The Hyundai Kona hit dealerships just a couple years ago and made quite a splash with its signature styling and cool vibe. But now that the newness has worn away, what are we left with? In today's subcompact crossover lineup, there's one model that still remembers what being an SUV is all about, no matter the size. After all, there's a reason you're looking at crossovers and not sedans. In this comparison guide, we'll put the 2019 Ford EcoSport and Hyundai Kona side by side and see which crossover is truer to its class.
Price: Tie
First thing's first, let's look at price. This almost never happens, but the 2019 Ford EcoSport and the Hyundai Kona virtually the same price. The EcoSport starts at $19,995 while the Hyundai Kona starts at just $5 less, the price of a cup of coffee. The EcoSport comes with standard features like cloth upholstery, four-way manually adjustable front seats, MyKey, rearview camera, and Ford's SYNC system with 4.2-inch display screen, two USB ports, and six-speaker audio system.
Admittedly, the Hyundai Kona offers more standard features, including remote keyless entry, alloy wheels, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 7-inch touch screen. Forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and driver-attention monitor are standard too. But if you're looking at other trim levels, the EcoSport is more affordable the higher you go.
Trailering: 2019 Ford EcoSport
There's a chance you might be interested in crossover SUVs instead of sedans because you like the look. But on the off chance you're interested in a little more power and utility, this category is for you. While you won't be able to tow what an Expedition or Explorer does, the EcoSport has a very respectable trailering capacity for its size. The maximum towing capacity for the 2019 Ford EcoSport, when configured correctly, is 2,000 pounds. A heavy utility trailer or a couple of jet skis or in your wheelhouse. On the other hand, the Hyundai Kona is slated to tow anything at all. So if you want the flexibility and utility of trailering power, get the 2019 Ford EcoSport.
Legroom: 2019 Ford EcoSport
What would you do for just a little more legroom? On long international flights, sometimes I felt like I would have done just about anything for another inch or two. The 2019 Ford EcoSport is more generous with legroom, both in front and for back row passengers. There's 1.4 inches more up front than there is in the Kona, and there's 2.1 more inches for those in the back. That might be all you need to stretch out. The EcoSport and Kona have the same headroom for drivers but the EcoSport is almost 5 inches taller so you'll sit higher in the Ford. And isn't that what owning a crossover versus a sedan all about?
Cargo Room: 2019 Ford EcoSport
To top it all off, the Ford EcoSport has more cargo room. There's 20.9 cubic feet behind the back seat of the EcoSport, compared to 19.2 in the Kona. Fold the back seat down and that advantage widens to 50 cubic feet to the 45.8 cubes in the Kona.
If you're looking for a subcompact crossover, but definitely a crossover, the Ford EcoSport is a better fit for you.