2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch "741M" wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport specification test vehicle came with Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075, including destination charges. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona, designed as an electric vehicle first, showcased a grille reminiscent of the Ioniq 5, with a single-piece appearance typical of electric powertrains. The new Kona featured the "seamless horizon" styling seen on the Sonata, with a prominent LED headlight. Despite its increased size, the Kona retained a recognizable silhouette, with new creased "parametric surface" doors and more substantial black body cladding on the SE, SEL, and Limited trims. The N-Line trim featured body-colored wheel arches. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights were included, with 17-inch wheels standard and larger wheels for higher trims. Inside, the Kona's cabin was updated with a driver-oriented center stack, a relocated gear shift, and a curved display housing driver-information and infotainment screens. The interior also featured revised vents, climate controls, and dash.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with significant upgrades to the xDrive50e PHEV's electric range and power output. The PHEV featured a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, with a doubled maximum AC charging rate of 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e offered 38 miles of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was praised for its driving experience, with adaptive damping air suspension and excellent handling. It achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during a 95.5-mile evaluation drive.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for SE and SEL trims, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine for N-Line and Limited trims. The base engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT, while the turbo engine delivered 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, now with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters were available on N-Line and Limited trims. The Kona offered FWD as standard, with AWD available for an additional fee, reducing fuel economy estimates. During a test drive, the Kona Limited and N-Line demonstrated intuitive steering and nimble handling, though pickup was slightly slow even with the turbo engine.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e excelled as a midsize luxury SUV, accommodating five passengers in two rows and offering a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, standard sport seats, and the Climate Comfort Package, which included 20-way power-adjustable front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort and a great view, though a third-row seat was no longer available.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length enhanced rear-seat legroom to 38.2 inches, with headroom at 38.3 inches front and rear. Cargo capacity expanded to 25.5 cubic feet with rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Kona Limited featured a power hands-free liftgate, and interior storage was improved with a dash shelf and a "guardrail" on the wireless charging pad. The Kona offered cloth seats on SE and SEL trims, a leather/suede combination for N-Line, and H-Tex leatherette for Limited. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on Limited, with heated front seats available on N-Line and SEL with the Convenience Package.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The test vehicle included a Harman Kardon sound system, but the Intelligent Personal Assistant had issues with voice recognition, affecting navigation and other tasks. The head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were praised, though the assistant's accuracy needed improvement.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona introduced a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims and an OTA update planned for higher trims. N-Line and Limited trims offered wireless device charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Kona featured a Bose stereo system, dual 12.3-inch screens on higher trims, and standard OTA update capability. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were included for the vehicle's life.

The 2024 BMW X5 added Highway Assistant, a hands-free driving assistance system, requiring deliberate activation. It performed well in dense or light traffic but had issues in moderate traffic and heavy braking in certain situations. The X5's driver aids operated subtly, encouraging use. The IIHS rated the X5 highly, though lower headlight ratings prevented a safety award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona included standard Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was standard, with adaptive cruise control on N-Line and Limited trims. The Limited trim featured Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist suite impressed with smooth lane-keep assist, though it was slightly resistant to cancellation.