2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Nissan Armada

The 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle (EV) aesthetic in mind, evident in its sleek, modern appearance. The front grille closely resembled that of the Ioniq 5, featuring a single-piece design that has become synonymous with electric powertrains. 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 visual 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 Nissan Armada showcased a high beltline, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. The grille and front fascia appeared taller, aided by the SUV's higher ground clearance. The PRO-4X trim stood out with a skid plate and unique front lighting featuring C-shaped LED lines. The Armada's imposing grille made a strong impression, setting it apart from its predecessor. From the side, the third-generation Armada appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar design. The PRO-4X trim added rugged character with black plastic cladding and unique design elements. The rear featured standard LED taillights, with a fashionable red lightbar on higher trims. Wheel sizes varied across trims, with options for two-tone paint jobs on select models. Inside, the Armada offered a premium feel, with leather seats and various interior color combinations, enhancing the overall luxurious experience.

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. The N-Line and Limited trims were powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was replaced 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. During a test drive, 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 fee, affecting fuel economy estimates.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the high-performance GT-R. This engine produced 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, an increase over its predecessor. The old seven-speed automatic transmission was replaced with a nine-speed automatic. The PRO-4X trim was exclusively 4WD, while other trims offered rear-wheel drive or Nissan's Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive. The PRO-4X featured dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve, provided improved off-road capabilities. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, with various towing aids included. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered a nice sense of engagement, while off-road, the adaptive air suspension enhanced ground clearance and handling.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length translated to more rear-seat legroom, measuring 38.2 inches, and improved cargo capacity, expanding to 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded down. The cabin featured a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash 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, with heated front seats available on higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad. The Armada Platinum Reserve featured "Zero Gravity" seats, offering comfort but feeling slightly deep. The Armada provided standard eight-way driver's-side power adjustment, with more customization on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, with cooling and heating options available on higher trims. The Armada's three-row seating configuration offered flexibility, with power one-touch folding for the third row. Cargo volume increased across the board, with improved legroom in the third row. The Armada's headroom varied depending on the sunroof, with adjustments made to accommodate the glass opening.

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 created a panoramic view in higher trims, with OTA update capability standard. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were included for the life of the vehicle.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came with two large screens, 12.3-inch displays on lower trims and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing Google Maps to be viewed on the driver-information display. A head-up display was optional starting at the SL trim level. The Armada offered a six-speaker sound system on the base trim, with a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System standard on higher trims.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona included standard advanced driver-assistance safety features, such as Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was standard, with adaptive cruise control available on higher trims. The Limited trim offered Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist suite provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features, with smooth lane-keep assist and intuitive steering.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with varying levels of advanced driver-assistance technologies. The most basic version included adaptive cruise control with active lane-centering steering assistance. ProPILOT Assist 1.1 added proactive speed management, while ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway-driving assist technology. Nissan Safety Shield 360 provided a range of safety features, including traffic-sign recognition and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered a surround-view camera and Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor.