Honda HR-V vs. Hyundai Kona: Small SUV Comparison in Covington, LA

If you’re shopping for a small SUV near Covington, Mandeville, or Slidell, the Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona are two options worth comparing. Both seat five, offer available all-wheel drive, and include modern connectivity and driver-assistance technology.

For Louisiana drivers looking for a well-rounded everyday SUV, the 2027 Honda HR-V stands out with more standard horsepower, a multi-link rear suspension across the lineup, straightforward trim choices, and a strong set of safety and technology features. 

Both the 2027 Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona come standard with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and offer available all-wheel drive. The HR-V goes a step further with 158 standard horsepower compared with the Kona’s 147 horsepower, plus a multi-link rear suspension on both FWD and AWD models, while the Kona reserves its multi-link rear suspension for AWD configurations.

Performance for New Orleans Drivers

The 2027 Honda HR-V keeps its powertrain lineup simple. Every LX, Sport, and EX-L uses a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, while Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System™ is available across all three trims.

One important difference is underneath the SUV. The HR-V uses a multi-link rear suspension on both front-wheel-drive and AWD models. By comparison, Hyundai lists a torsion-beam rear suspension for front-wheel-drive Kona models, with an independent multi-link design on AWD versions. For New Orleans and Mandeville shoppers who value a composed, comfortable daily drive without needing to step up to AWD, that gives the HR-V an appealing setup.

The HR-V also includes Econ, Normal, and Snow drive modes along with Hill Descent Control. Available Real Time AWD™ can add confidence when Louisiana weather brings wet roads and changing traction conditions.

Interior Space and Everyday Comfort

The Honda HR-V offers 55.1 cubic feet of cargo space for pillows, bags, snacks, and other road trip essentials. Plus, the HR-V’s cargo cover keeps your belongings protected and out of view. 

The Kona has an advantage in maximum cargo volume, offering 63.7 cubic feet with its rear seats folded compared with 55.1 cubic feet in the HR-V. The Honda counters with 41.9 inches of front legroom, slightly more than the Kona’s 41.7 inches.

For many drivers, the HR-V’s appeal is its straightforward cabin and easy-to-use equipment. Depending on trim, available features include heated front seats, leather-trimmed seating, a one-touch power moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an eight-way power driver’s seat.

Useful Technology Features for Long Drives

The Honda HR-V offers several technology features that help Louisiana drivers stay connected on longer trips.

The HR-V includes a 9-inch color touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility, wireless Android Auto™ compatibility, a wireless phone charger, and USB-C ports. The Kona offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone integration.

Shoppers who prioritize screen size may prefer the Hyundai, but Honda’s combination of wireless connectivity and straightforward controls makes the HR-V easy to live with every day.

Honda Sensing® Safety Technology

Another reason to consider the HR-V is its suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies, helping you drive with greater peace of mind. Honda Sensing® features include:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™
• Road Departure Mitigation System
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow
• Lane Keeping Assist System
• Traffic Sign Recognition System
• Driver Attention Monitor
• Auto High-Beam Headlights

Blind Spot Information System and Rear Cross Traffic Monitor are also included on Sport and EX-L models.

Which Is Better: Honda HR-V or Hyundai Kona?

The Hyundai Kona offers some clear strengths, including more maximum cargo room and an available 190-horsepower turbocharged engine. But for drivers who want a balanced small SUV with more standard horsepower, a multi-link rear suspension regardless of drivetrain, available Real Time AWD™, standard wireless smartphone connectivity, and Honda Sensing® technology, the 2027 Honda HR-V makes a compelling choice.

For everyday commuting around Covington, trips across the Northshore, or drives toward New Orleans and Hammond, the HR-V delivers the practical size and everyday versatility many Louisiana drivers want from a small SUV.

Shop the Honda HR-V in Covington, LA

Ready to see how the Honda HR-V fits your daily drive? Visit Honda of Covington at 100 Holiday Square Boulevard in Covington, Louisiana, or call (985) 892-0001. Honda of Covington proudly serves SUV shoppers from Covington, Mandeville, New Orleans, Slidell, Hammond, and surrounding communities.

DISCLAIMERS:

MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $1,450 destination charge, and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $455 charge for premium colors.

26 city/32 highway/28 combined mpg rating for 2WD trims. 25 city/30 highway/27 combined mpg rating for AWD trims. Based on 2027 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.

Prices and colors may vary by trim. See your local dealer for more information.

Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Wireless phone charger is compatible with Qi wireless charging standards. Check with your device’s manufacturer for wireless capability.

158 hp @ 6500 rpm (SAE net)

iPhone® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Depending on use, Apple CarPlay can share certain user and vehicle information (e.g., vehicle location, speed, and other operating conditions) with the connected iPhone. See Apple’s privacy policy for details regarding Apple’s use and handling of data uploaded by CarPlay. Use of CarPlay is at user’s own risk, and is subject to agreement to the CarPlay terms of use, which are included as part of the Apple iOS terms of use. CarPlay vehicle compatibility is provided “as is”, and Honda cannot guarantee CarPlay operability or functionality now or in the future due to, among other conditions, changes in CarPlay software/Apple iOS, service interruptions, or incompatibility or obsolescence of vehicle-integrated hardware or software. See dealer for details. Only use CarPlay when conditions allow you to do so safely. Apple CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Android, Android Auto, Google Maps, YouTube Music and other marks are trademarks of Google LLC. Wireless use of Android Auto requires a compatible Android 11.0+ phone and compatible active data plan. Check g.co/androidauto/requirements for compatibility.

Check responses. Setup required. Compatibility and availability varies. 18+.

The systems are not a substitute for your own visual assessment before changing lanes or backing up, and may not detect all objects, or provide complete information about conditions, behind or to the side of the vehicle. System accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object, and speed. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Always visually confirm that it is safe to drive before backing up; the rearview camera display does not provide complete information about all conditions and objects at the rear of your vehicle.

Walk Away Auto Lock® will only function when the key fob is moved eight feet from the vehicle after all doors have been closed.

Depending on the circumstances, CMBS may not go through all the alert stages before initiating the last stage (of collision mitigation). CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

Road Departure Mitigation only alerts the driver when lane drift is detected without a turn signal in use and can apply mild steering torque to assist driver in maintaining proper lane position and/or brake pressure to slow the vehicle’s departure from a detected lane. RDM may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

ACC with Low-Speed Follow cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and other factors. ACC should not be used in heavy traffic, poor weather, or on winding roads. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

LKAS with TJA only assists driver in maintaining proper lane position when lane markings are identified without a turn signal in use and can only apply mild steering torque to assist. The system may not detect all lane markings; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed, and road condition. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for safely operating vehicle and avoiding collisions.

TSR cannot detect all traffic signs, may misidentify certain signs and does not include any braking or speed control functions. Accuracy will vary based on weather and other factors. System operation affected by extreme interior heat. Driver remains responsible for complying with all traffic regulations.