2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Acura MDX

The 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle (EV) focus, evident in its sleek, modern appearance. The front grille closely resembled that of the Ioniq 5, featuring a single-piece design that signaled its electric powertrain. The Kona adopted the "seamless horizon" styling seen in the new Sonata, with a prominent skinny LED headlight at the front. Despite its increased size, the Kona maintained a recognizable silhouette, with new design elements like the creased "parametric surface" on the doors and more substantial black body cladding on various trims. The lineup came standard with LED lighting, and the rear featured a single taillight spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the cabin was updated with a driver-oriented center stack, a relocated gear shift, and a curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens.

The 2025 Acura MDX received subtle exterior updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, enhancing its sporty and performance-oriented look. Interior changes were more significant, with a new touchscreen infotainment system replacing the previous touchpad interface, adding more storage. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims received seats from the previous Type S model, while the Type S got a new seat design. Acura improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass. The MDX lineup introduced a new A-Spec Advance trim, blending luxury with a sportier appearance, and the base model started at $50,900, with the Type S Advance topping the lineup at $74,950.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, featuring a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE and SEL trims, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The N-Line and Limited trims were equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, now paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters were available on the N-Line and Limited trims, and the SEL Convenience Package added them for the CVT. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,500, affecting fuel economy estimates.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, with the Type S model featuring a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system was optional on lower trims and standard on higher ones. The MDX offered various driving modes, and while it wasn't the fastest SUV, it provided a smooth and comfortable ride. Fuel economy varied, with the A-Spec Advance rated at 21 mpg combined, though real-world testing showed lower figures. The MDX excelled in typical driving situations, offering a firm and communicative ride, but it wasn't designed for off-roading.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length translated to more rear-seat legroom, measuring 38.2 inches, and improved cargo capacity, with 25.5 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded down. The Kona Limited featured a power hands-free liftgate, and interior storage was enhanced with a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash. The Kona offered various seating materials, with cloth seats on lower trims and a leather/suede combination for higher trims. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on the Limited trim.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs on the MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with a foldable middle section for added convenience. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, but the MDX provided adequate in-cabin storage and cargo space, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 71.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The MDX featured manual operation for folding the third-row seats, which some users preferred.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system touchscreen display as standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on lower trims. An over-the-air update was promised to add wireless connectivity to higher trims. The Kona offered wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bose stereo system. Dual 12.3-inch screens were optional, and Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were standard.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Alexa Built-in, and Google Built-in, offering complimentary access to Google services for three years. The system replaced the previous touchpad interface, providing a more intuitive experience. The MDX featured an upgraded sound system, with Bang & Olufsen audio systems available on higher trims. The infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and a 10.5-inch head-up display, offering comprehensive data. The MDX Advance and A-Spec Advance trims included a surround-view camera system.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona came with standard advanced driver-assistance safety features, including Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was standard, and adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims. The Limited trim featured a Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist suite impressed with its smooth lane-keep assist.

The 2025 Acura MDX featured the AcuraWatch collection of driver assistance features, with an expanded AcuraWatch 360 package available on the Type S Advance. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. AcuraWatch 360 added front cross-traffic alert and evasive steering warning. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet commented on the 2025 model.