The subcompact SUV has rapidly become the vehicle of choice for drivers across the nation, and nowhere is this more true than in Oklahoma. These versatile vehicles offer the perfect blend of efficiency. For Oklahomans, a vehicle must be a reliable partner, ready for long stretches on highways, yet nimble enough for daily errands. In this highly competitive market, two models consistently rise to the top of every shopper's list: the bold, tech-forward 2026 Hyundai Kona and the well-established, practical 2026 Honda HR-V.
The 2026 Hyundai Kona arrives as a dynamic challenger, defined by its futuristic design, a cabin packed with advanced technology, and a commitment to providing exceptional value. On the other side of the matchup is the 2026 Honda HR-V, a name synonymous with reliability and intelligent design. It has long been a benchmark in the segment, appealing to buyers who value practicality and a proven track record.
This report provides a definitive, data-backed comparison of these two exceptional vehicles.
Table of Contents
- Overview of the 2026 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Honda HR-V
- The Drive: Performance, Power, and Oklahoma Preparedness
- The Cabin Experience: Technology, Comfort, and Space
- A Deep Dive into Safety and Driver Assistance
- The Complete Breakdown: Trim-by-Trim Feature Comparison
- The Bottom Line: Unpacking Long-Term Value and Ownership
- Why the 2026 Hyundai Kona Is the Smarter Choice for Oklahomans
Overview of the 2026 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Honda HR-V
While the 2026 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Honda HR-V compete directly for the same customers, they are born from fundamentally different engineering and packaging philosophies. The Kona is built around the concept of choice and technological generosity, offering multiple powertrain options and a wealth of standard features. The HR-V, in contrast, focuses on streamlined simplicity and its long-standing reputation for quality. These differing approaches become immediately clear when their key attributes are placed side-by-side. The following table provides a high-level snapshot of the most critical differentiators, setting the stage for the detailed analysis to come.
2026 Kona vs. 2026 HR-V: Key Specifications Snapshot
| Specification | 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz | 2026 Ford Maverick |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.0L 4-Cyl & 1.6L Turbo 4-Cyl | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
| Maximum Horsepower | 190 hp (@ 6000 RPM) | 158 hp (@ 6500 RPM) |
| Maximum Torque | 195 lb-ft (@ 1700–4500 RPM) | 138 lb-ft (@ 4200 RPM) |
| Standard Infotainment Screen | 12.3-inch Touchscreen | 7-inch Color Touchscreen (LX, Sport) |
| Maximum Cargo Capacity | 63.7 cu. ft. (Seats Down) | 55.1 cu. ft. (Seats Down) |
| Powertrain Warranty | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 1 Year / 12,000 Miles (Honda Service Pass) |
| IIHS Safety Rating (2025) | TOP SAFETY PICK+ | TOP SAFETY PICK+ |
The Drive: Performance and Power Of the 2026 Kona and 2026 Honda HR-V
A vehicle's character is ultimately defined on the road. For Oklahoma drivers, this means a powertrain that is both efficient for the daily commute and powerful enough for confident highway travel. Here, the Kona's "Power of Choice" philosophy presents a compelling advantage over the HR-V's "one-size-fits-all" approach.
The 2026 Hyundai Kona
The Kona's Dual-Engine Strategy
Hyundai empowers buyers by offering two distinct engine and transmission pairings, allowing customers to select the powertrain that best aligns with their priorities.
For the efficiency-minded driver navigating city streets in Norman or running errands in Stillwater, the 2026 Kona SE and SEL Sport trims come standard with a capable 2.0-liter MPI-Atkinson 4-cylinder engine. This powerplant produces a solid 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), which is engineered for smooth, linear acceleration and optimized fuel economy, making it an ideal companion for stop-and-go traffic and relaxed cruising.
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For those who demand more assertive performance for merging onto a highway or passing on two-lane country roads, the 2026 Kona SEL Premium and Limited trims feature a formidable 1.6-liter Turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine. This advanced engine delivers an impressive 190 horsepower and a robust 195 lb-ft of torque.
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Instead of a CVT, the turbocharged engine is mated to a responsive 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, providing crisp, decisive shifts that many driving enthusiasts prefer. This combination transforms the Kona into one of the most powerful and engaging vehicles in its class, offering a level of performance the HR-V cannot match.
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A crucial element of the Kona's turbocharged performance is not just the peak torque figure, but where in the powerband it becomes available. The engine delivers its maximum 195 lb-ft of torque from a low 1,700 RPM all the way to 4,500 RPM. This low-end torque has a profound impact on the real-world driving experience. From a standstill, acceleration is immediate and effortless, without the need for the engine to rev high into its RPM range.
For an Oklahoma driver, this translates directly into a feeling of confidence and safety. It means less stress when merging into fast-moving traffic and a more responsive, relaxed feel of power on demand, all without the engine noise and strain associated with engines that must work harder to produce their power.
The Honda HR-V's Single Powertrain: A Standardized Approach
Honda takes a more uniform approach with the 2026 HR-V.
Every trim, from the base LX to the top-tier EX-L, is equipped with the same 2.0-liter In-Line 4-cylinder engine producing 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired exclusively with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While this powertrain is certainly adequate for daily driving duties and provides reliable performance, it represents a significant compromise compared to the Kona's offerings.
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The HR-V's 158 horsepower is a modest figure that falls between the Kona's two engine options. However, its 138 lb-ft of torque is only slightly more than the Kona's base engine and is substantially lower than the 195 lb-ft offered by the Kona's turbo.
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Furthermore, the HR-V's engine must be revved to 4,200 RPM to achieve its peak torque, resulting in a driving experience that can feel and sound more strained during hard acceleration compared to the Kona's effortless, low-RPM torque delivery.
For buyers seeking more than just basic transportation, the lack of a performance-oriented engine option in the HR-V lineup is a notable limitation.
The 2026 Honda HR-V
Drivetrain, Handling, and Fuel Economy
Both the Kona and HR-V offer the choice of standard Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or an available All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, a crucial feature for handling Oklahoma's unpredictable weather, from sudden summer downpours to the occasional icy winter morning. However, Hyundai includes a significant engineering upgrade on its AWD models. While FWD Konas utilize a torsion beam rear suspension, all AWD models are upgraded to a more sophisticated independent multi-link rear suspension design. This advanced setup allows each rear wheel to react independently to bumps and imperfections in the road, resulting in superior ride comfort, enhanced stability, and more confident handling, particularly on uneven pavement. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the powertrain specifications and EPA-estimated fuel economy for every configuration of the 2026 Kona and HR-V, allowing for a direct comparison of power and efficiency.
2026 Kona vs. 2026 HR-V: Key Specifications Snapshot
| Model & Trim | Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Transmission | Drivetrain | EPA MPG (City/Hwy/Combined) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona SE | 2.0L 4-Cylinder | 147 hp | 132 lb-ft | IVT | FWD | 29 / 34 / 31 |
| Hyundai Kona SE | 2.0L 4-Cylinder | 147 hp | 132 lb-ft | IVT | AWD | 27 / 29 / 28 |
| Hyundai Kona SEL Sport | 2.0L 4-Cylinder | 147 hp | 132 lb-ft | IVT | FWD | 28 / 35 / 31 |
| Hyundai Kona SEL Sport | 2.0L 4-Cylinder | 147 hp | 132 lb-ft | IVT | AWD | 26 / 29 / 27 |
| Hyundai Kona SEL Premium | 1.6L Turbo 4-Cyl | 190 hp | 195 lb-ft | 8-Speed Auto | FWD | 26 / 31 / 28 |
| Hyundai Kona SEL Premium | 1.6L Turbo 4-Cyl | 190 hp | 195 lb-ft | 8-Speed Auto | AWD | 25 / 28 / 26 |
| Hyundai Kona Limited | 1.6L Turbo 4-Cyl | 190 hp | 195 lb-ft | 8-Speed Auto | FWD | 26 / 31 / 28 |
| Hyundai Kona Limited | 1.6L Turbo 4-Cyl | 190 hp | 195 lb-ft | 8-Speed Auto | AWD | 25 / 28 / 26 |
| Honda HR-V (All Trims) | 2.0L 4-Cylinder | 158 hp | 138 lb-ft | CVT | FWD | 26 / 32 / 28 |
| Honda HR-V (All Trims) | 2.0L 4-Cylinder | 158 hp | 138 lb-ft | CVT | AWD | 25 / 30 / 27 |
The Cabin Experience: Technology, Comfort, and Space
The interior of a vehicle is where drivers spend their time, and it's a critical factor in overall satisfaction. The 2026 Kona and 2026 HR-V present two vastly different visions of the modern cabin. The Kona embraces a futuristic, screen-centric "digital cockpit" that feels a class above, while the HR-V offers a more conservative, traditional, yet highly functional environment.
Tech Dominance: The Kona's Digital Cockpit
Hyundai has made a strategic decision to democratize technology,
ensuring that even the most affordable Kona delivers a premium,
high-tech experience. This approach is immediately evident in the
standard infotainment system. Every single 2026 Hyundai Kona,
starting with the base SE trim, comes equipped with a large,
vibrant 12.3-inch touchscreen display. This single feature
dramatically elevates the feel of the cabin, making the vehicle
seem more modern and expensive than its price tag suggests.
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are also standard across
the entire lineup, providing seamless smartphone integration
without the clutter of cables.
In contrast, the Honda HR-V follows a more traditional trim walk.
The LX and Sport models come with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen. To
get the larger 9-inch touchscreen, buyers must upgrade to the
top-of-the-line EX-L trim. While the HR-V also offers wireless
smartphone connectivity, the initial impression for a buyer
test-driving a base model at Joe Cooper Hyundai is starkly
different. The Kona's expansive standard screen immediately
establishes a positive, tech-forward tone, creating a higher
perceived value from the very beginning.
On higher trims like the SEL Premium and Limited, the Kona extends
its technological lead with an available panoramic display that
seamlessly merges the 12.3-inch infotainment screen with a
matching 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. This creates a
stunning, high-resolution command center that is configurable and
visually impressive. For the audiophile, the Kona Limited is
available Bose® Premium Audio system with eight speakers provides
a rich, immersive sound experience that surpasses the HR-V's top
offering, a 180-watt system with eight speakers
The Kona and HR-V’s Comfort, Materials, and Space Feature
Beyond the screens, the Kona continues to excel in comfort and
practicality. Both vehicles offer comfortable seating for five
passengers with a choice of cloth or upgraded seating surfaces
(H-Tex® Leatherette for Kona, Leather-Trimmed for HR-V). Both also
offer heated front seats. However, the Kona Limited adds a feature
that is invaluable during hot Oklahoma summers: ventilated front
seats. This luxury feature, which circulates cool air through the
seat cushions, is not available on any HR-V trim.
When it comes to interior space, the Kona's larger exterior
dimensions translate into a more accommodating cabin. The Kona
offers more front headroom (39.9 inches vs. the HR-V's 39.4
inches), more rear legroom (38.2 inches vs. 37.7 inches), and more
rear headroom (38.3 inches vs. 38.0 inches). While these
differences may seem small on paper, they contribute to a more
open and comfortable environment, especially for taller passengers
or on longer journeys.
The most significant practical advantage for the Kona lies in its
cargo capacity. For families, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone who
needs to haul gear, the Kona is the clear winner. With the rear
seats in place, the Kona provides 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space,
slightly more than the HR-V's 24.4 cubic feet. However, with the
60/40 split-folding rear seats lowered, the Kona's advantage
becomes immense. It opens up to a cavernous 63.7 cubic feet of
maximum cargo volume, dwarfing the HR-V's 55.1 cubic feet. That
extra 8.6 cubic feet is the difference between fitting that last
suitcase, a set of golf clubs, or camping equipment with ease.
A Deep Dive into Safety and Driver Assistance
For modern buyers, and especially for those with families, safety is a
non-negotiable priority. In this critical area, both the 2026 Hyundai
Kona and the 2026 Honda HR-V perform at the highest level. Both vehicles
have earned the coveted TOP SAFETY PICK+ award from the Insurance
Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2025 model year, the
organization's highest possible rating. This signifies that both SUVs
excel in a battery of rigorous crashworthiness tests and are equipped
with advanced crash prevention technology. The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) also awarded the Kona a strong four-star
overall safety rating.
While both vehicles offer a comprehensive suite of safety features,
their packaging strategies reveal a fundamental difference in
philosophy, particularly regarding the accessibility of key technologies
Hyundai SmartSense vs. Honda Sensing®
Both manufacturers bundle their primary safety and
driver-assistance features into branded suites. The 2026 Kona
comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense, which includes Forward
Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping
Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and High Beam Assist. Similarly,
every 2026 HR-V is equipped with Honda Sensing®, which includes a
Collision Mitigation Braking System™, Road Departure Mitigation
System, Lane Keeping Assist System, and Adaptive Cruise Control
with Low-Speed Follow.
The crucial difference, however, lies in the standardization of
one of the most effective modern safety features: blind-spot
monitoring. Hyundai includes Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) as
standard equipment on every single 2026 Kona, including the
entry-level SE trim. These systems are invaluable for everyday
driving, providing alerts for vehicles in the driver's blind spot
during lane changes and warning of approaching traffic when
backing out of a parking space.
Honda, on the other hand, reserves its Blind Spot Information
System (BSI) with Cross Traffic Monitor for the most expensive
HR-V EX-L trim. This means that a customer who chooses the more
affordable LX or Sport trim must forgo this vital safety net. This
packaging decision reflects a significant philosophical
divergence. Hyundai's approach suggests that critical safety
technologies should not be treated as luxury options, but as
fundamental components of a safe vehicle, accessible to all buyers
regardless of their budget. For a family in Oklahoma considering a
base model, Hyundai is making a clear statement: your safety is
not an optional extra.
Advanced Features on Higher Trims
As you move up the trim levels, both vehicles offer even more
sophisticated driver aids. The Kona
Limited
features advanced systems like Navigation-based Smart Cruise
Control with Curve Control (N-SCC), which uses map data to
automatically adjust the vehicle's speed for upcoming curves in
the highway, and a Surround View Monitor that provides a
360-degree bird's-eye view for parking.
The HR-V EX-L counters with available front and rear Parking
Sensors and Low-Speed Braking Control.
The Complete Breakdown: Trim-by-Trim Feature Comparison
Choosing the right vehicle often comes down to finding the perfect balance of features and price. To provide maximum clarity, the following table offers a comprehensive, side-by-side comparison of the key features available on every trim level of the 2026 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Honda HR-V. This matrix is designed to be the ultimate decision-making tool, visualizing the value progression of each model and highlighting where a lower-priced Kona may offer features only found on a more expensive HR-V.
Trim Level Feature Comparison – 2026 Kona vs. 2026 HR-V
| Feature | Kona SE | Kona SEL Sport | Kona SEL Premium | Kona Limited | HR-V LX | HR-V Sport | HR-V EX-L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $25,350 | $26,675 | $28,550 | $32,650 | $26,200 | $28,000 | $30,050 |
| Engine | 2.0L / 147 hp | 2.0L / 147 hp | 1.6L Turbo / 190 hp | 1.6L Turbo / 190 hp | 2.0L / 158 hp | 2.0L / 158 hp | 2.0L / 158 hp |
| Transmission | IVT | IVT | 8-Speed Auto | 8-Speed Auto | CVT | CVT | CVT |
| AWD | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available | Available |
| Wheel Size | 17-inch Alloy | 18-inch Alloy | 19-inch Alloy | 19-inch Alloy | 17-inch Alloy | 18-inch Gloss Black | 18-inch Alloy |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch w/ Nav | 7-inch | 7-inch | 9-inch |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | 4.2-inch | 4.2-inch | 12.3-inch | 12.3-inch | 7-inch TFT Meter | 7-inch TFT Meter | 7-inch TFT Meter |
| Blind-Spot Warning | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard | Not Available | Not Available | Standard |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard (Nav-based) | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Front Seats | Not Available | Standard | Standard | Standard | Not Available | Standard | Standard |
| Ventilated Front Seats | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | Standard | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Wireless Phone Charging | Not Available | Not Available | Standard | Standard | Not Available | Not Available | Standard |
| Sunroof | Not Available | Not Available | Optional | Standard | Not Available | Standard | Standard |
| Seating Material | Cloth | Cloth | H-Tex® Leatherette | H-Tex® Leatherette | Cloth | Cloth | Leather-Trimmed |
| Premium Audio System | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available | Bose® 8-Speaker | Not Available | 6-Speaker | 8-Speaker |
The Bottom Line: Unpacking Long-Term Value and Ownership
A vehicle purchase is one of the largest financial commitments a household can make, and the true cost of ownership extends far beyond the initial sticker price. This is where the 2026 Hyundai Kona establishes its most commanding and undeniable advantage. Hyundai's industry-leading warranty and complimentary maintenance programs are not just features; they are a binding promise of quality, reliability, and long-term financial savings.
America's Best Warranty: A Decade of Peace of Mind
For decades, brands like Honda built their reputation on perceived long-term reliability. Hyundai, however, chose not just to claim reliability but to guarantee it. The warranty coverage offered on every new Hyundai is a strategic and powerful statement of confidence in the quality and durability of their vehicles. It effectively neutralizes the historical advantage of its competitors and provides Kona owners with unparalleled peace of mind.
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A 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. This covers the most expensive components of the vehicle, the engine and transmission, for a full decade.
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A 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. This comprehensive "bumper-to-bumper" coverage is two years and 24,000 miles longer than Honda's.
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A 7-year/unlimited-mile Anti-Perforation Warranty.
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5 years of 24/7 Roadside Assistance with unlimited mileage.
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A 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
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A 3-year/36,000-mile Limited Vehicle Warranty.
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A 7-year/unlimited-mile Anti-Perforation Warranty.
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3 years or 36,000 miles of Roadside Assistance.
Every 2026 Hyundai Kona is protected by:
In contrast, the 2026 Honda HR-V is covered by a more standard warranty package:
For a buyer in Oklahoma who plans to own their vehicle for many years, the difference is profound. The Kona's powertrain warranty provides double the years and 40,000 more miles of protection against major repair bills. This transforms the purchase from a simple transaction into a secure, long-term investment.
Complimentary Maintenance: The Savings Multiplier
In addition to its superior warranty, Hyundai provides a complimentary
maintenance program that offers tangible, out-of-pocket savings from
day one. The Hyundai Complimentary Maintenance program covers normal,
factory-scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever
comes first. This includes engine oil and filter changes, tire
rotations, and multi-point inspections performed at a certified
dealership like Joe Cooper Hyundai.
The Honda Service Pass, by comparison, covers complimentary
maintenance for only 1 year or 12,000 miles. This means a Kona owner
will receive three times the duration of complimentary service
compared to an HR-V owner, translating into hundreds of dollars in
saved maintenance costs over the first three years of ownership.
The following table starkly illustrates the massive gap in long-term
owner support and value between the two brands.
Warranty & Maintenance Comparison
| Coverage Type | 2026 Hyundai Kona | 2026 Honda HR-V | The Hyundai Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 2 extra years, 24,000 extra miles |
| Powertrain Limited Warranty | 10 Years / 100,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | Double the years, 40,000 extra miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 2 extra years, unlimited mileage |
| Complimentary Maintenance | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 1 Year / 12,000 Miles | Triple the coverage duration |
Why the 2026 Hyundai Kona is the Smarter Choice
While both vehicles offer top-tier safety and the versatility that
defines the subcompact SUV segment, the Kona consistently delivers more
power, more advanced technology, more practical space, and vastly
superior long-term value.
The Kona's decisive victories can be summarized across five key areas:
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Performance:It offers the power of choice. The available 1.6L turbocharged engine provides a level of horsepower and low-end torque that is ideal for the demands of Oklahoma's highways, offering a more confident and engaging driving experience that the HR-V simply cannot match.
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Technology:From the base model up, the Kona provides a more modern and premium cabin. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and available dual-panoramic displays create a sophisticated digital environment that makes the HR-V's interior feel a step behind.
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Practicality:With more rear passenger room and a significantly larger maximum cargo capacity, the Kona is better equipped to handle everything from family road trips to hauling bulky items, making it the more versatile partner for an active lifestyle.
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Safety Value:Both vehicles are exceptionally safe, but Hyundai's decision to standardize critical features like Blind-Spot Collision Warning on every trim demonstrates a commitment to making advanced safety accessible to all, not just those who can afford the top model.
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Long-Term Ownership:This is the Kona's most compelling advantage. With a powertrain warranty that is double the length of Honda's and a complimentary maintenance program that offers triple the coverage, the Kona is unequivocally the smarter financial investment, providing years of peace of mind and tangible savings.
These features are not about surveillance; they are about coaching. They provide parents with the information needed to have constructive conversations about responsible driving, directly addressing the key risk factors like speeding and late-night driving that are statistically linked to teen accidents.
Visit Joe Cooper Hyundai to see for yourself why the Kona isn't just a great subcompact SUV, but the smartest choice for Oklahoma drivers. Contact us today or schedule your test drive and discover the difference.