2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona was offered in four trim levels, each distinguishable by their wheel size and design, along with subtle styling modifications. The trims ranged from SE to Limited, with prices spanning from $27,100 to $34,135, including a $1,600 destination charge. The Kona's design was polarizing, especially with the Limited trim's Neoteric Yellow paint, which pushed the MSRP to $36,375 with AWD and additional features. Despite its divisive appearance, the Kona was praised for its quality and refinement, with a spacious interior that comfortably accommodated four adults. The vehicle's technological sophistication was highlighted by its widescreen digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by traditional analog controls for ease of use. However, the use of white control labels on a metallic background posed readability issues during the day due to glare.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, four years into its lifecycle, received a refresh that retained its upright stance and large windows but introduced a modern vibe with an illuminated grille and welcome-lighting sequence. The new Upland trim added utility with front recovery hooks without compromising elegance. Inside, the Grand Wagoneer boasted a clean design with strong horizontal lines, though the 12-inch infotainment screen seemed small for such a large vehicle. The seats, while plain in appearance, offered comfort and adjustability, making long drives pleasant. The cabin's premium materials, such as Nappa and Palermo leather, and solid metal gearshift dial, contributed to a high-quality fit and finish. The Grand Wagoneer was noted for its solid construction, with doors and armrests that felt robust and well-made.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options. The base SE and SEL Sport trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). However, for those seeking better performance, the SEL Premium and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a more satisfying eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided a more engaging driving experience, especially with the AWD upgrade, which improved ride quality with a multi-link rear suspension. Fuel economy for the turbocharged engine ranged from 26 to 28 mpg, with AWD yielding the lower figure. Despite its performance advantages, the Kona's ride and handling were criticized for being poorly sorted, with suspension isolation issues and brake overheating during testing.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was powered by a 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, producing 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. This engine delivered smooth and effortless power, even in the hefty 6,000-pound vehicle. Although the Grand Wagoneer experienced a power downgrade for 2026, with the standard-output Hurricane engine replacing the high-output version, it still provided ample performance. Additionally, a range-extended electric powertrain was introduced, offering an estimated 647 horsepower and 620 pound-feet of torque, with a total range of over 500 miles. Despite its large size, the Grand Wagoneer was surprisingly agile and absorbed road imperfections well, providing a quiet and comfortable ride.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona was a practical small SUV with generous interior room and cargo space. The Limited trim offered interior upgrades such as ambient lighting, H-Tex artificial leather, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Kona's front storage space was impressive, with various compartments for convenience. The "smart" hands-free power liftgate, although occasionally opening unintentionally, provided easy access to the 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer excelled as a people mover, with three rows offering ample leg and hip room. The optional second-row bench seat allowed for up to eight passengers, with the third row accommodating three people comfortably. While using the third row reduced cargo space to 27.9 cubic feet, the long-wheelbase version increased it to 42.6 cubic feet. The Grand Wagoneer also boasted a towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. Features like three-zone automatic climate controls, heated-and-ventilated front seats, and Quadra-Lift air suspension added to its appeal.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona featured a widescreen configurable digital display, with the Limited trim offering two 12.3-inch screens. Standard tech included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a lifetime complimentary subscription to Bluelink+ connected services. The Kona's infotainment system was intuitive, with features like digital key technology and Hyundai Pay enhancing convenience. Safety tech included a Leading Vehicle Departure Alert system and a surround-view camera system.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-inch touchscreen display, and a 10.25-inch digital cluster. Higher trims offered additional features like a 23-speaker McIntosh premium sound system and a front passenger interactive display. While most tech worked well, the wireless phone charger was ineffective, and the 12-inch infotainment screen felt small for the vehicle's size. The Grand Wagoneer also eliminated adjustable pedals for 2026.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona boasted an impressive array of standard driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features like a rear occupant warning system and a safe exit warning system enhanced safety. The Kona received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer was equipped with safety features such as lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitors. Available features included automated parking assist and a surround-view camera system. The Grand Wagoneer received mixed ratings from the IIHS and a four-star safety rating from the NHTSA.