Hyundai Motor Philippines continues to broaden its lineup with the return of the Kona. Now in its second generation, the funky crossover SUV incorporates the brand’s latest ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ philosophy while keeping the recognizable quirky Kona styling cues. For this comparo, we’ll be pitting the Kona 1.6 HEV Premium against the established Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 V HEV.
The new Kona measures 4,350mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,585mm tall, this makes it 110mm shorter, as wide, and 35mm lower than the Corolla Cross. Note that the Corolla Cross’s official overall height appears to be measured at the shark fin antenna, while the Kona’s height is measured at the roof rails.
The Kona rides on a 2,660mm wheelbase, this is 20mm greater between the axles than the Corolla Cross. The Hyundai rolls on 27.3-inch-diameter 215/55 R18 tires, this is 0.4 inches taller than its Toyota rival’s 225/50 R18 rubber. The Kona has a 170mm ground clearance, this is 9mm more than the Corolla Cross.
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Bonus comparison: The Kona is 40mm longer, 55mm wider, and 33mm lower than the Yaris Cross HEV. The Hyundai’s wheelbase is 40mm longer than the Toyota. The Kona’s ground clearance is 42mm less than the Yaris Cross. Both crossover SUVs have identical tire sizes.
Here’s a refresher for the two main featured vehicles: the new Hyundai Kona is exclusively offered as a hybrid in the Philippines. All variants are powered by a 1.6-liter gasoline mill paired with an electric motor. It has a total system output of 139hp. Unlike most hybrids in this segment, the Kona is equipped with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Kona rides on a version of the brand’s K3 platform, an architecture also used by the C-segment Elantra sedan. Unlike other models in its size segment, Hyundai’s hybris crossover SUV gets an independent multi-link rear suspension setup.
Like the local spec-Kona, the refreshed Corolla Cross is also hybrid-only. Toyota’s small crossover SUV is motivated by 1.8-liter gas engine mated to an electric motor. The Corolla Cross HEV has a total system output of 122hp. The Corolla Cross rides on the Japanese brand’s TNGA-C platform. It’s interesting to note that it uses a torsion beam rear suspension in place of the Altis sedan’s independent rear setup. Both featured hybrid crossover SUVs are front-wheel drive.
The Hyundai Kona 1.6 HEV Premium costs P1.688 million, while the Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 V HEV carries a P1.789 million price tag. For those curious, the smaller Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 S HEV is priced at P1.61 million.
What do you think of Hyundai’s new Kona HEV? Would you consider it over the Corolla Cross HEV? Let us know in the comments.
