Hyundai Kona vs. RAV4: How Do They Stack Up?
When it comes to the Hyundai Kona vs. RAV4, your purchasing decision depends on your preferences as a driver.
Written by Alexandra Maloney
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you’re considering
buying a car
this year, you’re in luck. The 2022 car market has been on fire, with tons of great options for drivers rolling out every day. For those who are looking for a midsize crossover SUV, two popular options in 2022 are the Hyundai Kona and Toyota RAV4. While both these cars are solid options, which you should purchase comes down to your preferences as a driver and what you value in a vehicle. Here’s what you need to know about the Hyundai Kona vs. RAV4 before you make a decision on which to put in your driveway.
What is the Hyundai Kona?
The
Hyundai Kona
is a reasonably priced, midsize crossover SUV. With a price range averaging between $21,300 and $42,500, there’s no doubt you’re getting a bang for your buck with the Hyundai Kona. Drivers can choose between four gas-powered trims (SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited) as well as an Electric Limited trim with a single-permanent magnet synchronous motor. The Electric Kona can get from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and reaches 201 hp.
U.S. News
rated the Hyundai Kona overall as the number one subcompact SUV of the year, giving it an overall rating of 8.5 out of 10, and a critics rating of 8.9 out of 10. The source highlighted the Kona’s fuel economy (30 city/35 highway), balanced driving dynamics, interior materials, and turbocharged engine options as highlights. When comparing the Kona to the RAV4, U.S. News felt the RAV4 had an outdated infotainment system and poor handling.
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What is the Toyota RAV4?
The
Toyota RAV4
is a pricier crossover SUV that comes with a multitude of options for drivers. Prices range from $26,975 to $43,625 with six trim options: LE, XLE, XLE Premium, Adventure, Limited, and TRD Off Road. The XLE has a hybrid option that’s pretty comparable to the Hyundai Kona Electric Limited; the Toyota RAV4 XLE Hybrid comes equipped with a 4-Cyl CVT Hybrid engine and goes from 0 to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds.
While U.S. News raved over the Hyundai Kona,
Consumer Reports
rated the Toyota RAV4 higher across the board, specifically loving the Toyota RAV4 Prime. The RAV4 Prime earned an overall score of 88 from Consumer Reports—compared to the Kona’s score of 66, that’s a pretty big difference. Consumer Reports called out reliability and owner satisfaction as highlights of the RAV4, giving the car a perfect 5 out of 5 in both categories.
Beyond that, Consumer Reports found the RAV4 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds, while the Kona took 11.1 seconds. Plus, the RAV4 Prime earned a perfect 10 out of 10 in greenhouse gas rating, while the Kona only got a 6 out of 10, implying the greener choice is the RAV4.
MORE:
How to Test Drive a Car
Hyundai Kona vs. RAV4: Which car should you purchase?
When comparing the Hyundai Kona vs. RAV4, which you should purchase comes down to your personal preferences and needs as a driver. Both cars have very similar electric options, so if you want an electric vehicle, the Kona is cheaper for most of the same features. If you’d rather purchase a gas-powered vehicle and value fuel economy or an updated infotainment system, the Kona will likely be your best bet.
But, when it comes to gas-power, the RAV4 shines in a lot of other categories. It has better acceleration, a greener engine, is rated as more reliable, and seems to have higher owner satisfaction than the Hyundai Kona.
Remember, no matter how you choose between the Hyundai Kona vs. RAV4, always do your research and be sure to test drive. And once you do purchase a car, always use
Jerry
, the car ownership super app
, to make sure you’re getting the best deal on car insurance. 
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