How Does the 2025 Chevy Trax Compare to the 2025 Hyundai Kona?

Out of the many makes of vehicles available today, few are as abundant as SUVs. No matter what you’re looking for, there seems to be a model readily available for any need. A full-size SUV could be just right if you’re looking for tons of cargo space and plenty of seating options. However, a subcompact is ideal if you’re searching for an SUV that is fuel-efficient, easy to maneuver, and affordable.

While there are plenty of subcompact SUVs, two stand out: the Chevy Trax and the Hyundai Kona. Both options come from reputable automakers known for their reliable and safe vehicles. When considering your next purchase, you may be tempted to pit them against each other to see what option better suits your needs. While they are both excellent choices, they have some differences that may sway you towards one or the other. So, when it comes to comparing 2025 Chevy Trax vs 2025 Hyundai Kona, here is all the essential information you’ll need to know.

Price Point and Trim Package Options

Subcompact SUVs are known for their low cost, but what do these two model options start at? The 2025 Trax starts at $20,500, while the 2025 Kona starts at $24,450. Though both vehicles have low purchase prices, buyers who truly value keeping money in their pocket may appreciate Chevy’s slightly lower cost.

The Chevy Trax offers buyers four different trim package options.

• The LS – This entry-level model is available for $20,500, and comes with great features such as the standard Chevy Safety Assist suite and wireless phone integration.[a]
• The 1RS – This sporty trim package starts at $22,500 and offers buyers features like 18-inch machined two-tone wheels, RS badging with a unique grille, black bowtie emblems, and red interior accents.[a]
• The LT – With a starting price of $22,700, this option values comfort and includes 17-inch machined two-tone wheels, an 11-inch diagonal color touch-screen, an 8-inch diagonal color Driver Information Center, a remote vehicle starter system, and automatic climate controls.[a]
• The 2RS – The upgraded version of the 1RS starts at $24,500 and has all the great features of its original design plus some upgrades like 19-inch machined two-tone wheels.[a]
• The ACTIV – Chevy’s last in the Trax lineup starts at $24,500 and includes special features like 18-inch black-painted aluminum wheels, a black grille with Titanium-color chrome accents, unique interior accents, and ACTIV badging.[a]

In comparison, the Hyundai Kona is offered in six trim packages.

• The SE – First in line, this trim package has a starting price of $24,450. It includes impressive features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, 17-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay integration for your iPhone, and a Proximity Key with push-button start.
• The SEL – With a starting price of $25,800, this trim package has even more features, including 18-inch alloy wheels, roof side rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8-way power driver seat.
• The SEL Convenience – Bringing up the middle of the lineup, this option comes in at $28,000 and offers features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation, and heated front seats.
• The N Line S – This sporty trim package begins at $29,450 and includes many unique inclusions, like N Line black Alcantara Sport combination seats, N Line 19-inch alloy wheels, N Line interior accents, and N Line exterior accents.
• The N Line – Slightly more luxurious than its “S” counterpart, this trim package starts at $31,000. It includes some upgrades, such as Bose premium audio, a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation, and a Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch.
• The Limited – Last but certainly not least in the lineup is the Limited. This option begins at $32,000 but has incredible features, such as a hands-free smart liftgate with auto-open, Surround View Monitor, ⁠Blind-Spot View Monitor, and ventilated front seats.

Both subcompact SUVs offer buyers a great selection of trim packages to choose from. But, it’s clear that those looking for a lower purchase price will prefer the Trax over the Kona, as it is the more affordable option.

Key Features to Compare: The Trax vs the Kona

When car shopping, many factors are to be considered. However, some features seem more essential and valuable than others. Here is a breakdown of how the two subcompact SUV models compare on the big selling points.

Fuel Efficiency

A huge selling point of a compact SUV is the fuel efficiency. These vehicles are small, meaning you’ll get more for your money with each fill-up. But how do the two compare? For the Trax, buyers will enjoy an impressive 28 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. However, the Kona comes in at 29 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, giving it a slight edge but not a huge difference. Both model options will save you big at the pump with their impressive fuel efficiency, but combined with the Trax’s lower overall cost, you can keep more money in your pocket by choosing it.

Safety Packages

Many people value feeling protected behind the wheel, so let’s compare the Trax and the Kona. Both come equipped with impressive safety packages that anyone looking for more peace of mind while traveling will appreciate. The Trax comes with Chevy Safety Assist, a standard suite that includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, IntelliBeam automatic high beams, and a Following Distance Indicator.

In comparison, the Kona comes with Hyundai Smart Sense, which includes an impressive array of safety features like Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and High Beam Assist. Both the Trax and the Kona have an abundance of safety features to keep you protected behind the wheel. However, with the Trax’s lower purchase price, you are getting more for your money with this model.

Technology Inclusions

Another huge selling point for many shoppers is the amount of technology included in their next vehicle purchase. Both options come equipped with plenty of tech features, but breaking down a few key inclusions can help create a better comparison of the Trax and the Kona.

Some notable tech inclusions on the Trax include wireless Apple CarPlay or wireless Android Auto capability for compatible phones, so you can drive hands-free but still stay connected behind the wheel. The Trax also offers Active Noise Cancellation, a technology that blocks and absorbs sound, minimizing outside noise. Beyond that, the vehicle includes in-cabin microphones to cancel out unwanted noise so your drive stays quiet and peaceful.

The Kona comes with its own set of tech features, including three years of Bluelink, a technology that allows you to do things like remotely lock, unlock, and start your Kona, adjust its climate controls, and track its health all through your phone. When it comes to technology, both vehicles have plenty of inclusions that will help create a smoother and more enjoyable drive. However, combined with the more affordable sticker price, you may feel like you are getting more inclusions for a lower cost with the Trax compared to the Kona.

The 2025 Trax Offers a Much More Affordable Option

There are many types of SUVs on the market today. A style that is quickly taking over is the subcompact SUV. Buyers love its ease of maneuverability, fuel efficiency, and low price tag. Of all the available options, two stand out. The Chevy Trax and the Hyundai Kona are designed by well-known companies that maintain their status by continuously creating reliable and safe vehicles for consumers.

When deciding between the two choices, there are many factors to consider based on what you value most in your next vehicle. However, one thing is for certain: if you are searching for an affordable subcompact SUV that has all the bells and whistles without breaking the bank, the 2025 Chevy Trax is just what you are looking for.

Both have pros and cons, as both vehicles deliver in tech, safety, and fuel efficiency, making them neck and neck in the race for the better subcompact SUV. While each model is great, the Chevy Trax does move into the top spot with its affordable purchase price, plethora of incredible features, and excellent fuel efficiency. If you’re a budget-minded driver looking for a great subcompact SUV, we invite you to visit us here at DePaula Chevrolet and check out the 2025 Trax for yourself.

^[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.