On the hunt for a small SUV that’s easy to maneuver and sips fuel? How about one with an eye-catching design, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and a solid amount of cargo volume? The 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer were completely updated or received a mid-cycle redesign for 2024. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but you can’t call either of these SUVs a shrinking violet in terms of their bold exteriors.
Let’s peek at some of what the Kona and Trailblazer have to offer.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The 2025 Hyundai Kona pricing starts at $25,745, including the inescapable factory-to-dealer destination fee, and there are six trims: SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line S, N Line, and Limited. Standard features include a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with over-the-air updates, four USB-C ports, and automatic high-beam headlights.
In its redesign, Hyundai stretched the Kona by 5.9 inches, while increasing the wheelbase 2.3 inches. This translates into noticeably more interior space than before. Note that the Kona is also available as an electric vehicle (EV).
Hyundai Kona Highlights
Optional turbocharged 4-cylinder: Many Hyundai Kona shoppers will be fine with the 147-hp 4-cylinder engine that comes with the SE and SEL model. Except you might want to compare it to the 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder powering the N Line and Limited. This gives the little Kona more sparkle when it’s time to get a move on.
Wireless smartphone connectivity: Hooray for going cord-free. The 12.3-inch touchscreen in the SE and SEL trims includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trim levels.
Head-turning design: You sure aren’t likely to lose your Kona in a parking lot. Say what you will about the Kona’s look-at-me design, but “boring” won’t spring to mind.
Warranty coverage: Whether you think the Hyundai Kona looks awesome or like a robot from a science fiction movie, this SUV comes with one killer warranty. This includes 5-year/60,000-mile basic coverage and 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage.
Read our Hyundai Kona Expert Review or see 2025 Hyundai Kona models for sale near you.
2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer
The 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer starts at $24,395 and is offered in four trims: LS, LT, Activ, and RS. It’s not as shiny new as the Kona, but the Trailblazer’s refresh last year changed the front-end design and added cool new colors like Cacti Green.
The standard powertrain is a 137-hp turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder engine coupled to a continuously variable automatic transmission. This engine means sticking with front-wheel drive. An available 155-hp turbo 1.3-liter 3-cylinder can be had with front- or all-wheel drive. Neither engine will set your hair on fire but both are competent urban powertrains.
Chevrolet Trailblazer Highlights
Chevrolet Safety Assist: Every Trailblazer comes with what’s known as Chevrolet Safety Assist. This is a bundle of driver aids such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and a following distance indicator.
Optional engine: It doesn’t sound like much of a difference, but the Trailblazer’s optional engine’s power and torque advantage deserves serious consideration. It costs more, but we think it’s worth the extra expenditure. As we already pointed out, it’s available with the all-season grip of all-wheel drive.
User-friendly infotainment system: An 11-inch infotainment touchscreen and 8-inch digital instrument display give the dashboard a modern look. Better still, it’s easy to use and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and a pair of USB ports.
Off-road-lite Activ model: The Hyundai Kona doesn’t have any off-road-ready trims, but the Chevy Trailblazer Activ has extra goodies like underbody skid plates, a beefer off-road suspension, and 17-inch black-painted alloy wheels. Adding all-wheel drive costs about $1,600; however, it’s likely worth it if off-pavement adventures factor into your driving agenda.
Read our Chevrolet Trailblazer Expert Review or see 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer models for sale near you.
Similarities
Small in size but with oversized personalities, these little SUVs can squeeze into snug parking spots, while taking it easy on your fuel budget. Their recent round of updates keep them competitive in a segment that includes the likes of the Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Soul, and Volkswagen Taos.
Conclusion
This is another contest where picking a winner is closer than you might assume. Yet we think the Hyundai Kona’s more comprehensive redesign gives it the edge in terms of driving refinement. We also give it points for its superior warranty. Kona is our highest-rated subcompact SUV and the recipient of our Best Buy Award in its class.
Don’t get us wrong — the Chevy Trailblazer is a terrific value, and we’re fans of its expressive design. We also appreciate its highly affordable starting price, but neither of its two available engines are firecrackers, and the ride gets jittery over imperfect roads. If you don’t mind its killer robot exterior, we think the Hyundai Kona is the one to pick.
Used Prices
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2025 Hyundai Kona vehicles and vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Hyundai Kona | 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder | Turbocharged 1.2-liter 3-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm | 137 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 162 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Fuel economy MPG | 28 city/35 highway/31 combined | 30 city/31 highway/30 combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 1.6-liter 4-cyl., AWD | Turbo 1.3-liter 3-cyl, 9-speed automatic, AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 years/100,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 4-Star | 5-Stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.7 inches | 103.9 inches |
| Overall Length | 171.3 inches | 175.5 inches |
| Width | 71.9 inches | 71.2 inches |
| Height | 62.2 inches | 65.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.8 feet | 36.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.9 inches | 40.0 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 40.9 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 39.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 56.8 inches | 55.4 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 55.2 inches | 53.8 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 25.5 cubic feet | 25.3 cubic feet |
