2026 Chevrolet Trax vs. 2026 Hyundai Kona: How These Subcompact SUVs Compare

Price and Value

The Trax holds a meaningful price advantage across the lineup. The 2026 Chevrolet Trax opens in the low $20,000s for the LS trim and tops out in the upper $20,000s for the 2RS and ACTIV trims. The 2026 Hyundai Kona starts in the mid-$20,000s for the SE and reaches into the low $30,000s for the fully loaded Limited.

That gap means the entry-level Trax undercuts the entry-level Kona by roughly $2,000, a difference that grows wider as you move up the trim ladder. A buyer who wants heated seats, a larger touchscreen, and automatic climate control can reach those features in a mid-range Trax (LT or 2RS) while staying comfortably in the mid-$20,000s. In the Kona, a comparable feature set requires the SEL Premium trim, which starts closer to the upper $20,000s.

For shoppers focused on monthly payments, Gordon Chevrolet's payment calculator can translate these differences into real budget numbers. You can also check current new vehicle specials to see whether additional Trax incentives are available.

Engine, Horsepower, and Torque

Both SUVs use small-displacement engines tuned for efficiency, but their power delivery strategies differ in ways that matter during daily driving.

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is powered by a turbocharged 1.2-liter ECOTEC three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. That torque figure is the key number. Turbocharging gives the Trax strong low-end pull, the kind of immediate throttle response that makes merging onto I-295, accelerating from a traffic light on Blanding Boulevard, or passing on a two-lane road feel confident and unhesitating.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona splits its powertrain across the trim lineup. The SE and SEL Sport trims use a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, mated to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is Hyundai's version of a continuously variable transmission. The SEL Premium and Limited trims upgrade to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder making 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic.

At the base level, the Trax produces 30 lb-ft more torque than the Kona despite having 10 fewer horsepower. In real driving, torque determines how a vehicle feels off the line and at low speeds, exactly where subcompact SUV owners spend most of their time. The Kona's base engine has a displacement advantage and slightly higher peak horsepower, but its torque arrives higher in the rev range and without the benefit of forced induction.

Shoppers willing to spend into the Kona's upper trims gain access to the 1.6-liter turbo, which delivers a substantial jump to 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. That engine is genuinely more powerful than anything in the Trax lineup. However, it also comes at a significantly higher price point. The SEL Premium starts in the upper $20,000s, and the Limited pushes into the low $30,000s.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is similar between these two vehicles, but the gap shifts depending on which Kona you choose.

The Trax delivers a consistent 30 combined MPG across every trim because every Trax uses the same engine and transmission. The base Kona with the 2.0-liter engine achieves 31 combined MPG in front-wheel drive, a slight edge over the Trax on the highway. However, the Kona's turbo trims return 28 combined MPG in front-wheel drive, and adding HTRAC all-wheel drive drops the turbo trims further to 26 combined MPG.

For a commuter in the Jacksonville metro area logging mostly highway miles on I-10 or I-95, the base Kona holds a small highway advantage. For a buyer choosing the Kona's turbo engine or adding AWD, the Trax actually delivers better combined fuel economy.

Drivetrain: FWD vs. Available AWD

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax is front-wheel drive only. The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers HTRAC all-wheel drive as an option on every trim.

In Northeast Florida, where terrain is flat, temperatures rarely drop below freezing, and snow is essentially nonexistent, the practical case for AWD is limited. Front-wheel drive handles rain confidently, and both vehicles include traction control and electronic stability systems as standard equipment. The Trax's 7.3 inches of ground clearance also provides adequate clearance for flooded streets and uneven surfaces, notably higher than the Kona's 6.7 to 6.9 inches of ground clearance in front-wheel-drive configuration.

Where AWD does provide value is in wet-weather traction confidence, light off-pavement driving, and resale appeal for buyers who plan to relocate. The Kona's HTRAC system uses an electronically controlled coupling to distribute torque between the front and rear axles. Kona models equipped with AWD also receive an independent multi-link rear suspension in place of the FWD model's torsion beam, which improves ride composure. Ground clearance on AWD Kona trims rises to between 8.1 and 8.3 inches.

If AWD is a firm requirement for your next vehicle, the Kona offers it and the Trax does not. If front-wheel drive suits your driving conditions, as it does for the majority of Orange Park, Jacksonville, and Clay County drivers, the Trax's simpler drivetrain contributes to its lower price, lighter weight, and better fuel economy.

Interior Space and Cargo

Both the Trax and Kona seat five passengers, but the way they distribute interior space differs. The Trax stretches its dimensions to favor rear-seat occupants, while the Kona prioritizes total cargo volume when the rear seats fold.

The Trax rides on a wheelbase nearly two inches longer and measures over seven inches longer overall than the Kona. That extra length translates directly into rear-seat legroom: 38.7 inches in the Trax versus 38.2 inches in the Kona. The Kona counters with more front headroom, more front shoulder room, and a significant advantage in folded-cargo volume at 63.7 cubic feet versus the Trax's 54.1 cubic feet. Buyers who regularly haul larger items will find meaningful extra utility in the Kona's cargo configuration with the seats down.

For buyers who prioritize rear-seat comfort for passengers (children, family members, or carpooling colleagues) the Trax's extra rear legroom is the more relevant advantage. To see how the Trax's cabin fits your daily needs, you can browse the 2026 Trax inventory at Gordon Chevrolet or visit our showroom on Blanding Boulevard in Orange Park.

Technology and Infotainment

The Kona leads on screen size. Every Kona trim includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. The Trax starts with an 8-inch touchscreen on the LS and 1RS trims, then upgrades to an 11-inch HD touchscreen on the LT, 2RS, and ACTIV. The Kona's digital gauge cluster follows a similar pattern: 4.2 inches on the SE and SEL Sport, expanding to 12.3 inches on the SEL Premium and Limited. The Trax offers a 3.5-inch driver information center on the LS and 1RS and an 8-inch color display on the LT, 2RS, and ACTIV.

Both vehicles include wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto as standard across every trim. For most drivers, this is the single most-used technology feature in a modern vehicle, and neither SUV requires a wired connection to deliver it.

The Trax makes heated front seats standard on four of its five trims, a feature that matters in all climates, including Florida's air-conditioned-to-hot temperature swings. The Kona does not offer heated seats on the SE, makes them optional on the SEL Sport, and includes them starting at the SEL Premium. The Trax also provides a standard Wi-Fi hotspot across the entire lineup, while the Kona reserves this feature for the Limited.

The Kona counters with a larger standard screen, wireless charging from the SEL Premium up, and an available Bose premium audio system on the Limited.

To explore how the Trax's technology features look and feel in person, use the Chevrolet vehicle configurator to build your preferred combination of trim and features.

Safety Features

Both the Trax and Kona equip their full lineups with standard active safety suites. The meaningful difference is scope: the Kona includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard on every trim, while the Trax reserves these features for an available Driver Confidence Package.

The Trax's Chevy Safety Assist suite is consistent across every trim: the same features, every configuration, no package decisions required for core safety coverage. The Trax also includes Teen Driver technology as standard, a feature parents of new drivers will value that the Kona does not offer.

The Kona's SmartSense suite is broader at the base level and expands significantly on upper trims. The Limited adds Surround View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, a level of semi-autonomous functionality the Trax does not offer.

The Kona has earned a 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation (applicable to 2025 and 2026 models built after July 2024). Buyers should verify current NHTSA and IIHS ratings for both vehicles at the time of purchase.

Warranty Coverage

Warranty is one of the Kona's clearest advantages in this comparison.

Hyundai's warranty is longer across every category. The powertrain coverage gap is especially notable, with an additional five years and 40,000 miles of protection. For buyers who plan to keep their vehicle long-term, this difference reduces ownership risk.

Buyers who plan to trade in or sell within the first three to five years will find both warranties adequate. And any Chevrolet owner in the Orange Park area can rely on Gordon Chevrolet's Certified Service center for factory-trained maintenance and warranty work throughout the ownership period.

Trim Levels and How They Compare

The Trax delivers more standard content at lower price points. A buyer who wants heated seats, a large touchscreen, and a power driver seat can reach those features in a Trax 2RS or ACTIV for roughly the same money as a Kona SEL Sport, but with more included equipment. The Kona's upper trims offer features the Trax lineup does not match (190-hp turbo, AWD, ventilated seats, surround-view camera), but at a higher cost.

Here is how each lineup breaks down.

2026 Chevrolet Trax Trims

Trax LS (starting low $20,000s)

The most affordable entry point in this comparison. Includes LED headlamps, 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and Chevy Safety Assist. Remote start is available.

Trax 1RS (starting mid-$20,000s)

The comfort-and-technology pivot point. Upgrades to the 11-inch HD touchscreen, 8-inch digital driver display, automatic climate control, and 6-speaker audio. Adaptive Cruise Control becomes available.

Trax LT (starting mid-$20,000s)

The comfort-and-technology pivot point. Upgrades to the 11-inch HD touchscreen, 8-inch digital driver display, automatic climate control, and 6-speaker audio. Adaptive Cruise Control becomes available..

Trax 2RS (starting upper $20,000s)

Adds 19-inch wheels, Evotex seat trim, 8-way power driver seat with power lumbar, keyless start, and a heated steering wheel.

Trax ACTIV (starting upper $20,000s)

Adventure-oriented styling with 18-inch black painted wheels, the same power seat and heated steering wheel as the 2RS, plus roof-mounted side rails.

2026 Hyundai Kona Trims

Kona SE (starting mid-$20,000s)

Includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, and the full SmartSense safety suite. Uses the 147-hp 2.0-liter engine. Heated seats are not available on this trim.

Kona SEL Sport (starting mid-$20,000s)

Adds heated front seats (optional), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated side mirrors with LED turn signals, and automatic climate control. Still uses the 147-hp 2.0-liter engine.

Kona SEL Premium (starting upper $20,000s)

This is where the Kona changes character. Upgrades to the 190-hp turbo engine with 8-speed automatic, 19-inch wheels, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, leatherette seating, 8-way power driver seat, dual-zone climate control, and wireless charging.

Kona Limited (starting low $30,000s)

Adds Bose premium audio, power sunroof, ventilated front seats, Surround View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist, and the full advanced driver-assist suite.

Feature Checkpoint: Where Each Vehicle Delivers Key Features

Which One Is Right for You?

The 2026 Chevrolet Trax and 2026 Hyundai Kona serve the same segment, but they are built for different priorities.

The Trax is the stronger choice for buyers who want the lowest possible entry price, more torque for responsive city and suburban driving, standard heated seats across most trims, and wireless connectivity features without stepping into higher trim levels. Its longer wheelbase and overall length provide slightly more rear-seat legroom, and its straightforward front-wheel-drive powertrain keeps fuel economy consistent and purchase price low. For the majority of driving conditions in Orange Park, Jacksonville, and Clay County, the Trax delivers everything a daily commuter and family hauler needs.

The Kona is the stronger choice for buyers who prioritize available all-wheel drive, a higher-output turbo engine on upper trims, a longer warranty, larger maximum cargo volume with seats folded, and a larger standard touchscreen. Its feature ceiling is higher than the Trax's, but reaching it requires a significantly higher budget.

If the Trax fits your priorities, Gordon Chevrolet makes the next step straightforward. Browse the full 2026 Trax inventory online, apply for financing from home, or visit our showroom at 1166 Blanding Blvd in Orange Park, FL to schedule a test drive. You can also value your current vehicle to see how a trade-in fits into your purchase plan. For more Chevrolet model comparisons, visit our Chevrolet comparisons hub.