26 Sep 2024
As a motorist, you will no doubt notice that SUVs are the dominating force on our roads. But with so many options available, where do you start? When it comes to finding a reliable and practical sports utility vehicle, then Hyundai is a very good starting point.
The South Korean manufacturer produces some of the most popular SUVs in the UK, including the family-friendly Kona and sophisticated Tucson. In this comparison guide, we pit the two Hyundai models against each other for the ultimate face-off between two of the best-selling SUVs.
The Hyundai Kona versus the Hyundai Tucson - which SUV reigns supreme? We compare the compact crossover against the midsize SUV so that by the end of this article, you will know which of these deserves the crown in your driveway. Read on to find out more…
Key Takeaways
Size and Space: The Kona is compact, nimble, and perfect for city living, whereas the Tucson is roomier and ideal for families carrying large amounts of luggage.
Performance: The Kona has a sportier feel and offers an all-electric version in the range - with the Tucson you can expect a smoother ride and a selection of various hybrid models.
Fuel Economy: The Kona is generally more efficient due to its smaller size, however, the Tucson’s hybrid versions offer impressive efficiency for its class.
Price Point: By comparison, the Kona has a lower starting price, making it more budget-friendly. The Tucson has a higher base price, but more features are included as standard.
Design: Looks wise, the Kona’s new design is quirky and stands out in a crowd - the Tucson is modern-looking, sophisticated, and tends to have a broader appeal.
Usage: The Kona is best for urban travel, small families, and tech-savvy drivers, whereas the Tucson better suits growing families, comfort seekers, and long-distance travellers.
Both models offer renowned reliability, advanced safety features, modern infotainment systems, and a five-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard.
Hyundai Kona: The Compact Crossover with a Big Personality
The Hyundai Kona is classified as a subcompact crossover SUV. But what does that mean in plain English? Well, it's like the Swiss Army knife of the car world – small enough to navigate city streets with ease, but with the higher riding position and versatility you'd expect from an SUV.
Here are five things you need to know about the Kona:
It's smaller than a traditional SUV but larger than a standard hatchback.
The "crossover" bit means it combines features of both an SUV and a passenger car.
It's perfect for city livers who want the SUV look and feel without the bulk.
Despite its compact size, it offers a surprisingly roomy interior and decent cargo space.
It sits in the same class as popular models like the Nissan Juke, Volkswagen T-Cross, and Ford Puma.
Hyundai Tucson: The Mid-Size SUV That Means Business
The Tucson, on the other hand, is a compact or mid-size SUV (depending on who you ask – it's a bit of a grey area). It's the more grown-up sibling in the Hyundai SUV family, offering more space and a more traditional SUV experience.
Here are five things you need to know about the Tucson:
It's larger than the Kona, offering more interior space and cargo capacity.
It competes with popular models like the Nissan Qashqai, Volkswagen Tiguan, and Ford Kuga.
While still manageable in urban environments, it's more suited to families or those who need extra space.
It offers a higher driving position and more road presence than the Kona.
The self-charging hybrid options make it ideal for long-distance driving.
Hyundai Kona vs Tucson: The Similarities
Both the Kona and Tucson proudly wear the Hyundai badge, making the dynamic duo much more alike than you'd think - here are the similarities they share:
Reputation: As a brand, Hyundai is renowned for its reliability and generally ranks in the top 10% of all manufacturers, making the Kona and Tucson a solid choice.
Safety: Both models are jam-packed with safety features galore providing Kona and Tucson drivers with more peace of mind when on the road.
Technology: Hyundai cars boast state-of-the-art smart technology that will make your iPhone jealous. With the Kona and Tucson, you can expect OTA (over-the-air updates), Bluelink-connected car services, and the brand-new Digital Key 2.
Space: In-car comfort and spaciousness for both driver and passengers is a priority for many. By maximising the interior space, Hyundai has ensured the Kona’s cabin is now up-to-scratch with the Tucson’s.
Purpose: Both the Kona and Tucson are designed to facilitate family living with increased storage space throughout.
Hyundai Kona vs Tucson: The Differences
We’ve compared the similarities, but what sets these two apart? Here are the main differences between the Hyundai Kona and Tucson:
Size
Kona - Despite its size, this nippy little sibling can still squeeze into tight parking spaces and makes light work of tricky city streets.
Tucson - The Kona’s bigger brother has enough room to pack in the kids, the dog, the shopping (and possibly a small elephant!).
If you're all about urban living and city-scapes then the Kona's your ticket to parking paradise. But if you've got a small tribe to transport or a serious addiction to IKEA, then the Tucson has your name written all over it. Our sizing table provides detailed dimensions:
Dimensions
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Tucson
Overall Height
1,585mm (N Line is 1,580mm)
1,650-1,651mm (depending on model)
Overall Length
4,350mm (N Line is 4,385mm)
4,510-4,520mm (depending on model)
Overall Width (excluding door mirrors)
1,825mm
1,865mm
Overall Width (including door mirrors)
2,100mm
2,130mm
Luggage Capacity (rear seats up)
466 litres
577-620 litres (depending on model)
Luggage Capacity (rear seats down)
1,300 litres
1,651-1,799 litres (depending on model)
Headroom (interior front/rear)
39.3/38.3 inches
40.1/39.5 inches
Shoulder Room (interior front/rear)
55.5/54.4 inches
57.6/56 inches
Hip Room (interior front/rear)
54.3/52.4 inches
54.5/53.9 inches
Legroom (interior front/rear)
41.5/35.2 inches
41.4/41.3 inches
Versions
Kona - Whether you’re looking for a small-engine variant, an economical commuter companion, or something with a bit of punch, expect options galore that ticks every box. There’s even a fully electric version if you fancy going green and doing your bit for the environment.
Tucson - Very much a smooth operator with a number of hybrid options available that'll make light work of the daily drive. Hybrid variants also help keep fuel costs down thanks to the use of regenerative braking technology.
The Kona, especially in its N trim, is like that much-needed espresso shot for your daily drive. And the Tucson? By comparison, think of the car as your smooth latte – comforting, reliable, and won't spill on your lap during sharp turns. Below we outline the different versions available for each model:
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Tucson
1.0-litre petrol engine (Advance, N Line, N Line S, and Ultimate trims)
1.6-litre petrol engine
1.6-litre petrol engine (Advance, N Line, N Line S, and Ultimate trims)
1.6-litre 160PS mild hybrid two-wheel drive
1.6-litre hybrid engine (Advance, N Line, N Line S, and Ultimate trims)
1.6-litre 160PS mild hybrid four-wheel drive
48kWh battery electric vehicle (Advance trim only)
1.6-litre 215PS hybrid two-wheel drive
65kWh battery electric vehicle (Advance, N Line, and Ultimate trims only)
1.6-litre 215PS hybrid four-wheel drive
1.6-litre 252PS plug-in hybrid two-wheel drive
1.6-litre 252PS plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive
Costs
One of the big deciders when buying a new car is the cost. In terms of price, the Hyundai Kona is easier on the wallet than the Tucson - perhaps leaving you enough cash in the bank for those fancy driving gloves you’ve been eyeing up…
Hyundai Kona
Prices for the new Kona petrol variant start at £26,040 for the 1.0-litre Advance trim, increasing to £32,740 for the Ultimate 1.6-litre 138PS 7DCT edition. If you’re in the market for a Hybrid, then prices start from £30,385 for the 1.6 Hybrid Advance model, up to £34,585 for the 1.6 Hybrid Ultimate variant.
When it comes to the all-electric option, then you can expect on-the-road prices to increase again; the entry-level 48kWh Advance option starts from £34,995 (so only a few hundred quid more than the top-spec hybrid model). If you’re going for the 65kWh Ultimate trim, then you can expect to pay at least £43,315.
Hyundai Tucson
By comparison, prices for the Tucson petrol variant start at £32,000 for the 1.6-litre Advance model. Choosing between the mild hybrid, standard hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models may be dictated by the price and the features included as standard
Expect to pay a minimum of £33,580 for the mild hybrid Advance trim, with prices increasing up to £46,475 for the 1.6 253PS plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive Ultimate trim - which also includes a Lux Pack.
Design
The overall look of a car can certainly divide opinions - you know what they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder! As for the Kona and Tucson, these two distinctive drives have got us talking - and for all the right reasons!
The Hyundai Kona: A Head-Turner with Attitude
Let's take a moment to appreciate the Kona's bold design, shall we? This compact SUV is very much the rebel of the Hyundai family – it oozes style, and it's not afraid to show it! The Kona's design is a masterclass in standing out from the crowd.
It starts with a distinctive front end – a cascading grille that's flanked by a split headlight design. The main headlights sit lower, while slim LED daytime running lights perch above, giving the Kona what can only be described as a squinty, somewhat mischievous look.
Move along the side, and you'll notice the muscular wheel arches. They're not just for show – they give the Kona a robust, capable stance that says, "Yeah, I can handle that country lane you're thinking about exploring."
The rear continues the unique lighting theme with slim brake lights and separate indicators. It's all tied together with a contrasting rear bumper that adds a rugged touch to the overall sleek design.
But here's where it gets really fun – the colour options! Hyundai offers the Kona in a range of vibrant colours, including some two-tone options with a contrasting roof. Fancy a Soultronic Orange Pearl body with an Abyss Black Pearl roof? Not a problem! How about Mirage Green Solid with an Atlas White Solid roof? Why not!
Inside, the Kona continues to impress. The interior design is modern and uncluttered, with a floating touchscreen taking centre stage. Colour accents on the seats, around the air vents, and on the seatbelts (depending on the trim) add personality and tie in with the exterior colour.
The Hyundai Tucson: Sophisticated Sculpting Meets Futuristic Flair
Now, let's turn our attention to the Tucson – Hyundai's design team really flexed their creative muscles with this one! Think of this model as the Kona’s more sophisticated sibling paired with dashes of drama.
The first thing you'll notice about the Tucson is its bold front grille. Hyundai calls this design "Parametric Dynamics," and it's easy to see why. The grille features an intricate pattern of geometric shapes that seem to come to life when the car is in motion. Added to that, the daytime running lights are seamlessly integrated into this grille design for a proper ‘wow factor’ when switched on.
Moving along the side, you'll see a strong set of character lines that rise from the front wheel arch to the rear, giving the Tucson a sense of motion even when it's parked. The wheel arches are bold and angular, reinforcing the car's SUV credentials while adding to its modern aesthetic.
At the rear, the Tucson continues to impress with its full-width LED light bar, a design feature that's become increasingly popular in premium vehicles. It's flanked by vertically oriented taillights that echo the parametric design of the front grille. The rear wiper is cleverly hidden under the spoiler, maintaining the clean lines of the rear window.
Colour-wise, the Tucson offers a range of sophisticated options. While it might not go as bold as the Kona's two-tone options, you can still express yourself with choices like Shimmering Silver, Phantom Black, or the eye-catching Calypso Red.
Step inside, and you're greeted by a thoroughly modern interior. The dashboard is dominated by a large touchscreen that seems to float above the centre console. The air vents are slim and stretch across the width of the dash, contributing to the sense of space. In higher trims, you'll find a digital instrument cluster that blends seamlessly with the infotainment screen, creating a cockpit-like feel.
The Tucson's interior also showcases Hyundai's attention to detail, with quality materials and interesting textures throughout. Ambient lighting adds a touch of class in the dark, and you can even choose from multiple colours to suit your mood.
Which Design Do You Choose?
In the style stakes, both the Kona and Tucson are standout performers, each in its own way. The Kona is like that friend who's always the life of the party – bold, fun, and impossible to ignore. The Tucson, on the other hand, is more like the sophisticated grown-up who turns heads with their effortless style and cutting-edge fashion sense.
The Verdict: Which Hyundai Takes the Crown?
At the end of the day, both are great options, they just cater to different tastes.
Choose the Kona if you:
Prioritise manoeuvrability and easy parking in towns/cities
Want a more affordable option
Desire a sportier driving experience or an all-electric model
Have a smaller family or don't need as much cargo space
Opt for the Tucson if you:
Need more interior space for passengers and cargo
Prefer a smoother, more comfortable ride
Want hybrid powertrain options in a larger vehicle
Have a growing family or frequently transport larger items
Ultimately, both the Hyundai Kona and Tucson are excellent choices in their respective segments. The Kona reigns supreme for city dwellers and those seeking a more compact, efficient vehicle, while the Tucson takes the crown for families and those requiring more space and versatility.
Why not test drive both to see which one best fits your lifestyle and preferences? Whichever you choose, you'll be getting a well-built, feature-rich SUV backed by Hyundai's impressive warranty and history of reliability.
FAQs and Answers
Have you got questions about the Hyundai Kona and Tucson? Then we've got answers! Here's a rundown of some common queries about the two SUVs:
Is the Tucson bigger than the Kona?
You bet! The Tucson is Hyundai's midsize SUV, while the Kona is a compact crossover. The Tucson offers more interior space and cargo capacity, making it the go-to choice for those who need the extra room.
Is the Hyundai Kona a reliable car?
Absolutely! The Kona, like other Hyundai models, is known for its reliability. It's backed by Hyundai's impressive five-year unlimited mileage warranty, which speaks volumes about the company's confidence in its vehicles.
What Hyundai model is the most reliable?
While all Hyundai models are built to last, the Tucson often receives top marks for reliability in independent surveys. However, Hyundai as a brand consistently ranks high in reliability across its entire range.
What is Hyundai's best-selling model?
Globally, the Tucson has been Hyundai's best-selling model in recent years. However, sales can vary by region and year. In the UK, both the Tucson and Kona are very popular choices.
Why are Hyundai cars so good?
Hyundai cars have gained a remarkable reputation for several reasons, including; excellent value for money, high-reliability scores, impressive warranty coverage, stylish designs, advanced technology features, and continued improvements across the range.
What are the disadvantages of Hyundai cars?
While Hyundai cars have many strengths, like with all vehicles, there are some potential drawbacks, such as; the resale value may not be as high as some premium brands, the performance may not match some sport-focused competitors, some models may have a firmer ride compared to luxury brands
How do the Kona and Tucson compare in terms of fuel efficiency?
Generally, the Kona is more fuel-efficient due to its smaller size and weight. However, the Tucson offers hybrid and plug-in hybrid options that can provide excellent fuel economy for a larger vehicle.
Are there electric versions of the Kona and Tucson?
Yes for the Kona, not quite for the Tucson. The Kona is available as a fully electric vehicle. The Tucson doesn't have a fully electric version just yet, but it does offer hybrid and plug-in hybrid options.
Which one is better for city driving?
The Kona, with its compact size and nimble handling, is generally better suited for city driving. It's easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces and park in crowded urban areas.
Can the Tucson tow more than the Kona?
Yes, the Tucson has a higher towing capacity than the Kona. If you need to tow trailers or caravans regularly, the Tucson would be the better choice.
Find Your Perfect Hyundai Partner at Wilsons Epsom
Now that we've taken you on a whirlwind tour of the Kona and Tucson, you're probably itching to get behind the wheel. Well, you're in luck! Here at Wilsons Epsom, we've got a fantastic selection of both new and used Hyundai vehicles waiting for you to discover.
If you’re looking for that new car smell, we've got the latest Kona and Tucson models in stock, along with other brilliant Hyundai offerings. From the compact i10 to the family-friendly Santa Fe, we've got something for everyone. Plus, with our competitive pricing and finance options, driving away in a brand-new Hyundai might be more affordable than you think!
If you're after great value without compromising on quality, our used Hyundai selection is just the ticket. We carefully inspect and prepare each pre-owned vehicle to ensure it meets our high standards. You'll find a range of nearly-new and older models, all priced to make your wallet as happy as you'll be behind the wheel.
Remember, whether you're Team Kona or Team Tucson, you're getting a cracking car backed by Hyundai's legendary reliability and our top-notch service here at Wilsons Epsom. So really, you can't go wrong! Now, who's ready for a test drive?