Honda HR-V
Price: starting at $28,960
Just like the Kona, the second generation of Honda’s HR-V now sports a larger body. It was also valued at several thousand dollars. Compared to the Kona, the HR-V is more agile and more fun to drive. On the other hand, its mechanics lack enthusiasm, the body is poorly soundproofed. Although more classic, the interior presentation is decorated with more varied and better quality materials than those of the Hyundai. If the second HR-V of the name is not as clever as its predecessor (remember the Magic Seat which allowed the rear seats to be tilted), it still makes rational use of the space offered. Well seen, but in this regard, the Kona is more welcoming for both passengers and luggage.
Subaru Crosstrek
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUBARU
Subaru Crosstrek
Price: starting at $28,995
Recently renovated, the Subaru Crosstrek represents a sure value in the segment. Compared to the Kona, it has the advantage of offering four-wheel drive as standard across the entire range. This one, with constant grip, has proven to be the most efficient in the category to date for facing the rigors of winter. Well planted, the Crosstrek also has the advantage of consuming less, being able to tow a load, offering greater ground clearance and offering a greater choice of variations. In return, the Kona is more spacious, regardless of the seat you occupy on board, and its trunk has a better appetite for luggage. Additionally, the Kona is covered by a more generous warranty. Although also rather dark, the interior presentation of the Crosstrek appears more neat than that of the Kona. The materials used also appear to be of superior quality.
Toyota Corolla
PHOTO PROVIDED BY TOYOTA
The Toyota Corolla Cross
Price: starting at $29,575
Its manufacturer’s reputation for (almost) spotless reliability and its high resale value make the Corolla Cross desirable. And to add to its power of seduction, this Toyota offers a hybrid mechanism (self-charging) which allows it to achieve substantial savings at the pump (less than 6 L/100 km). Without incident, almost banal, the behavior of the Corolla Cross nevertheless suffers from some problems. Here are three: poor soundproofing, inert steering and a suspension which absorbs the irregularities of the road more harshly, but which struggles to contain body movements. Rather basic, the ergonomics do not really raise any criticism. The same cannot be said of the quality of certain materials, mainly composed of hard plastics. At the rear, the clearance is sufficient, but we regret that the backrests cannot be tilted for more pleasant travel.