Hyundai Kona Electric vs Toyota Highlander
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Toyota Highlander
Overview
| Spec | Hyundai Kona ElectricSE | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | SE | XLE |
| Body style | SUV | SUV |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Fuel type | electric | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 1-speed direct drive | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | electric | gas |
| Model year | 2025 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Hyundai Kona ElectricSE | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $32,975 (best) | $46,270 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Hyundai Kona ElectricSE | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | — | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | — | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | — | 28 MPG (best) |
| Combined MPGe | 118 MPGe (best) | — |
| Electric range | 200 mi (best) | — |
| Battery capacity | 48 kWh (best) | — |
| 240V charge time | 5.1 hr (best) | — |
| Fuel tank | — | 17.9 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Hyundai Kona ElectricSE | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 133 hp | 265 hp (best) |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | — | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | — | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Hyundai Kona ElectricSE | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats | 7 seats (best) |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Cargo volume | 64.7 cu ft | 84.3 cu ft (best) |
| Towing capacity | — | 5,000 lbs (best) |
| Payload | — | 1,225 lbs (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,571 lbs (best) | 4,376 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 5.9 in | 8 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 104.7 in | 112.2 in (best) |
| Length | 171.5 in | 194.9 in (best) |
| Width | 71.9 in | 76 in (best) |
| Height | 62 in | 68.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Hyundai Kona ElectricSE | Toyota HighlanderXLE |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | Not Rated | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | Not Rated | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | Not Rated | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | Not Rated | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 1 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Hyundai Kona Electric | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | SE $32,975 MSRP(Currently comparing) | XLE $46,270 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | SEL $36,975 MSRP | XLE $48,020 MSRP |
| 3 | N Line $38,375 MSRP | XSE $48,340 MSRP |
| 4 | Limited $41,150 MSRP | Limited $50,725 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Limited $52,475 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Platinum $53,925 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Platinum $55,675 MSRP |
Hyundai Kona Electric vs Toyota Highlander FAQ
- Which is better: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric vs 2026 Toyota Highlander on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric starts lower at $32,975.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (32,975).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (35).
- Which has better electricRangeMi: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric leads on electricRangeMi in this comparison (261).
- Which has better horsepower: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on horsepower in this comparison (265).
- Which has better seats: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on seats in this comparison (7).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric or 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- The 2026 Toyota Highlander leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (5,000).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric vs 2026 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Hyundai Kona Electric (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall); Toyota Highlander (5/5 NHTSA overall).