2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV represented a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader origins to a modern, car-based crossover. This electric version borrowed styling cues from its gasoline counterpart but was built on a new EV-specific platform. The Blazer EV's design was characterized by a tall hood, a reimagined front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look compared to other electric SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV was notably larger, being about 7 inches longer and 4 inches wider than its rivals, and launched in LT and RS trims, each with distinct styling elements. The interior of the RS and SS models featured large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, with optional red leather upholstery adding a playful touch. While some interior components felt flimsy, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the overuse of piano-black plastic seen in other brands.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a fresh appearance that stood out in the crossover class. Its design featured a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a futuristic look. The Kona's increased size, being around six inches longer than its predecessor, improved interior space and road presence. The new N Line S and N Line trims offered sportier design elements, including body-colored bumpers and cladding. The Kona's interior remained unchanged from 2024, with a solid construction and ample tech features. Notably, 64-color ambient interior lighting became standard on higher trims. The Kona offered a range of trims, each adding more visual appeal and features, with the Limited trim providing the most luxurious options, including heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) in the LT and RS trims. The RWD models delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack, while the AWD models had 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque with an 85-kWh pack. Interestingly, the dual-motor AWD had a lower output than the single-motor RWD, positioning it as the base offering. A single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option was set to be available from 2025, anticipated to be the most popular configuration. The Blazer EV SS performance model promised a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque, featuring a Wide Open Watts (WOW) launch mode for rapid acceleration. The Blazer EV's driving experience was marked by strong acceleration and precise steering, though the stiff suspension compromised comfort. The regenerative braking system, adjustable via a steering-wheel paddle, added a layer of driver involvement.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered both gas-powered and fully electric drivetrains, with the gas-powered models reviewed here. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). For 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 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance, though it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available across the lineup for an additional cost, offering active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models also featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, improving ride and handling. The Kona's performance was competent, prioritizing comfort and stability over sporty driving dynamics.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, while resembling a traditional SUV, offered interior space comparable to its sleeker rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. The Blazer EV's headroom and legroom were similar to these competitors, and it lacked the commanding driving position of a traditional SUV. The high side sills and deep dashboard created a unique driving experience, akin to wearing a trench coat with a high collar. Cargo space was somewhat limited, with 25.5 cubic feet available with the second row in place and 59.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. The Blazer EV featured a "presence activated" liftgate for convenience. Up front, the interior offered ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided impressive cargo capacity, with 25.5 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place and 63.7 cubic feet when folded, surpassing some larger vehicles. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom, ensuring comfort for most passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The drive selector was relocated to a stalk on the steering column, creating additional storage space. The Kona's interior featured various upholstery options, with higher trims offering heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Climate control ranged from basic single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents, with physical controls for ease of use.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system, featuring built-in Google apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. However, it lacked standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering deeper functionality for Android users but limited options for iOS users. The Blazer EV came with a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, both with sharp graphics. The infotainment system included built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates. The user experience was generally positive, though the touchscreen's angle could be inconvenient for passengers. The Blazer EV also featured a hands-free start sequence, marking a shift towards a high-tech driving experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona continued to offer 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 Hyundai's digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing a cohesive and customizable display. The N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity enabled over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV came equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams. Optional driver aids included reverse automatic braking, park assist, and the Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system. Crash-test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were not available at the time of publication.

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