2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV initially appeared similar to its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart, sharing features like rounded wheel wells and a flat beltline. However, upon closer inspection, the EV version showcased more decisive lines, a thicker body-colored C-pillar, and a sleeker grille. The front fascia was more body-colored, and the rear design was more defined, featuring hexagonal shapes and a light bar echoing the front. Standard 19-inch aluminum wheels were available on the 1LT and 2LT trims, while the higher trims boasted 21-inch versions. The Equinox EV offered vibrant color options like "Red Hot" and "Riptide Blue Metallic," which added a youthful and exuberant touch. Two-tone paint jobs were also available, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the base model was limited to black, but higher trims offered additional color choices, including sporty options like Adrenaline Red.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a distinctive appearance in the crossover class. Its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave it a futuristic look. The Kona's design featured a mix of curves, bulges, and sharp angles, creating a satisfactory visual impact. The newer model was around six inches longer, providing more interior space and a more assertive road presence. The Kona N Line S and N Line trims offered sportier design elements, including body-colored bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, with a solid construction and ample tech features. Notably, 64-color ambient interior lighting became standard on N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims. The Kona offered a range of trims, each adding visual enhancements like larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a hands-free start, a common feature in modern EVs. It offered one-pedal driving across all trims, with options to manage regenerative braking through drive modes like Tour, Sport, Snow/Ice, and My Mode. The Equinox EV provided a comfortable ride, with a single-motor, front-wheel-drive (FWD) variant producing 213 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The all-wheel-drive (AWD) version boasted a dual-motor powertrain with 288 horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimated a range of 319 miles for FWD models and 285 miles for AWD, thanks to its 85-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery. The Equinox EV supported DC fast charging at up to 150 kW, regaining about 77 miles of range in 10 minutes.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between gas-powered and fully electric drivetrains. The gas-powered Kona came with two engine options: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance. AWD was available across the lineup, offering active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models featured a multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The Kona prioritized competence in various driving situations, providing a balanced driving experience.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, starting from the 2LT trim, offered heated front seats, a steering wheel, and outside mirrors as standard features. The 2LT trim also included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and an optional panoramic moonroof. The 3LT trim added power adjustments for the passenger seat, front-seat ventilation, and heated rear seats. Dual-zone climate control was limited to 3LT and above. The Equinox EV provided 39.15 inches of front headroom and 38.49 inches in the second row, with 41.65 inches of front legroom. Cargo space measured 26.4 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 57.2 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Roof rails were standard on all but the base trim.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom. The front seats provided a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was reach- and height-adjustable. The drive selector was relocated to a stalk on the steering column, creating additional storage space. The Kona featured excellent in-car storage, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth on SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience, Alcantara sport seats on N Line S and N Line, and H-Tex leatherette on Limited. Heating and ventilation features progressed from basic single-zone air conditioning on SE to dual-zone automatic climate control on higher trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV featured a driver-oriented cockpit with a 17.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its segment. An 11-inch screen displayed gauges and driver information. Google Built-In was standard, providing Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. An eight-year OnStar Remote Access Plan subscription was included, offering navigation, route planning, and battery pre-conditioning through the MyChevrolet app.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. SEL Convenience trim and above included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. Higher trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization and cohesion. 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.

The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV came with Chevy Safety Assist, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, forward collision alert, and more. Additional features included rear park assist, reverse automatic braking, blind-zone steering assist, and adaptive cruise control. GM's Teen Driver Technology allowed parents to set speed alerts and monitor driving behavior. Super Cruise, a hands-free highway-driving assist system, was available starting with the 2LT trim.

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 Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Limited trim included parking assistance features like Parking Distance Warning and Surround View Monitor. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.