2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Buick Envista

The 2024 Buick Envista, while sharing its platform with the Chevy Trax, distinguished itself with a unique styling approach. Its sloping roofline gave it a "crossover coupe" appearance, reminiscent of more upscale models like the BMW X4 and X6. Although this design choice slightly compromised rear visibility, it was deemed acceptable. The front-end styling, inspired by the Buick Wildcat EV concept, featured a split lighting design with thin daytime running lights above and real headlights positioned vertically beside the grille. This arrangement, similar to that of the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Cherokee, was executed with a sleeker touch. The Envista's interior, while similar to the Trax, offered a more streamlined look with softer materials, though some textures felt artificial. The cabin was a step up from the Trax, but still aligned with entry-level expectations.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, visually unchanged from its 2024 predecessor, maintained a fresh and distinctive appearance in the crossover class. Its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave even the gas-powered models a futuristic look. The Kona's increased size, about six inches longer than the previous generation, enhanced interior space and road presence. The N Line S and N Line trims featured sportier designs with body-colored bumpers and cladding. The interior remained solidly constructed and airy, with a 64-color ambient lighting standard on higher trims. The Kona's design and features made it a compelling choice for those seeking a modern and spacious crossover.

The 2024 Buick Envista was powered by a 1.2-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. This setup, shared with the Trax, offered a refined driving experience, delivering power smoothly. Unlike its predecessor, the Buick Encore, the Envista did not offer an all-wheel-drive option, differentiating it from the Encore GX. The Envista featured a torsion-beam rear suspension on base models, while models with 19-inch wheels had a Buick-exclusive Watts Link rear suspension for improved ride quality. The suspension was tuned to minimize road noise, providing a quieter ride. Despite some nervousness on less-than-perfect roads, the Envista offered a more premium feel compared to the Trax, with a quieter and more comfortable ride.

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 a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). For those seeking more power, the N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup for an additional cost, providing enhanced traction and a more sophisticated ride with a multi-link rear suspension. The Kona's performance was competent, with the turbocharged engine offering adequate power, although it could feel flat at low revs.

The 2024 Buick Envista, with its coupe-like design, was 14.2 inches longer than the outgoing Buick Encore, with a 5.7-inch wheelbase stretch. This resulted in increased rear-seat legroom by three inches and greater shoulder room in both rows. However, the plunging roofline slightly reduced headroom, particularly for second-row passengers. The Envista's car-like design provided good outward visibility and maneuverability, but cargo space was limited. With 20.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats up and 42 cubic feet with them folded, it offered less space than the Trax and other competitors.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered impressive cargo capacity, with 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 63.7 cubic feet when folded. This made it suitable for families with luggage. Rear legroom was 38.2 inches, and headroom was 38.3 inches, providing ample space for passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the interior featured excellent storage options. The Kona's trims varied in upholstery, with cloth on lower trims and Alcantara or H-Tex leatherette on higher trims. Heating and ventilation features were available on higher trims, enhancing comfort.

The 2024 Buick Envista came standard with an 11-inch touchscreen and an 8-inch digital instrument cluster. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and Wi-Fi connectivity. The interface was user-friendly, with physical controls for climate and audio. However, the center stack's tilt toward the driver made it less accessible for passengers. While the Envista lacked some advanced tech features, it offered a competitive package for its price range.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and a digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above had a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization and cohesion. Audiophiles could opt for N Line or Limited trims for a Bose premium audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air updates, ensuring features remained current.

The 2024 Buick Envista's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and rear cross-traffic alert. The safety equipment was similar to the Chevy Trax and typical for its price range.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Limited trim offered parking assistance features. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety credentials.