Hyundai KONA vs. Volkswagen Golf GTI
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Hyundai KONA and Volkswagen Golf GTI contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Hyundai KONA and the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
In comparing the Hyundai KONA's and the Volkswagen Golf GTI's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai KONA has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Volkswagen Golf GTI has the advantage in the areas of resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Hyundai KONA's and the Volkswagen Golf GTI's specifications and ratings, the Hyundai KONA is a better car than the Volkswagen Golf GTI.
Pricing: A used 2026 Hyundai KONA ranges from $28,173 to $32,265 while a used 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI is priced between $33,860 to $41,026. For a new model, the Hyundai KONA's price is between $27,435 and $36,425, with the Volkswagen Golf GTI priced between $33,305 and $42,915.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Hyundai KONA loses 42.2 percent of its value and the Volkswagen Golf GTI loses 41.4 percent of its value. This means the Volkswagen Golf GTI retains 0.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Hyundai KONA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Hyundai KONA’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the Volkswagen Golf GTI base engine makes 241 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Hyundai KONA, a crossover/subcompact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has higher safety ratings than the Hyundai KONA, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.67 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
27435 - 36425
Starting MSRP:
25350
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
27500
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
21600 - 38900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
33305 - 42915
Starting MSRP:
32445
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact Cars)
28470
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact Cars)
21590 - 47100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
30057
Price Range:
28173 - 32265
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
32681
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
28663 - 44719
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
37233
Price Range:
33860 - 41026
Category Avg Price:
(Compact Cars)
30314
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact Cars)
22070 - 52316
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
10844
Depreciation %:
0.42777336
Resale Value $:
14506
Residual Value %:
0.57222664
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Subcompact SUVs)
0.42521964
Category Depreciation Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
0.34201311 - 0.47626721
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
13737
Depreciation %:
0.42338168
Resale Value $:
18708
Residual Value %:
0.57661832
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact Cars)
0.3979908
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact Cars)
0.31796157 - 0.42854561
Hyundai KONA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.3 / 10
Safety:
9.7 / 10
Volkswagen Golf GTI Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.0 / 10
Reliability:
7.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Hyundai KONA
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
12.5
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
9.1 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Volkswagen Golf GTI
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.8
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact Cars)
12.4
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact Cars)
8.8 - 16.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.032
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.8108517430028832
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact Cars)
1.8 - 28.7
Hyundai KONA Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 21Ranking
3 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
5 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
6 out of / 21Ranking
7 out of / 66Ranking
8 out of / 14Ranking
9 out of / 54Ranking
9 out of / 21Ranking
12 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 66Ranking
16 out of / 21Ranking
22 out of / 66Ranking
32 out of / 66Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
39 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
58 out of / 66Volkswagen Golf GTI Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
6 out of / 31Ranking
8 out of / 31Ranking
9 out of / 31Ranking
10 out of / 21Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
13 out of / 31Ranking
14 out of / 31Ranking
15 out of / 31Ranking
16 out of / 31Ranking
17 out of / 21Ranking
20 out of / 31Ranking
25 out of / 31Ranking
26 out of / 31Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Hatchback
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Hyundai KONA Trim Levels
Limited, SE, SEL Premium, SEL Sport
Volkswagen Golf GTI Trim Levels
Autobahn, S, SE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.67 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.049 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
273 foot-lbs @ 1750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.076 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 32 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
317 / 422 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
38.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.2 inches
Cargo Space:
25.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
63.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
126.7 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.9 inches
Cargo Space:
19.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
34.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
111.8 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3005 lbs
Width:
71.9 inches
Height:
62.2 inches
Length:
171.3 inches
Wheelbase:
104.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3183 lbs
Width:
81.6 inches
Height:
57.7 inches
Length:
168.9 inches
Wheelbase:
103.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/60R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 inches
Wheel Type:
polished aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P225/40R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Abyss Black Pearl
Blue
Denim Blue Pearl
Gray
Cyber Gray Metallic / Ecotronic Gray Pearl
Green
Mirage Green
Orange
Soultronic Orange Pearl
Red
Ultimate Red Metallic
White
Atlas White
Yellow
Neoteric Yellow
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Mythos Black Metallic
Blue
Slate Blue Metallic
Gray
Moonstone Gray
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Kings Red Metallic
White
Opal White Pearl
Yellow
Not available
Silver
Alpine Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black/Scalepaper Plaid
Gray
Not available
