2026 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Toyota bZ

The 2026 Toyota bZ was available in XLE and Limited trims, offering both single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) and dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations, with two battery sizes to choose from. The larger battery, while more expensive, provided enhanced power, performance, and range. Canadian pricing ranged from $47,920 to $63,620, inclusive of a $1,930 destination charge. Notably, the XLE FWD and XLE AWD qualified for a $5,000 federal EV rebate. The U.S.-spec XLE test vehicle featured FWD and the larger battery, a combination unavailable in Canada. The 2026 bZ's restyled exterior, particularly with body-colour trim, was an improvement over previous models, although some colours retained the less popular black overfender trim. Inside, the redesigned dashboard and centre console offered a cleaner look and higher quality feel, with the XLE’s fabric seats boasting an upscale pattern. The 14-inch centre touchscreen integrated climate controls, which, despite initial concerns, proved user-friendly with large icons and physical dials for temperature adjustments. However, the digital instrument cluster's placement and size remained a drawback, as it was difficult to read and could be obscured by the steering wheel.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona was offered in three trims in Canada: Essential, Preferred, and N Line, with prices from $28,949 to $38,899, including a $2,200 destination charge. The Kona's design was polarizing, but the N Line trim, priced at $38,899, was competitive among top-trim subcompact SUVs. The Kona's interior was spacious, accommodating four adults comfortably, and featured a widescreen digital instrumentation and touchscreen infotainment system. Hyundai's inclusion of traditional analog controls was a thoughtful touch, allowing for easy adjustments without distraction. However, the use of white control labels on a metallic background posed readability issues during the day due to glare. The Kona's quality, refinement, and attention to detail were evident, making it a strong contender in its class.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a single electric motor with FWD and a 57.7-kWh battery, delivering 168 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with a range of 380 kilometres and an efficiency rating of 16.1 kWh/100 km. Dual-motor models, equipped with a 74.7-kWh battery, produced 338 hp, with 198 lb-ft in front and 125 at the back. The XLE AWD had a range of 468 km and consumed 17.3 kWh/100 km, while the Limited offered 436 km at 18.6 kWh/100 km. Recharging with a DC fast charger took about 30 minutes to reach 80% from 10%, and a 240-volt Level 2 home charger required seven hours for the larger battery. Efficiency tests showed the FWD bZ averaged 13.7 kWh/100 km in Eco mode and 15.9 kWh/100 km in Normal mode. The bZ's handling was agreeable for city driving, but its FWD configuration struggled with traction in certain conditions, and the ride could be choppy on uneven surfaces.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona's N Line trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base engine, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, produced 147 hp and 132 lb-ft, mated to a CVT. The turbo engine offered better performance and a more satisfying driving experience. AWD models had a multi-link rear suspension, improving ride quality over the FWD's torsion beam design. The turbo's fuel economy was 9.0 L/100 km combined, with observed figures of 8.9 L/100 km during testing. The Kona's ride and handling were mixed, with a firm ride over sharp road irregularities and a tendency to sway at higher speeds. The brakes showed signs of overheating during extended use, but the turbocharged engine provided ample power for highway driving and mountain grades.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered 21.1 cm of ground clearance with FWD and 20.6 cm with AWD. The front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment for both XLE and Limited trims. The Limited trim added ventilated front seats and a front radiant foot and leg heater. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the centre armrest and a tray beneath the console. Rear passengers enjoyed generous legroom, though foot space was limited. The bZ provided 784 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,611 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona was a practical subcompact SUV with ample interior room and cargo space. The N Line trim featured ambient lighting, sport pedals, leather and suede upholstery, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Heated front seats were standard, with additional features available in higher trims, such as a wireless charging pad and hands-free power liftgate. The Kona's front storage was impressive, with a dashboard tray and a roomy centre console bin. Rear passengers had access to various storage options and USB charging ports. The Kona offered 723 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,803 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The instrument cluster's placement and size made it difficult to read, while the infotainment system lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with several connected service plans included. The Drive Connect feature powered the native navigation system and Intelligent Assistant, which performed well in testing.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona featured a widescreen digital instrument cluster, with the N Line trim offering two 12.3-inch screens. The infotainment system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features available in higher trims, such as a Bose premium sound system and surround-view camera. The system was user-friendly, and the Kona's tech offerings included Remote Smart Parking Assist and a digital key functionality.

The 2026 Toyota bZ was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which included features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for extra safety. The Limited trim offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park. The bZ received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with a Good rating for front crash avoidance but a Poor rating for headlights.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona boasted a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Kona Preferred added adaptive cruise control and collision avoidance systems. The N Line's Ultimate package included a Blind-View Monitor and Highway Driving Assist. The Kona received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.