The Hyundai Kona just returned to the Philippines. Aside from its brand new looks, it also sports a new hybrid powertrain that instantly removes the gas-guzzling reputation it has before. Is it a job well done for Hyundai or will it come up short against its segment? Let’s see how it fares against one of its rivals – the Toyota Yaris Cross HEV. Spec per spec, which has more value for your money? Let’s compare their top of the line versions to find out.
DESIGN
The Yaris Cross isn’t totally bold with its styling, but it has its charm. Toyota seemed to have taken the look of the RAV4 and tastefully modified it to fit the smaller body, which is why some people say the Yaris Cross is a Baby RAV4.
On the other hand, Hyundai went all out with the new Kona. It has the same styling cues as the Stargazer like the light strip DRL and headlight assembly on the corners of the front bumper. But the Kona retains its uniqueness with the character lines on the side profile and a rear end that mimics the front.
The Kona is bigger at 4,350mm long, and 1,825mm wide. The Yaris Cross is a bit taller at 1,615mm thanks to its higher ground clearance of 212mm. As for the amenities, both crossovers have LED lighting on both ends, and 18-inch wheels. The Yaris Cross has a Panoramic Sunroof and a Powered Tailgate with Kick Sensor, while the Kona has a Sunroof for the front row, and a Powered Tailgate with Height Adjust.
INTERIOR
The cabin space is as polarizing as the exterior design. The Yaris Cross leans toward contemporary with its cabin layout, mixed with modern amenities. It has a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, 10.1-inch touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto paired to a 6-speaker Pioneer sound system, Automatic Climate Control, Wireless Charger, and USB Type-C ports.
Meanwhile, the Kona presents a different notion of clean layout. It has a panoramic screen angled towards the driver that houses twin 12.3-inch screens for the gauge cluster and infotainment system. The center console seems to be an empty space with the huge cubby hole in the middle that doubles as the cup holder. The shifter has been moved to the right side of the steering wheel, leading to an unobstructed Wireless Charger, USB Ports, Drive Mode knob, and Electronic Parking Brake.
Both have Rear Air Vents, Rear Charging Ports, Rear Center Armrest, and 8-way Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat. The Kona takes the lead though with its 2-way Lumbar Support for the driver and Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control.
POWER
Efficiency is the goal with the Yaris Cross as Toyota implemented a frugal 1.5-liter engine paired to an electric motor. It has 111 PS and 121 Nm of torque, paired to a CVT. On the other hand, the Kona backs up its sleek look with numbers. It has a slightly larger engine at 1.6-liters that when paired with the electric motor, has a combined output of 141 PS and 144 Nm of torque, paired to a more responsive 6-speed Dual Clutch Automatic.
If you’re more of a cruising fanatic, the Yaris Cross might be the one for you but for those who want a more engaging drive on the weekends, the Kona is undoubtedly the choice.
SAFETY
While both crossovers have their respective brand’s suite of Advanced Driver Assist Systems, they vary in a few details and in standard features. Being top of the line trims, both have 360-camera system.
The Yaris Cross starts with 6 Airbags, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, has ABS with Brake Assist, Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and Sensors on both ends. Its Toyota Safety Sense also has Pre-Collision System, Automatic High Beam, Lane Tracing Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
As for the Kona, it also has 6 Airbags, ABS, Stability Control, Hill Start Assist, and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. It also has Hyundai’s SmartSense suite that features Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot View Monitor, Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, Sensors on Front, Side, and Rear.
The Toyota Yaris Cross HEV is priced at PHP 1,610,000 while the Hyundai Kona Premium is at PHP 1,688,000. The Yaris Cross might have a bit more flair with its Panoramic Sunroof and Powered Tailgate with Kick Sensor, but the Kona moves forward with its more powerful engine and more loaded safety suite. The cabin layout might be the final decision maker as there are people who like the conventional design of a cabin, while others don’t mind getting used to something new.
