VS
At a Glance
Power
190hp @ 6000
187hp @ 6100
Torque
195lb-ft @ 1700
178lb-ft @ 4000
Fuel
28 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Towing
—
1653lbs
Engine
1.6 L/98ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Hyundai Kona and the KIA Sportage is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Hyundai Kona delivers 190hp @ 6000 while the KIA Sportage produces 187hp @ 6100. On fuel, the Kona returns 28 mpg est. while the Sportage uses 26 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $28,275 for the Kona and $39,590 for the Sportage. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Hyundai KonaSEL Premium FWD 2026 - From $28,275
KIA SportageX-Pro Prestige AWD 2026 - From $39,590
Performance
Power Output (hp)
190hp @ 6000
187hp @ 6100
Torque (lb-ft)
195lb-ft @ 1700
178lb-ft @ 4000
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1.6 L/98ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
28 mpg est.
26 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
26mpg
23 (2025)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
31mpg
30 (2025)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
13.2gal
14.3gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
171.3in
183.5in
Width (in)
71.9in
73.4in
Height (in)
62.6in
66.9in
Wheelbase (in)
104.7in
108.5in
Curb Weight (lbs)
Coming Soonlbs
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
—
1653lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Hyundai Kona
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Kona
Fuel Economy
Kona
Value
Kona
Practicality
Sportage
Pros & Cons
Hyundai Kona
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($28,275)
Few notable weaknesses
KIA Sportage
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (26 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Kona or Sportage?
The Kona gets 28 mpg est. and the Sportage gets 26 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Kona is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Kona or Sportage?
The Kona produces 190hp @ 6000 and 195lb-ft @ 1700 of torque while the Sportage delivers 187hp @ 6100 and 178lb-ft @ 4000 of torque. They produce closely matched power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Kona and Sportage?
The Kona starts from $28,275 and the Sportage from $39,590. The Kona is cheaper by $11,315 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Kona or Sportage?
The Kona has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Sportage can tow 1653lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Kona or the Sportage?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.