The Trax continues its run as one of Chevy's most wallet-friendly SUVs. This year brings no major overhaul, but Chevy made a few small tweaks to keep the Trax feeling current. See how it measures up against a formidable rival, the ever-popular Hyundai Kona, below!
Key Takeaways:
- Chevy adds new paint colors for the 2026 Trax, while Hyundai trims down the Kona's lineup.
- Both the Trax and Kona are among the best picks for budget-conscious shoppers.
- The Trax comes with more advanced tech as standard.
- As of July 2026, the Trax holds the price advantage.
What's Changed for the Trax and Kona in 2026?
Chevy introduces two new paint colors, White Sands and Apex Red, while phasing out Nitro Yellow and Crimson Metallic. Several accessory packages also got the ax, including the highway safety kit and premium carpeted floor mats.
Affordability remains the Trax's calling card. Finding a new SUV (or really any new vehicle) under $30k isn't easy these days, yet every Trax trim comes in comfortably below that threshold. Pricing starts at just $23,495 for the LS, climbs to $24,995 for the 1RS and LT, and tops out at $27,195 for the 2RS and ACTIV, still well under the $30k mark for a brand new model.
The Kona sees fewer updates, with most changes centered on trim consolidation. Hyundai removed the SEL, N Line, and other variants from the lineup, replacing them with SEL Sport and SEL Premium. Also, adaptive cruise control now comes standard on every trim.
Pricing for 2026 models is:
- SE: $27,100
- SEL Sport: $28,275
- SEL Premium: $30,025
- Limited: $34,135
| 2026 Chevy Trax | 2026 Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|
| New colors added and some discontinued; select accessory bundles discontinued | EL, N Line and trims cut from lineup |
| Full lineup remains intact across trims | Adaptive cruise control added across the board |
| Trims are $23,495 to $27,195 | Trims are $27,100 to $34,135 |
How the Trax and Kona Compare Under the Hood
The Trax features a 137 horsepower 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic. It's front-wheel drive only, a tradeoff that helps keep costs down; however, the turbo still delivers surprisingly peppy performance.
The Kona's base 2.0-liter engine puts out a comparable 147 horsepower. A more powerful 1.6-liter turbo option bumps those numbers up to 190 horsepower, though it comes at a higher price point. Both engines pair with an 8-speed automatic.
Interior Tech and Comfort in the Trax vs. Kona
Chevy lengthened the Trax's wheelbase, giving rear passengers more legroom while the spacious cargo area handles just about anything you throw at it. Cabin materials feel tough and built to withstand everyday wear. Base models come with an 8-inch touchscreen, while stepping up to LT trim or above brings an 11-inch touchscreen paired with an 8-inch digital gauge cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims.
The Kona counters with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen (though its base trims stick drivers with a much smaller 4.2-inch display). Higher Kona trims eventually catch up to Chevy on tech, but getting there means spending thousands more.
Cheapest Small SUV Between the Chevy Trax and Hyundai Kona
The Trax pulls ahead as the better overall value. It delivers tech features that rival pricier vehicles, all while being one of the most budget-friendly SUVs on the market. Reach out today to schedule a test drive at Alan Jay Chevy in Wauchula. We're here to help--it's the Alan Jay Way!