2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Hyundai Kona Comparison
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Hyundai Kona Comparison
Both the 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer and the 2027 Hyundai Kona come with a choice of two engines, but they get there differently. Chevrolet uses a pair of turbocharged three-cylinders, while Hyundai splits its lineup between a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 1.6-liter turbo four, and both brands offer AWD on every trim.
Around Venice, a small SUV spends its days on Venice Avenue errands, crowded beach parking and the occasional I-75 run up to Sarasota. This comparison walks through performance, technology, safety, cargo and capability so you can match each one to your own routine.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Hyundai Kona Performance & Fuel Economy
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Both Trailblazer engines make their torque low in the rev range. The 1.2L Turbo delivers 162 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm, and the 1.3L Turbo reaches its 174 lb-ft peak at 1,600 rpm. Choose AWD and you get the 1.3L and a 9-speed automatic, EPA-estimated at 26/29/27 mpg, while a FWD 1.2L is rated 30/31/30. On the 2027 Kona SE and SEL Sport, the 2.0L makes 147 hp through an IVT and earns an EPA-estimated 28/35/31 with FWD. SEL Premium and Limited switch to a 190-hp 1.6L turbo with an 8-speed automatic.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 1.2L Turbo: 162 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm
- 1.3L Turbo: 174 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm
- AWD models: 1.3L Turbo with 9-speed automatic
- EPA-estimated 30/31/30 mpg, 1.2L FWD
2027 Hyundai Kona
- 2.0L 4-cylinder with IVT: 147 hp, 132 lb-ft
- 1.6L turbo with 8-speed: 190 hp, 195 lb-ft
- HTRAC AWD available on every trim
- EPA-estimated 28/35/31 mpg, 2.0L FWD
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Hyundai Kona Technology
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Behind the Trailblazer steering wheel sits an 8-inch Driver Information Center on every trim, and the 11-inch HD color screen in the center stack runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without a cable. AWD models add an amplifier to the 6-speaker audio along with Active Noise Cancellation, and the Convenience Package brings wireless charging and a 120-volt outlet. Hyundai fits a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration to every 2027 Kona, uses a 4.2-inch cluster on SE, SEL Sport and SEL Premium, and saves a 12.3-inch cluster and 8-speaker Bose audio for the Limited.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- 8-inch color Driver Information Center, every trim
- 11-inch diagonal HD color touchscreen
- AWD: amplified 6-speaker audio, Active Noise Cancellation
- Convenience Package: wireless charging, 120-volt outlet
2027 Hyundai Kona
- 12.3-inch touchscreen on every trim
- 4.2-inch cluster on SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium
- 12.3-inch cluster and Bose audio on Limited
- Four USB-C ports, two front and two rear
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Hyundai Kona Safety Features
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Ten airbags come standard in the Trailblazer, with frontal and knee airbags for both front occupants plus head-curtain coverage. Chevy Safety Assist adds IntelliBeam automatic high beams, a Following Distance Indicator and Automatic Emergency Braking, and Teen Driver is standard too. Every trim can add Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist, a help in busy shopping-center lots. Hyundai SmartSense is standard on the 2027 Kona, covering Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Safe Exit Warning, and the Limited adds a Surround View Monitor.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Frontal and knee airbags for both front seats
- IntelliBeam and Following Distance Indicator
- Teen Driver and Buckle to Drive standard
- Available Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Rear Park Assist
2027 Hyundai Kona
- Hyundai SmartSense standard on every trim
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
- Safe Exit Warning and Rear Occupant Alert
- Surround View Monitor on Limited
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Hyundai Kona Interior & Cargo Space
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A standard fold-flat front passenger seatback gives the Trailblazer a trick for longer loads. With that seat and the split rear bench folded, items up to 8.5 feet long fit inside, from trim boards to long-handled garden tools. Behind the rear seat the Trailblazer holds 25.3 cubic feet, and passenger volume is 98.2 cubic feet. Hyundai figures for the 2027 Kona are 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 folded, plus a dual-level cargo floor. Its passenger volume is 101.2 cubic feet, and rear legroom measures 38.2 inches.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Fold-flat front passenger seatback on every trim
- Room for cargo up to 8.5 ft long
- 25.3 cu ft behind the rear seat
- 54.4 cu ft with the rear seat folded
2027 Hyundai Kona
- 25.5 cu ft with rear seats up
- 63.7 cu ft with rear seats folded
- Dual-level cargo floor standard
- 101.2 cu ft passenger volume, 99.0 with sunroof
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer vs Hyundai Kona Exterior & Capability
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The Trailblazer can pull a light trailer: Chevrolet sets its rating at 1,000 lbs once an accessory hitch is fitted, and the trailering wiring is standard wherever the 1.3L is standard. The ACTIV brings a functional skid plate, off-road suspension tuning and dual-outlet exhaust, and every trim gets LED headlamps. Hyundai lists the maximum trailer weight for the 2027 Kona as Not Recommended with either engine. AWD Konas clear the ground by 8.1 inches on 17- or 18-inch wheels, and the turning diameter is 34.8 feet.
2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Tows up to 1,000 lbs with an accessory hitch
- ACTIV: skid plate, off-road tuning, dual exhaust
- LED headlamps on every trim
- New White Sands and Apex Red paints for 2026
2027 Hyundai Kona
- Maximum trailer weight: Not Recommended
- 8.1 in ground clearance, AWD on 17- or 18-inch wheels
- 34.8-ft turning diameter
- Multi-link rear suspension on AWD models
Why Buy From Jenkins Chevrolet of Venice?
Jenkins Chevrolet of Venice serves drivers throughout Sarasota County, including Nokomis, Osprey and North Port. Check the new-vehicle specials for current offers, and get a starting number for your current car with the online trade appraisal before you visit.
Ownership support continues in the store service center, where certified technicians use genuine OEM parts and multi-point inspections are complimentary. Free Wi-Fi, business workstations and a play area for children are listed among the waiting-room amenities. Chevrolet adds 6-year/100,000-mile rust-through protection to every new Trailblazer.
