2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 BMW X3

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 slim LED headlight dominating the front. Despite its increased size, the Kona maintained 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, and the lineup came standard with LED lighting and varying wheel sizes across trims.

Inside, the Kona's cabin was noticeably updated, with a driver-oriented center stack and a relocated gear shift to the steering column, creating more storage space. The most significant update was the curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens. The vents, climate controls, and dashboard were also refined, enhancing the overall interior experience.

The 2025 BMW X3, with its redesigned seductive appearance, featured a long and tall hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse and roofline, giving it an athletic look. The test model's Arctic Race Blue paint, machined surface wheel finish, and Calm Beige upholstery added to its allure. The Veganza artificial leather, with its perforated and quilted surfaces, mimicked real leather convincingly. The cabin, though not fancy, offered quality materials in expected areas, but some plastic elements revealed the X3's price point. The X3 was available in 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive models, with prices ranging from $51,125 to $65,875, making it a competitive option against rivals like the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with 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 CVT. The N-Line and Limited trims featured 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 offered them for the CVT. The Kona's pickup was slightly slow even with the turbo, but its intuitive steering and nimble handling were appreciated. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,500, affecting fuel economy estimates.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 4,176-pound weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and standard xDrive AWD system. The engine's power curve provided peak torque and horsepower across a broad range, aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The M50 xDrive model offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The X3's sport-tuned suspension and performance tires enhanced its driving experience, though the ride quality was firm. The X3 excelled on twisty roads, offering a delightful driving experience, though fuel economy fell short of official ratings.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length improved rear-seat legroom to 38.2 inches and headroom to 38.3 inches with the sunroof. Cargo capacity expanded to 25.5 cubic feet 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 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 the Limited trim.

The 2025 BMW X3's power-adjustable driver's seat provided a sports car-like view, with a simple dashboard featuring the BMW Curved Display. The cabin felt spacious, with angular trim elements extending its width. The front seats offered power adjustment, heating, and Veganza artificial leather, while the rear seats were less comfortable. The cargo area measured 31.5 cubic feet, with a lightweight cargo cover, netted storage, and a temporary spare tire. The 40/20/40 split-folding rear seat allowed for versatile cargo and passenger arrangements.

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 OTA 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 BMW X3's BMW Curved Display ran on iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. Owners could create profiles using the MyBMW app, though our attempts were unsuccessful. The system occasionally froze, and the default Guest profile lacked access to BMW Digital Services. The navigation system, with optional augmented video, provided accurate directions. Wireless Apple CarPlay worked flawlessly, but the native infotainment features were frustrating.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona offered advanced driver-assistance features, including 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 included Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist suite impressed with its smooth lane-keep assist.

The 2025 BMW X3's driver assistance features were more rewarding than its infotainment system. The standard Active Driving Assistant suite included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus. The Driving Assistant Professional Package offered hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and other advanced features. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.