Honda CR-V vs Hyundai Kona
This page compares the Honda CR-V and the Hyundai Kona across the 9 model years both appear in our data (2018–2026). Both are classed as SUV on this site. On its most efficient configuration the Hyundai Kona averages about 37 mpg (UK) against 36 mpg for the Honda CR-V. NHTSA lists fewer recall campaigns per model year for the Hyundai Kona (2.4 against 6.6), though campaign counts depend on how long each model has been on sale and how many variants share a campaign.
Head-to-Head: 2018–2026
| Measure | Honda CR-V | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Average best-configuration economy (mpg, UK) | 36 | 37 |
| Average CO₂ (g/km) | 182 | 181 |
| Average estimated annual fuel cost (US EPA) | $2,250 | $2,183 |
| Model years rated 5★ overall by NHTSA | 9 of 9 | 5 of 8 |
| Average recall campaigns per model year | 6.6 | 2.4 |
| Average owner complaints per model year | 893 | 156 |
| Engine options across these years | 3 | 3 |
Year by Year
| Year | Honda CR-V MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints | Hyundai Kona MPG (UK) | NHTSA | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 36 | 5★ | 5 | 2,153 | 36 | — | 0 | 75 |
| 2019 | 36 | 5★ | 8 | 1,102 | 36 | 5★ | 4 | 247 |
| 2020 | 36 | 5★ | 9 | 437 | 36 | 5★ | 5 | 187 |
| 2021 | 36 | 5★ | 5 | 435 | 36 | 5★ | 1 | 144 |
| 2022 | 36 | 5★ | 6 | 338 | 38 | 5★ | 2 | 128 |
| 2023 | 36 | 5★ | 7 | 631 | 38 | 5★ | 2 | 75 |
| 2024 | 36 | 5★ | 4 | 478 | 37 | 4★ | 4 | 67 |
| 2025 | 36 | 5★ | 4 | 282 | 37 | 4★ | 1 | 29 |
| 2026 | 36 | 5★ | 0 | 152 | 37 | 4★ | 0 | 9 |
MPG is each model year's most efficient configuration (US EPA, converted to UK mpg). Recalls and complaints are NHTSA counts as of 6 October 2026; complaints are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume. See each model's full history: Honda CR-V · Hyundai Kona.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel-efficient, the Honda CR-V or the Hyundai Kona?
On its most efficient configuration the Hyundai Kona averages about 37 mpg (UK) against 36 mpg for the Honda CR-V. Figures are the US EPA combined result converted to UK mpg, averaged over the shared model years; individual engines and years differ, so check the year pages for the exact car.
Which has better NHTSA safety ratings?
The Honda CR-V has 9 of 9 model years rated 5★ overall in these years and the Hyundai Kona has 5 of 8. NHTSA ratings are only comparable between vehicles of similar size and weight, and the test criteria have changed over time.
Which has more recalls and owner complaints?
Per model year, the Honda CR-V averages 6.6 recall campaigns and 893 owner complaints; the Hyundai Kona averages 2.4 and 156. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports and rise with sales volume, so use them as a pointer for what to inspect, not as a reliability ranking.
Where do these comparison figures come from?
Fuel economy, CO₂ and interior volume come from the US EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; ratings, recalls and complaints come from NHTSA. Only model years where both cars have data are compared.
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