2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Chevrolet Traverse

The 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle (EV) focus, evident in its sleek and modern appearance. Its grille 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 being nearly 6 inches longer than its predecessor, the Kona maintained its recognizable silhouette. The visual updates were more apparent up close, with new creased "parametric surface" doors and more substantial black body cladding on the SE, SEL, and Limited trims. The N-Line trim, however, featured body-colored wheel arches. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights were part of the new lineup, with 17-inch wheels standard and larger options for higher trims. Inside, the Kona's 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 Chevrolet Traverse showcased Chevrolet's knack for exterior styling across its SUV lineup, with the Traverse being no exception. Its interior design was equally appealing, featuring digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system. However, the quality of materials used, such as hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather, detracted from the overall impression. The Traverse offered trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road adventures, came with features like Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and various driving packages, bringing its MSRP to $55,900. Despite its shortcomings in material quality, the Traverse's design and features made it a visually appealing choice.

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 boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, now coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters were available on the N-Line and Limited trims, with an option for the SEL Convenience Package. During a test drive from Baltimore to the Maryland countryside, the Kona Limited and N-Line demonstrated intuitive steering and nimble handling, though pickup was slightly slow even with the turbo. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,500, affecting fuel economy estimates.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 328 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 326 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm. While the engine's exhaust note was less than pleasing, it provided ample power, resulting in front tire spin and torque steer in front-wheel-drive mode. Engaging all-wheel drive improved acceleration, offering rapid and controlled performance. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, featured an off-road suspension, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, a skid plate, red tow hooks, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Z71's suspension handled trails with ease, and its tires provided a smoother ride on rough pavement. The Traverse Z71 offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, though it felt large and less sporty on narrow roads. The test vehicle achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding expectations.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length translated to more rear-seat legroom, measuring 38.2 inches, and improved headroom at 38.3 inches with the sunroof. Cargo capacity expanded significantly, offering 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 for easy access. Inside, a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash provided storage, while a "guardrail" kept phones secure 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, with heated front seats available on N-Line and SEL with the Convenience Package.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted substantial interior volume, particularly in terms of width. Front seat occupants enjoyed ample space, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat for comfort. The Z71 trim featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during cold weather. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat, while our test vehicle had individual captain's chairs. The third-row seats provided adequate comfort, though the view was limited due to the rear window design. Storage space was commendable, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, and the Traverse lacked some family-friendly features like smartphone pockets and easily reachable USB ports.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona introduced several technological enhancements for 2024. A 12.3-inch infotainment system touchscreen display became standard across the lineup, 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. N-Line and Limited trims featured wireless device charging and a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The Kona came with six speakers, with an upgraded Bose stereo system available. Dual 12.3-inch screens created a panoramic view in the curved housing, optional with the Convenience Package and included with N-Line and Limited trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were standard, with a subscription included for the vehicle's life.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant, and Google Play Store access. It also offered Alexa compatibility, OnStar connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The large touchscreen provided a user-friendly interface, with Google Assistant responding accurately to voice commands. The Traverse also featured an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views. Optional features included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance safety features. Standard features included Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was now standard, while adaptive cruise control was available on N-Line and Limited trims. The Limited trim also featured Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist suite of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features impressed with its smooth lane-keep assist, providing a confident driving experience.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a generous list of standard driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, active blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, intersection braking, and rear automatic braking. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and a Safety Alert Seat. The Driver Confidence Package added a high-definition surround-view camera system, traffic sign recognition, and rear pedestrian alert. The Enhanced Driving Package introduced Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS.