The 2025 Honda HR-V and rival Hyundai Kona appeal to similar shoppers. They are go-to choices for budget-conscious buyers, but there are many types of drivers who might benefit.

Which of these two SUVs comes closest to matching your lifestyle? Keep scrolling for answers.  

Young Professionals

Always on the go, young professionals need a car they can rely on. They don’t need something huge, and they can’t choose something small or impractical.

They are building their reputation, and they are looking for a ride that has its own good reputation. In this case, the Kona has better ratings and reviews from top automotive journalists.  

For singles or couples, this car allows for plenty of space for friends, and it projects a fun image. Car and Driver writes that they “dig its Star Wars-helmet exterior” and the widescreen cockpit in its handsome cabin. Kelley Blue Book likes its contemporary and innovative style.  

Busy drivers especially like the entertainment and infotainment standards on the Kona. This includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a driver display, and an available digital instrument cluster. Honda’s largest touchscreen is just 9 inches.  

To learn more about Kona standard features, check out this 2025 Hyundai Kona review.  

Parents and Kids

If the car is for a growing family, both the HR-V and Kona have room for up to five, including LATCH positions for car seats. However, the Kona has more space to spread out. It was recently chosen as a 2025 Best Family Car by Parents magazine.

More room in the Kona backseat means it's easier to move bulky things in and out, such as car seats and squirming toddlers. More second-row legroom means that growing tweens and teens are more comfortable.  

The two models are similar when it comes to cargo space. The Kona’s 25.5 cu ft is just a tad bigger than the Honda’s 24.3 cu ft. Konas pull way, way ahead when the seats are down. That’s because the Hyundai offers 63.7 cu ft while the Honda small SUV offers only 55.1 cu ft.  

Driving Enthusiasts

When shopping for a new car, driving enthusiasts care about having choices. Unfortunately the Honda HR-V has only one engine choice, and that is very limiting for those who want more power. 

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers a broad range of powertrains. This gives the Kona an advantage for varied needs. The standard engine provides competitive power for your daily commute. You can go for the most fun with the sporty Kona N-Line versions. Or you can choose one of the least expensive electric vehicles on the market, the Kona Electric.  

Savvy Consumers

Savvy consumers may be on a strict budget, or they may just be determined to get the most for their automotive dollar. They need to know that a broad array of critics praise the Kona for its value packaging. Only the Kona has been consistently winning best buy awards, including:

                        Kona: 2025 Subcompact SUV Best Buy, Kelley Blue Book 

                        Kona Electric: 2025 EV Best Buy, US News and World Report

                        Kona Electric: 2025 Best-in-Class ALG Residual Value Award, JD Power 

                        Hyundai: 2025 Best Automaker for the Money, Money Magazine  

Adding to the Kona’s excellent reputation, Hyundai provides the longest warranty coverage in the small SUV marketplace. More peace of mind certainly sweetens the deal. 

The Kona is also known for its excellent fuel efficiency. SE models earn 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. Kona turbos earn 32 mpg on the highway. 

Conclusion

With true value packaging, excellent fuel efficiency, more engine options, and more affordable price points, the Hyundai Kona and Kona Electric are uniquely qualified to handle many different lifestyles. They are simply the cars to beat in this or any comparison.

Check out this remarkable small SUV at your Earnhardt Hyundai dealer in Avondale. Schedule a test drive and enjoy some hands-on research.