When shopping for a Hyundai SUV, two names likely top your list: the Hyundai Kona and the Hyundai Tucson. Both are excellent choices that bring distinct strengths to the table. But which one best suits your lifestyle, budget, and driving preferences? At Kunes Hyundai of Sycamore, we're here to help you make the right decision with this side-by-side comparison.

The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV, perfect for drivers who want agile handling, sporty looks, and a vehicle that’s easy to navigate through tight streets or parking lots. It’s stylish, youthful, and ideal for solo commuters, couples, or small families.

On the other hand, the Hyundai Tucson is a compact SUV with a more spacious cabin and cargo area. It’s designed with families and road-trippers in mind, offering a roomier back seat and more overall comfort for longer drives.

In short:

• Choose the Kona if you value a smaller footprint and urban maneuverability.
• Choose the Tucson if you need extra room for passengers, pets, or gear.

If you're watching your budget, the Hyundai Kona comes in at a lower starting price, making it one of the most affordable SUVs in the Hyundai lineup. Even the entry-level trims offer great features, making it a smart buy for first-time SUV owners or young professionals.

The Hyundai Tucson, while priced slightly higher, justifies its cost with more space, more powerful engine options, and available premium features. For buyers wanting a tech-rich, versatile SUV, the Tucson is a worthy investment.

The Kona's interior is thoughtfully designed and surprisingly roomy for its class. It comfortably fits four adults, with enough cargo space for grocery runs, weekend bags, or small adventure gear.

But if you regularly travel with more passengers or need to haul larger loads, the Tucson is the more practical choice. With extra legroom and significantly more cargo capacity, it provides greater flexibility for families, hobbyists, and frequent travelers.

Both the Kona and Tucson offer a smooth, confident ride. The Kona focuses on nimble performance and efficiency, with engine options that balance peppy acceleration and strong fuel economy—great for city driving or everyday commuting.

The Tucson offers a bit more horsepower and highway stability, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid options available for those who want to boost fuel efficiency without sacrificing size or performance.

No matter which model you choose, you’ll enjoy a suite of advanced technology features. Both SUVs come standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a full array of driver-assist features like lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.

Higher trims of both the Kona and Tucson offer upgrades such as digital displays, wireless charging, premium audio systems, and even semi-autonomous parking features—though the Tucson tends to offer more of these on its mid to upper trims.

• You’re a city driver looking for a compact SUV that’s easy to park and fun to drive.
• You want a lower starting price but still expect modern features.
• You prioritize fuel economy and a sleek, youthful design.

• You need more interior space for passengers or cargo.
• You want more advanced features and higher performance options.
• You’re shopping for a family vehicle that blends comfort and capability.

At Kunes Hyundai of Sycamore, we take pride in offering a wide selection of Kona and Tucson models—plus friendly, expert advice to help you find your ideal fit. Whether you're leaning toward compact agility or spacious versatility, our team is here to walk you through every option.

We also offer competitive financing, exclusive local offers, and top-tier service support long after your purchase.

Still unsure which Hyundai SUV is right for you? Visit Kunes Hyundai of Sycamore to test drive the Hyundai Kona and the Hyundai Tucson back-to-back. Feel the difference for yourself and drive away confident in the choice that’s right for your life.