Jeep Cherokee vs Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 37 mpg for the Jeep Cherokee, a 83 mpg advantage and costs about $1,050 less per year to fuel.

Across 5 measured categories, the Hyundai Kona leads in 4. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.

2015–2026

Jeep Cherokee

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 79 configurations

37mpg combined (best)
All Jeep Cherokee specs

2018–2027

Hyundai Kona

Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 58 configurations

120mpg combined (best)
All Hyundai Kona specs

Head-to-head specifications

MetricJeep CherokeeHyundai Kona
Best combined MPG37 mpg120 mpg
Best city MPG39 mpg134 mpg
Best highway MPG35 mpg108 mpg
Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year$1,650$600
Lowest CO2 output241 g/mi281 g/mi
Engines offeredHybrid, 2.4, SIDI, 3.22.0, SIDI, with Stop-Start, Stop-Start
TransmissionsAutomatic (variable gear ratios), Automatic 9-spdAutomatic (AV-S1), Automatic (S8), Automatic (A1)
DrivetrainsAll-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel DriveAll-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel typesRegular, Gasoline or E85, MidgradeRegular, Electricity, Premium
EPA classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDSmall Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Years covered2015–20262018–2027
Configurations on record7958

Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.

Cherokee vs Kona: common questions

Which is better on gas, the Jeep Cherokee or the Hyundai Kona?

The Hyundai Kona is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 120 mpg combined versus 37 mpg for the Jeep Cherokee, a 83 mpg advantage and costs about $1,050 less per year to fuel.

Which costs less to run per year?

By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Hyundai Kona runs about $600 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $1,650 for the Jeep Cherokee — a difference of roughly $1,050 per year.

What engines do the Cherokee and Kona offer?

Jeep Cherokee: Hybrid, 2.4, SIDI, 3.2. Hyundai Kona: 2.0, SIDI, with Stop-Start, Stop-Start.

Are they in the same vehicle class?

The EPA classifies the Jeep Cherokee as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD and the Hyundai Kona as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.

More Cherokee comparisons

Comparison id: jeep-cherokee-vs-hyundai-kona