Chevy Trailblazer vs Hyundai Kona: 2026 Trailblazer vs 2027 Kona Compared
Last updated: October 18, 2026 | Emich Chevrolet, Lakewood | Specs from each manufacturer
The Chevy Trailblazer and Hyundai Kona are value-focused small SUVs with available AWD and big standard touchscreens. Here is the 2026 Trailblazer, the newest Trailblazer on sale, against the 2027 Kona, using each manufacturer’s published specs.
Quick Verdict
The 2026 Trailblazer starts $1,900 lower ($23,600 vs $25,500), has more rear legroom (39.0 vs 38.2 in.) and is rated to tow 1,000 lbs, while Hyundai does not recommend towing with the Kona. The 2027 Kona offers more power (190 hp with its 1.6L turbo), more maximum cargo space (63.7 vs 54.4 cu ft), a bigger 12.3-inch touchscreen, standard blind-spot warning and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for the original owner. Fuel economy is a tie: both are EPA-rated at 31 mpg combined with FWD and 27 with AWD.
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The Matchup: Lower Price vs More Power and Warranty
Hyundai’s 2027 Kona is on sale now as a carry-over model, and the sporty N Line was last offered for 2025. Chevrolet has announced an updated 2027 Trailblazer for late spring 2027, so the 2026 Trailblazer is the newest one on sale.
The Kona SE and SEL Sport use a 147-hp 2.0L four-cylinder with a CVT, and the SEL Premium and Limited get a 190-hp 1.6L turbo with an 8-speed automatic. AWD adds $1,500 on any trim. The Trailblazer offers a 137-hp 1.2L turbo or a 155-hp 1.3L turbo, and AWD always comes with the 1.3L and a 9-speed automatic.
The Kona is 2.8 inches shorter (171.3 vs 174.1 in.) but holds more with its rear seat folded (63.7 vs 54.4 cu ft); behind the rear seat the two are close (25.5 vs 25.3 cu ft). The Trailblazer has a little more rear legroom (39.0 vs 38.2 in.).
Trailblazer vs Kona Specs
| Spec | 2026 Chevy Trailblazer | 2027 Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (excl. destination) | $23,600 (LS FWD); $25,600 with AWD; $1,795 destination | $25,500 (SE FWD); $27,000 with AWD; $1,650 freight |
| Engine | 1.2L turbo 3-cyl (137 hp / 162 lb-ft); 1.3L turbo 3-cyl (155 hp / 174 lb-ft) | 2.0L 4-cyl (147 hp / 132 lb-ft); 1.6L turbo 4-cyl (190 hp / 195 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | CVT (FWD); 9-speed automatic (AWD) | CVT (2.0L); 8-speed automatic (1.6L turbo) |
| AWD | Available on every trim | Available on every trim |
| EPA combined, FWD | 31 mpg (1.3L) | 31 mpg (2.0L) |
| EPA combined, AWD | 27 mpg | 27 mpg (2.0L) |
| Cargo behind rear seat | 25.3 cu ft | 25.5 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 54.4 cu ft | 63.7 cu ft |
| Rear legroom | 39.0 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Ground clearance | Not published | 6.7 to 6.9 in. (FWD); 8.1 to 8.3 in. (AWD) |
| Max towing | 1,000 lbs | Not recommended by Hyundai |
| Length | 174.1 in. | 171.3 in. |
| Center screen | 11 in. | 12.3 in. |
| Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Blind-spot warning | Available | Standard |
| Warranty | 3 yr/36,000 mi; 5 yr/60,000 mi powertrain | 5 yr/60,000 mi; 10 yr/100,000 mi powertrain (original owner) |
Sources: chevrolet.com and Build & Price (2026 Trailblazer); Hyundai’s 2027 Kona price sheet, features and specifications, and hyundaiusa.com; fueleconomy.gov. Bold marks the better figure.
By the Numbers
Starting price (FWD)
MSRP in dollars, excluding destination. Lower is better.
Max cargo (behind 1st row)
Horsepower (most powerful engine)
Warranty and Ownership
Hyundai’s warranty is the Kona’s biggest advantage: 5 years/60,000 miles of basic coverage and 10 years/100,000 miles of powertrain coverage for the original owner, plus 5 years of roadside assistance. The Trailblazer has a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage and roadside assistance, and one scheduled maintenance visit within its first 12 months or 12,000 miles.
Reasons to Choose Each
Choose the Chevy Trailblazer if you want
- A lower price: $1,900 less with FWD, $1,400 less with AWD
- A 1,000-lb tow rating
- More rear legroom
- The same EPA ratings as the Kona’s 2.0L
- Current Chevrolet offers on 2026 models
Choose the Hyundai Kona if you want
- More power from the available 1.6L turbo
- More cargo space with the rear seat folded
- A 12.3-inch touchscreen
- Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic assist on every trim
- A 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
Interior and Technology
Every Kona has a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Limited adds a 12.3-inch digital cluster. Every Trailblazer has an 11-inch touchscreen, an 8-inch driver display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Hyundai SmartSense includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist and Smart Cruise Control, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist are standard on every Kona. The Trailblazer has Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert available. Neither offers hands-free driving.
The Bottom Line
If you want more power, more cargo space with the seat folded, a bigger screen and Hyundai’s long warranty, the Kona is the pick. The Trailblazer costs less, has more rear legroom, matches the Kona’s fuel economy and can tow a small trailer.
More Comparisons
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Trailblazer vs Kona FAQs
Which is cheaper, the Trailblazer or the Kona?
The 2026 Trailblazer starts at $23,600 with FWD and $25,600 with AWD. The 2027 Kona starts at $25,500 with FWD and $27,000 with AWD. Destination is $1,795 for Chevrolet and $1,650 for Hyundai.
Which has more cargo space?
The Kona holds 63.7 cu ft with its rear seat folded vs 54.4 for the Trailblazer. Behind the rear seat they are close: 25.5 vs 25.3 cu ft.
Can the Trailblazer or Kona tow?
The Trailblazer is rated to tow up to 1,000 lbs with the available Trailering Package. Hyundai lists towing as not recommended for the Kona.
Which has the better warranty?
The Kona: 5 years/60,000 miles basic and 10 years/100,000 miles powertrain for the original owner, vs 3 years/36,000 miles and 5 years/60,000 miles for the Trailblazer.
Sources: chevrolet.com 2026 Trailblazer page, chevrolet.com Build & Price, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA for Chevrolet; each competitor’s official website, specifications, price sheets and press materials, fueleconomy.gov and NHTSA for the rival, reviewed October 18, 2026. MSRP excludes destination, tax, title, license, dealer fees and options; destination charges differ by brand. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment and are for comparison only; review the owner’s manual before towing. EPA estimates; actual mileage will vary. All trademarks belong to their respective owners. Emich Chevrolet sells new Chevrolet vehicles. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Read the vehicle Owner’s Manual for important feature limitations and information.