The compact SUV category has been a popular vehicle class for decades. The reason is obvious: These vehicles are spacious, well-equipped, beautifully designed, and family-friendly. As a result, the compact SUV has been one of America's favorite automobiles for over 40 years. And developments from automakers are forthcoming, revealing new levels of sophistication.Â
Case in point: Hyundai and Kia. We're putting these two automotive manufacturing giants against one another with the Kia Niro vs. Hyundai Kona to answer one simple question. Which of these compact SUVs is best for you? Keep reading to learn more.
Hyundai Kona vs. Kia Niro: At a Glance
At a glance, you'll notice that both the 2024 Hyundai Kona vs. the Kia Niro retain a futuristic design quality. This contemporary look works to the advantage of both vehicles as it pulls onlooker attention.
Interior Comparison
Regardless of how good the vehicle looks outside, the inside is where you'll spend most of your time with it. As a result, it's essential to consider the interior of any new vehicle you're considering. Let's see how the Kona and the Niro stack up in this category.
2024 Hyundai Kona
The Kona's interior offers a sharp-looking, comfortable, and versatile cabin experience. It is outfitted with ventilated front seats, leatherette upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and more.Â
2024 Kia Niro
The 2024 Kia Niro's cabin is filled with top-of-the-line technology and many hard and soft-touch textures. Its plush seating and comfortable ambiance provide a quality driving experience for both the driver and passenger.
Exterior Comparison
Presentation matters. For this reason, the exterior design of a vehicle is often a significant selling point for consumers. The design elements, paint job, size and dimensions, etc., all play a role in influencing customer perception. Comparing the Hyundai Kona vs. Kia Niro, do they meet these requirements with their exterior designs? Let's find out.
2024 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona has a very distinct look. Its smooth shape, great exterior colors and sharp lines give it a unique personality that stands out among other compact SUVs. Even the base model's exterior is equipped with full LED lighting and a rear light bar, which gives it that premium appearance.Â
2024 Kia Niro
The exterior of the Niro offers a clean and crisp look. Its design is simplistic yet modern, which gives it a unique blend of contrasts that helps it to stand out.
Hyundai Kona vs. Kia Niro Performance
The purpose of a vehicle is to get you to where you need to go. However, the way it does that is often a huge contributor to people's buying decisions. So, let's see how the Kia Niro vs. Hyundai Kona fare when it comes to performance.
2024 Hyundai Kona
The 2024 Hyundai Kona has a 2-liter, 4-cylinder engine that generates 147 horsepower and an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that generates 190 horsepower. The 2-liter engine accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 9.2 seconds, while the optional turbocharged 1.6-liter accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds. It also boasts a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs.Â
2024 Kia Niro
The Niro is powered by a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 139 horsepower. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is also available and can produce up to 180 horsepower. The standard engine produces a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 8.9 seconds, while the plug-in hybrid option cuts that time to 7.5 seconds.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison
Sustainability has been top of mind for many industries for the past couple of decades. And the auto space is no exception. As a result, excellent fuel economy and electric vehicles are quickly becoming the new standard. Let's see how the Kia Niro vs. Hyundai Kona stack up in the fuel efficiency category.
2024 Hyundai Kona
The 2024 Hyundai Kona has favorable fuel economy ratings that are quite impressive, given its modest price point. Its fuel efficiency rating is 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.Â
2024 Kia Niro
The Kia Niro is a winner when it comes to fuel efficiency, garnering impressive figures of 53 mpg in the city and 54 mpg on the highway.Â
Safety and Technology Differences
Safety and connectivity have become standard driving expectations. Let's examine the safety and technology features of the 2024 Hyundai Kona and the Kia Niro.
2024 Hyundai Kona
The Kona balances tech with physical controls beautifully. For example, its radio and media are controlled via touch, while its tune and volume controls are physical knobs. A few of the safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Automated Emergency Braking, and Lane-Departure Warning.
2024 Kia Niro
The Niro is a fully loaded trim. It boasts numerous tech features such as navigation capabilities, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, vehicle diagnostics, and more. A couple of its safety features include Forward-Collision Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Pricing and Value
With all the value these exceptional compact SUVs offer, you may wonder what the price tags are for these models. Let's find out.
2024 Hyundai Kona
The 2024 Hyundai Kona has 4 trim levels. They are as follows:
- SE: $25,645
- SEL: $26,995
- N Line: $32,195
- Limited: $33,195
2024 Kia Niro
The 2024 Kia Niro has 7 trim options. They are as follows:
- LX: $28,315
- EX: $31,015
- EX Touring: $33,315
- SX: $34,415
- EX PHEV: $35,765
- SX Touring: $36,715
- SX Touring PHEV: $41,515
Choosing the Right Model For You
Choosing the right model between the 2024 Hyundai Kona vs. Kia Niro will depend on your needs and preferences. However, if you're looking for a more affordable option that doesn't compromise on style, consider the Hyundai Kona. Conversely, if you want a highly fuel-efficient and tech-loaded vehicle, you may want to consider the Kia Niro.
Get Your Hyundai Kona at Granite Hyundai
We at Granite Hyundai are a team of expert automotive specialists. We have the knowledge and expertise to guide you through the-oftentimes confusing and overwhelming-vehicle-buying process. So, if you're ready to get your Hyundai Kona, contact us today to learn more.
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