The Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona in Phoenix represent two different approaches to the subcompact SUV game. The Kona works hard at looking modern, while the HR-V takes a more refined, mature approach that prioritizes long-term value and real-world practicality.

The Hyundai Kona price may tempt some people to put it ahead of its Honda rival. However, don’t let the price difference fool you. Whether you look at short-term ownership costs or long-term value., the Honda HR-V comes out ahead.

Safety: Where Excellence Meets Peace of Mind

Both vehicles earn impressive safety ratings, but the Honda HR-V goes a step beyond with some truly remarkable achievements. The HR-V has earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) highest honor – the Top Safety Pick+ rating – for 2024-25, joining an elite group of vehicles that excel in every safety category. Find NHTSA ratings.

The NHTSA also awarded the HR-V a perfect 5-star overall safety rating, with particularly strong performance in frontal and side-impact crashes. Meanwhile, the Hyundai Kona in Phoenix achieves solid 5-star ratings as well, making both vehicles safe choices for families.  

What sets the HR-V apart is its standard Honda Sensing suite, which includes features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keeping assist – all standard across every trim level. This comprehensive safety package gives Honda SUVs an edge for buyers who prioritize protecting their loved ones.  

Performance: Best Horsepower for the Price

Here's where things get interesting. The Phoenix Kona comes with a 147-horsepower base engine. Meanwhile, the HR-V comes with a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter engine paired with a CVT transmission.

You can upgrade to the Kona's turbo engine, but real-world testing reveals some drawbacks. Motor Trend noted the turbocharged engine suffers from "delayed response and severe turbo lag" with power delivery that's difficult to manage smoothly. The HR-V's engine, while not as powerful, delivers consistent, predictable performance that many drivers actually prefer for daily commuting.  

When it comes to gas mileage, the 147-hp Kona edges out the 158-hp HR-V slightly. However, critics often note that the HR-V's more linear power delivery translates to real-world efficiency that's closer than the numbers suggest. Furthermore, fuel efficiency favors the HR-V compared to the turbo Kona in Phoenix.  

• Kona: 29 city / 34 highway MPG

• HR-V: 26 city / 32 highway MPG

• Kona Turbo: 24 city/29 highway MPG

Long-Term Value Proposition

Long-term value is the place where the Honda HR-V truly shines and where that initial $1,000 price difference starts to look insignificant. HR-V SUVs retain significantly more of its value over time, losing just 28.9% of its value over five years compared to the Kona crossover’s 34.1% depreciation.

What This Means for You:

• Lower total cost of ownership despite price difference

• Better trade-in value when you're ready to upgrade

• Stronger resale market if you decide to sell privately

Real-World Ownership Experience

Honda includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles with the HR-V, which helps offset the higher purchase price in the first few years. The brand's extensive dealer network ensures excellent service access regardless of where life takes you. 

Kona's bold styling might turn heads today, but design trends change quickly. Honda's more conservative approach tends to age better, maintaining broader appeal for the HR-V in the used car market. 

The Bottom Line: Smart Money Choice

While the Kona starts at a lower price, the Honda HR-V emerges as the smarter long-term investment. Its combination of elite safety ratings, proven reliability, superior resale value, and refined driving experience makes it the more sensible choice for most buyers.

The HR-V proves that the best choice isn't about having the most features or the flashiest design – it's about finding the perfect balance of quality, value, and dependability that will serve you well for years to come. Get more information about features in this Honda HR-V Review.  

Ready to experience the difference? The Honda HR-V's impressive combination of safety, reliability, and long-term value makes it definitely worth a test drive. Visit your local Phoenix Honda dealer -- Earnhardt Honda -- to see why so many smart shoppers are choosing the HR-V as their ideal subcompact SUV. Schedule a test drive.