2024 Acura MDX vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Acura MDX presented a striking exterior with its large shield grille, rakish headlights, and modern intake vents, creating a refined presence. Inside, the MDX was high-tech but cluttered, with a busy center console that could be overwhelming. The MDX offered various trims, including the Technology, A-Spec, and Advance Packages, each adding unique features like ambient lighting, upgraded audio systems, and heated seats. The Type-S Advance package, which was reviewed, included a 26-speaker ELS sound system and massaging front seats, providing a luxurious experience despite the busy interior controls.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its fresh appearance from the previous year, with a futuristic design featuring a flush grille and slim LED light bars. The Kona's increased size, being six inches longer, improved interior space and road presence. The new N Line S and N Line trims offered sportier designs with body-colored bumpers. The Kona's interior remained unchanged, providing a solid and airy feel with ample tech features. The 64-color ambient lighting became standard on higher trims, enhancing the cabin's appeal. The Kona's practicality was evident with its spacious cargo area and comfortable seating, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2024 Acura MDX featured a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, while the Type S variant boasted a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. The power was managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission, with options for front-wheel drive or Acura's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive System. The Type-S Advance model offered strong acceleration and a comfortable ride, with adaptive air suspension and Brembo performance brakes enhancing its driving dynamics. The MDX's towing capacity reached 5,000 pounds with AWD, making it a capable luxury SUV.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options for its gas-powered models. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Kona's AWD option provided enhanced traction and a more sophisticated suspension setup, ensuring a competent ride. While not exhilarating, the Kona's performance was adequate for its class.

The 2024 Acura MDX offered three rows of seating, with the first two rows providing comfort and support, while the third row was more suitable for children. The cargo space measured 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with all seats down. The MDX included a power liftgate, with a hands-free option available on higher trims. The center console provided ample storage, though the control layout was cluttered, with a touchpad and drive-mode selector taking up valuable space.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Kona's interior offered 38.2 inches of rear legroom and 38.3 inches of headroom, ensuring comfort for most passengers. The front seats provided a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The Kona's interior storage was excellent, with numerous compartments for personal items. Upholstery options varied by trim, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated seats, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2024 Acura MDX's infotainment system was its weak point, with a 12.3-inch display controlled by an unintuitive touchpad. Despite this, the MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot as standard features. The clever placement of charging ports and a leather handrest for the touchpad were thoughtful touches, but the overall system detracted from the MDX's appeal.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and a digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization and cohesion. The N Line and Limited trims provided an eight-speaker Bose audio system, while all models included SiriusXM and HD Radio. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air updates, keeping features current.

The 2024 Acura MDX came equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and more. Higher trims added parking sensors, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. The MDX earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, though the infotainment system posed a distraction risk.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced collision avoidance features. The Limited trim offered parking assistance technologies, though they were not essential for a subcompact vehicle. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS, reflecting its strong safety credentials.