against 37.
What they share
- A Safety Signal of 100.
Ranked by how far apart the two score on each measure, so a price gap and a horsepower gap are compared on the same scale. Every figure is on this page.
Specifications side by side
52 specs · manufacturer press kits| Spec | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| Base MSRP (excludes destination) | $25,500 | $28,990 |
| Engine Basics | ||
| Aspiration | naturally aspirated | twin turbo |
| Cylinder count | 4 | 4 |
| Engine displacement | 1,999 cc | 2,497 cc |
| Engine type (full description) | 2.0L MPI Atkinson DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder | 2.5L 4-cylinder gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine |
| Fuel injection system | gdi mpi | gdi mpi |
| Valve configuration | DOHC 16-Valve | DOHC |
| Engine Output | ||
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 187 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| MPG (city) | 28 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG (combined) | 31 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG (highway) | 35 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Transmission | ||
| Final drive ratio | 6.052 | 3.648 |
| Transmission speeds | — | 8 |
| Transmission type | Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) | automatic |
| Dimensions Exterior | ||
| Ground clearance | 6.7 in | 7.1 in |
| Overall height | 62.2 in | 65.4 in |
| Overall length | 171 in | 184 in |
| Overall width | 71.9 in | 73.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 105 in | 109 in |
| Cargo | ||
| Cargo volume behind 1st row | 63.7 cu-ft | 69.3 cu-ft |
| Cargo volume behind 2nd row | 25.5 cu-ft | 36.6 cu-ft |
| Total interior volume | 127 cu-ft | — |
| Seating | ||
| Passenger seating capacity | 5 | — |
| Headroom | ||
| Front headroom | 39.9 in | 39.6 in |
| Second-row headroom | — | 39.4 in |
| Third-row headroom | 38.3 in | — |
| Legroom | ||
| Front legroom | 41.7 in | 41.4 in |
| Second-row legroom | — | 41.3 in |
| Third-row legroom | 38.2 in | — |
| Weights | ||
| Curb weight (maximum) | 3,005 lbs | — |
| Curb weight (minimum) | 3,005 lbs | 3,434 lbs |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 4,090 lbs | 4,740 lbs |
| Suspension | ||
| Front suspension type | MacPherson strut with coil springs | McPherson strut |
| Rear suspension type | Coupled Torsion Beam Axle | Multi-Link |
| Steering | ||
| Steering type | Column-mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) | Column Type - Motor Driver Power Steering (MDPS) |
| Turning radius (curb-to-curb) | — | 19.3 ft |
| Brakes | ||
| Front brake diameter | — | 320 mm |
| Front brake type | ventilated disc | ventilated disc |
| Parking brake type | Electronic | epb |
| Rear brake diameter | — | 300 mm |
| Rear brake type | solid disc | solid disc |
| Wheels | ||
| Wheel diameter | 17 in | 17 in |
| Wheel material | forged alloy | forged alloy |
| Wheel width | 7 in | 7 in |
| Tires | ||
| Tire size | 215/60R17 | 235/65R17 |
| Fuel System | ||
| Fuel tank capacity | 12.4 gal | 14.3 gal |
| Minimum recommended octane | 87 | 87 |
| Connected Services | ||
| Connected services brand | Bluelink | — |
| Shoulder Room | ||
| Front shoulder room | 56.8 in | 57.5 in |
| Second-row shoulder room | — | 55.6 in |
| Third-row shoulder room | 55.2 in | — |
Green marks the better value where the direction is unambiguous (more room, more power, lower price). Blank rows are specs the press kit does not publish.
Equipment, feature by feature
213 features · differences first, then sharedSafety44 differ · 61 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Highway Driving Assist (HDA2) | — | std |
| Blind-spot View Monitor (BVM) | — | std |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Fusion (FCA-JT) with Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist Detection and Junction Turning | std | — |
| Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA) | — | std |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | — | std |
| Navigation based Smart Cruise Control Curve (NSCC-C) | — | std |
| Parking Collision Avoidance - Reverse (PCA-R) | — | std |
| Parking Distance Warning - Front and Rear (PDW-F/R) | — | std |
| Parking Distance Warning - Front and Rear (PDW-F/R) | — | std |
| Rear seat-mounted side airbags | — | std |
| Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) | — | std |
| 2.5-MPH Bumpers | std | — |
| Adjustable front-seat shoulder belt anchors | std | — |
| Anti-theft System integrated with remote keyless entry and panic alarm | std | — |
| Blind Spot-Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) | std | — |
| Blind Spot-Collision Warning (BCW) | — | std |
| Bodyside reinforcements | std | — |
| Brake-Booster Single, 10.5" LHD | std | — |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) | std | — |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with Auto Hold | — | std |
| Electronic Shift Lock System & Ignition Key Interlock – Electronic type | std | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with Traction Control (TCS) | std | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Fusion+ with Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist Detection and Direct Oncoming Detection and Avoidance | — | std |
| Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) w/ Direct Oncoming Detection | std | — |
| Front + Rear (outboard positions only) seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters | std | — |
| Front crumple zone | std | — |
| Haptic Feedback | std | — |
| Height adjustable up/down headrests | — | std |
| Height-adjustable front seat-belt anchors | — | std |
| Highway Driving Assist (HDA) | — | std |
| Impact sensing auto door unlock | — | std |
| Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) | std | — |
| Lane Following Assist (LFA) | std | — |
| Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) | — | std |
| Occupant Classification System (OCS) - Seat weight sensor and seat track sensor | std | — |
| Power window lock-out button | std | — |
| Rear child safety locks | std | — |
| Rear LATCH Lower Anchors and Upper Tether Anchors | std | — |
| Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) (door logic-type) | std | — |
| Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) | — | std |
| Side air curtains with rollover sensors | std | — |
| Smart Cruise Controls (steering wheel-mounted) | std | — |
| Speed sensing auto door locks | — | std |
| Vehicle Stability Management | std | — |
| Forward Collision Avoidance Fusion+ with Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist Detection and Direct Oncoming Detection and Avoidance | std | std |
| Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go (SCC with S&G) | std | std |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) | std | std |
| Dual front advanced airbags | std | std |
| Front seat-mounted side air bags | std | std |
| Full-length side curtain airbags | std | std |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) | std | std |
| Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines | std | std |
| Downhill Brake Control (DBC) | std | std |
| Driver Attention Warning (DAW) with Leading Vehicle Departure Alert | std | std |
| Safe Exit Warning (SEW) | std | std |
| Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) | std | std |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | std | std |
| High-Beam Assist (HBA) | std | std |
| Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) | std | std |
| Immobilizer | std | std |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) High-Line | std | std |
Infotainment15 differ · 17 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth® controls | std | — |
| 12.3-inch touchscreen navigation with Satellite Radio, Kia Connect, HD Radio, Voice Recognition, Wi-Fi, Map OTA, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (ccNC Navigation) | — | std |
| 6 speakers (including 2 tweeters) | — | std |
| Bluelink® Connected Car System | std | — |
| Bluetooth phone and streaming audio hands-free | — | std |
| Center speaker (front x1) | — | std |
| Front dual 3-amp USB-C outlets (1x Power/Data & 1x Power) | std | — |
| Front USB c-type charging and connection (x1) | — | std |
| Harman Kardon Premium Audio system | — | std |
| OTA Software Updates | std | — |
| Paddle shifters | — | std |
| Rear dual 3-amp USB-C outlets (2x Power) | std | — |
| Rear USB c-type chargers (x2 ports rear console) | — | std |
| Subwoofer speaker (front x1) | — | std |
| Wireless phone charging pad with integrated cooling fan | — | std |
| 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, SAT, HD Radio, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto (ccNC Lite) | std | std |
| Steering wheel mounted audio controls | std | std |
Convenience11 differ · 13 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Height adjustable Smart power liftgate | — | std |
| Digital Key 2.0 Premium | — | std |
| Proximity w/ Remote Start, detachable valet key & push button start (2) | std | — |
| 12-volt outlet - Front | std | — |
| 12V power outlet (console x1, cargo x1) | — | std |
| Power door locks | std | — |
| Power window with one-touch auto up/down (driver window) | — | std |
| Powered front and rear windows | — | std |
| Remote keyless entry system with alarm and panic | std | — |
| Remote releases (hood & fuel filler door) | std | — |
| Driver and Passenger's central door lock | — | std |
| Smart Key with Push Button Start with burglar alarm and panic function | std | std |
| Power windows with front one-touch auto up/down and safety | std | std |
Climate7 differ · 7 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd row air vents | — | std |
| Air Conditioning (manual) | std | — |
| Cabin air filter | std | — |
| Dual-zone full automatic temperature control (FATC) | — | std |
| PTC Heater | opt | — |
| Rear seat heater ducts | std | — |
| Automatic defog system | — | std |
Seating12 differ · 14 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support | — | std |
| Heated front seats | — | std |
| SynTex premium artificial leather seating | — | std |
| 2-position Integrated Memory System (IMS) for driver's seat and outside mirrors | — | std |
| 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with 2-way lumbar support | — | std |
| 4-way manual adjustable front passenger seat | — | std |
| 60/40 Split flat rear seatback with adjustable head restraints and recline function | std | — |
| Front passenger seatback pockets | — | std |
| Height adjustment driver - Manual | std | — |
| Rear 60:40 folding with recline | — | std |
| Seating capacity: 5 | std | — |
| Rear center padded armrest with cup holders | — | std |
| 6-way manual adjustable driver's seat | std | std |
| Cloth seating | std | std |
Interior37 differ · 37 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| 4.2-inch Color Multi-Information Display | std | — |
| 3-Spoke steering wheel | std | — |
| Assist grips (3) & rear coat hanger (1) | std | — |
| Cargo area light | std | — |
| Cargo tie-down anchors (4) - 1x cargo area corners | std | — |
| Central dome light (with delay) and auto cut-off | std | — |
| Day and night rear-view mirror | — | std |
| Door bottle holders - Front and rear (1x per door) | std | — |
| Door handles - Black (interior) | std | — |
| Door pocket bottle holder | — | std |
| Door sill plates - Plastic | std | — |
| Door storage pockets - Front and rear | std | — |
| Extendable sunvisor | — | std |
| Floor covering - Needle Punch | std | — |
| Front center console - Fixed armrest storage with tray | std | — |
| Front dual cupholders - Center console-mounted, fixed | std | — |
| Glove compartment with Damper | std | — |
| Headliner - Knit-Type | std | — |
| Hydrographic wood center fascia | — | std |
| Leather wrapped steering wheel | — | std |
| Metal paint center fascia | — | std |
| Metal paint inside door handle | — | std |
| Padded front center armrest with storage box and cupholders | — | std |
| Power Window Switches - Front and rear | std | — |
| Shift knob (N/A on Shift-by-Wire trims) | std | — |
| Soft PVC Trans gearshift knob | — | std |
| Soft-touch crashpad | — | std |
| Storage tray - Center Stack / Center Console / Above glovebox | std | — |
| Tilt and telescopic steering column | — | std |
| Illuminated sunvisor mirrors | — | std |
| Inside rearview mirror - Manual day/night | std | — |
| Manual Tilt + Telescoping | std | — |
| Floor mats - Carpeted | opt | — |
| Front passenger seatback pockets | — | std |
| LED luggage lamp | — | std |
| LED map lamp | — | std |
| Sunvisors w/ sliding function and dual vanity mirror with cover | std | — |
Exterior41 differ · 45 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Panoramic sunroof with power shade | — | std |
| LED Projector headlights | std | — |
| Power folding outside mirrors | — | std |
| 17 X 7.0J Alloys / 215/60R17 | std | — |
| 18-inch Alloy wheels | — | std |
| Acoustic Laminated Windshield | — | std |
| Active grille shutters (front grille) | std | — |
| Black radiator grille with silver trim | — | std |
| Body cladding - Textured Black | std | — |
| Body-color outside mirrors | — | std |
| Fr/Rr Lower Bumper Molding - Textured Black | std | — |
| Front 2-speed/variable intermittent windshield wipers | std | — |
| Front variable intermittent windshield wipers | — | std |
| Gloss black outside mirrors | — | std |
| Gloss black radiator grille with dark trim / Gloss black unique design radiator grille with dark trim | — | std |
| Gloss black window DLO surround | — | std |
| Heated outside mirrors | — | std |
| Heated tailgate glass | — | std |
| Hidden rear tailgate glass wiper | — | std |
| Hood insulator | std | — |
| Intermittent rear window wiper/washer (non-variable) | std | — |
| LED fog light | — | std |
| LED Low Projection and High MFR Beam Low and High Beam, Cube type | — | std |
| Matte black over fender trim | — | std |
| Matte black side sill trim | — | std |
| Outside Mirrors - Bodycolor | std | — |
| Power adjustable outside mirrors | — | std |
| Power adjustable outside mirrors with integrated LED turn signals | — | std |
| Privacy rear windows (PHEV: Privacy rear windows) | — | std |
| Rear spoiler | — | std |
| Roof Antenna - Shark-fin | std | — |
| Silver finish window DLO surround | — | std |
| Tire Mobility Kit (TMK) | — | std |
| Washer fluid sensor | std | — |
| Window Beltline Molding - Black | std | — |
| Privacy glass (tailgate and rear windows) | — | std |
| Rear window defroster with timer | std | — |
| Solar front glass - Front Door, Windshield | std | — |
| Mud Guards - Front/Rear | opt | — |
| Rear spoiler - Body color | std | — |
| Temporary Compact Spare Tire | std | — |
| LED daytime running lights (DRL) Amber Type | std | std |
| LED rear combination lights | std | std |
| Auto light control | std | std |
| LED high mounted stop lamp | std | std |
Powertrain10 differ · 12 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| All Wheel Drive (AWD) | opt | std |
| Terrain mode, Snow, Mud, Sand modes (AWD only) | — | std |
| 6-Speed Automatic Transmission | — | std |
| AWD Lock | opt | — |
| Column Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) | std | — |
| Electric Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) | — | std |
| Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) | std | — |
| Nu PE Engine Family: 2.0L MPI Atkinson DOHC 16-valve Inline 4-cylinder, Displacement: 1,999 cc, full engine cover (DCVVT) | std | — |
| Shift-by-Cable w/ SHIFTRONIC® manual shift mode | std | — |
| Transmission gear selector - Rotary Dial (Shift-by-wire) | — | std |
| Front Wheel Drive (FWD) | std | std |
| Eco, Sport and MyDrive | std | std |
Chassis5 differ · 5 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Front suspension: MacPherson strut with coil springs and stabilizer bar | std | — |
| McPherson strut front suspension | — | std |
| Multi-link rear suspension | — | std |
| Rear suspension: Coupled Torsion Beam Axle (FWD) / Multi-link (AWD) | std | — |
| Shock Absorber Type: Gas | — | std |
Cargo1 differ · 2 listed
| Feature | Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Kia SportageLX FWD |
|---|---|---|
| Luggage net hook | — | std |
| Dual-level cargo floor | std | std |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ. Wording is the manufacturer's own.
Safety record
NHTSA recalls, complaints, NCAPHyundai Kona
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints —
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Kia Sportage
Safety Signal 100 A
NHTSA overall —
Frontal / side / rollover — / — / —
Recalls 0
Owner complaints 1 · 0 crashes · 0 fires
Most complained about Electrical System (1), Engine (1), Power Train (1)
Top recalls
No recalls on file.
Ownership
EPA, manufacturer warranty| Hyundai KonaSE FWD | Kia SportageLX FWD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $25,500 (base trim) | $28,990 (base trim) |
| Price range across trims | $25,500 – $34,035 8 trims | $28,990 – $47,390 18 trims |
| Powertrains | GAS | PHEV, HEV, GAS |
| EPA configuration compared | Kona FWD | Sportage Hybrid FWD |
| Combined mpg / MPGe | 31 | 41 |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,150 | $1,650 |
| EV range | — | — |
| Basic warranty | — | — |
| Powertrain warranty | — | — |
| Roadside assistance | — | — |
Common questions
Source: EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer press kitsWhich is better, the 2027 Hyundai Kona or the 2027 Kia Sportage?
The Kia Sportage wins clearly, 96.8 to 89.6, on fuel & range, space & cargo, performance. The Hyundai Kona is ahead on price and safety. On WhichTrim's default weights the 2027 Kia Sportage scores 96.8 and the 2027 Hyundai Kona 89.6. The weights are yours to change — move what you care about and the verdict recalculates on the page.
Which is cheaper, the 2027 Hyundai Kona or the 2027 Kia Sportage?
The 2027 Hyundai Kona starts lower — $25,500 against $28,990, a gap of $3,490 at the trims compared here. Both are manufacturer MSRPs before destination, options and dealer charges.
Which has the better safety record, the 2027 Hyundai Kona or the 2027 Kia Sportage?
2027 Hyundai Kona: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. 2027 Kia Sportage: no NHTSA rating yet, grade A, 0 recalls. Crash ratings come from NHTSA's own tests; the grade is WhichTrim's read of the recall record, and the two can disagree.
What are the biggest differences between the 2027 Hyundai Kona and the 2027 Kia Sportage?
Where the 2027 Kia Sportage wins: it is rated 41 combined against 31 (EPA mpg or MPGe), costs $500 a year less to fuel on the EPA's estimate ($1,650 against $2,150), and holds 36.6 cu ft behind the second row against 25.5. Where the 2027 Hyundai Kona answers: it starts $3,490 lower ($25,500 against $28,990 base MSRP) and lists 41 standard driver-assist features against 37. What they share: a Safety Signal of 100.