2026 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

The 2026 Hyundai Kona was available in four trim levels, each distinguishable by wheel size and design, with subtle styling modifications. The trims ranged from SE to Limited, with prices between $27,100 and $34,135, including a $1,600 destination charge. The Kona's design was polarizing, especially in the Limited trim with its Neoteric Yellow paint, pushing the MSRP to $36,375 with AWD and additional features. Despite its divisive looks, the Kona exuded quality and refinement, with a well-crafted interior featuring H-Tex artificial leather and a spacious cabin accommodating four adults comfortably. The widescreen digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system highlighted its technological sophistication, though the use of white control labels on a metallic background posed readability issues during the day.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid offered a more conservative design, reminiscent of the previous-generation RAV4, which made sense given the RAV4's popularity. The Grand Highlander, with its seating for up to eight and ample cargo space, resembled a larger RAV4. The interior prioritized function over form, with the Platinum trim adding a layer of luxury. However, the use of glossy hard plastic and unlined storage surfaces explained the base model's value proposition. The climate system was user-friendly, but the infotainment interface had a tiny volume knob and lacked a tuning knob. The Grand Highlander Hybrid Max Platinum, priced at $61,770, featured a Storm Cloud paint and no additional options, offering a smart and upscale interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options, with the SEL Premium and Limited trims featuring a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a more satisfying eight-speed automatic transmission, unlike the base engine's CVT. The turbocharged engine provided better acceleration and ride quality, especially with the AWD upgrade, which included a multi-link rear suspension. Fuel economy for the turbo ranged from 26 to 28 mpg, with AWD producing the lower number. However, the Kona's suspension isolation was lacking, and the ride quality was firm over road irregularities. The brakes also showed signs of overheating during testing, raising concerns about their robustness.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max focused on performance with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 net horsepower. This setup allowed for quick acceleration and a traditional six-speed automatic transmission, avoiding the droning common in CVTs. The Hybrid Max traded some fuel efficiency for power, achieving up to 27 mpg compared to the regular hybrid's 36 mpg. It also offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. During testing, the Hybrid Max averaged 23.3 mpg on a mountainous route. The powertrain provided rewarding acceleration, while the ride quality was soft and isolating. However, the handling was secure only up to a modest point, with early tire scrub and squeal.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona was a practical small SUV with more interior room and cargo space than most rivals. The Limited trim offered interior upgrades like ambient lighting, H-Tex artificial leather, and heated and ventilated front seats. The front storage space was impressive, with a tray embedded into the dashboard and a roomy center console bin. The Kona featured a "smart" hands-free power liftgate, though it could open unintentionally. Cargo space measured 25.5 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid provided comfortable seating in all three rows and nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery. The second-row captain’s chairs offered a pass-through to the third row, which was reasonably comfortable for adults and tall teens. Cargo space behind the third row was 20.6 cubic feet, expanding to 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, the rear doors were long and could cause issues in tight spaces.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona featured a widescreen configurable digital display, with the Limited trim offering two 12.3-inch screens. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a lifetime complimentary subscription to Bluelink+ connected services. The Kona also offered digital key technology and Hyundai Pay. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a responsive digital voice assistant. Additional tech included a surround-view camera system and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Toyota Connected Services provided features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was easy to use, though the font was hard to see against the background. The Platinum trim included a color head-up display, a camera-based digital rear-view mirror, and a JBL premium audio system.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona boasted a comprehensive list of standard driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. It also featured a rear occupant warning system and a safe exit warning system. The Kona Limited added a Blind-Spot View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist. The IIHS awarded the Kona a "Top Safety Pick+" rating, while the NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. Proactive Driving Assist was also standard, though it could be irritating. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS's Top Safety Pick rating due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.