2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual transformation, aligning more closely with its Kia SUV siblings like the Telluride and EV9. This update introduced a robust new front end, enhanced taillights, and a more sophisticated interior. The exterior featured a prominent grille, vertically-stacked LED headlights, and wing-like daytime running lights, giving the Sorento a larger and more commanding presence. The rear received subtle updates, including new bumpers and LED taillights on higher trims. The Sorento's trims remained consistent, but the rugged X-Line package was limited to EX and higher models, with the new X-Pro trim offering a more aggressive look. Inside, the Sorento boasted a redesigned dashboard with a cleaner layout, featuring a combined gauge cluster and infotainment display under a single pane of glass. The cabin materials were upgraded, with faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching enhancing the upscale feel. Optional green and brown interior colors added character, making the Sorento a solidly assembled and more upscale choice compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Blazer and Honda Passport.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its fresh appearance from the previous year, standing out in the crossover class with its futuristic design. The Kona featured a flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a modern look. The Kona's increased size, about six inches longer than its predecessor, improved interior space and road presence. The N Line S and N Line trims offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding. The Kona's trims included SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited, each adding visual enhancements like larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged, offering a solid and airy feel with tech features to impress. The 2025 model introduced 64-color ambient interior lighting as standard on N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims. The Kona's practicality was evident with its spacious cargo capacity and comfortable seating, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. However, this engine struggled with the Sorento's weight, resulting in sluggish performance. The EX and higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivering 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. This turbocharged engine provided more lively performance, with zero-to-60 times in the mid-seven-second range. The Sorento offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The X-Line and X-Pro trims added off-road capabilities, with increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The X-Pro trim excelled in challenging conditions, offering improved engine cooling and a higher towing capacity of 4,500 pounds. While the gas-powered Sorento's fuel efficiency was average, the hybrid and PHEV versions offered better mileage.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options for its gas-powered models. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but lacked performance. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, resulting in more muscular performance. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup, enhancing traction and handling. The Kona's ride and handling focused on competence rather than excitement, with AWD models featuring a more sophisticated suspension setup.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin offered a comfortable and modern experience, with ample space in the first two rows but limited room in the third row. Despite this, the Sorento provided advantages over smaller models with optional third-row seating. The front seats offered 41.4 inches of legroom, while the second row provided 41.7 inches, making it more spacious than many two-row SUVs. The third row had 29.6 inches of legroom, suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's cargo capacity varied depending on the seating configuration, with up to 72.1 cubic feet available with all seats folded. The interior featured ergonomic controls and ample storage space, with higher trims offering premium features like heated and ventilated front seats.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 63.7 cubic feet when folded. The Kona's rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, providing adequate space for passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The Kona's interior featured excellent storage options, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims had cloth upholstery, while N Line S and N Line featured Alcantara sport seats, and Limited had H-Tex leatherette. Heating and ventilation options varied by trim, with dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays. All models came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, while SX and SX-Prestige trims had a second 12.3-inch digital display. The infotainment system, known as "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" (CCnC), offered a user-friendly interface with prioritized features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, and the system supported over-the-air updates. The Sorento included USB-C outlets in all three rows and an auxiliary jack for older devices. SX-Prestige models boasted a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system, and Digital Key 2.0 allowed keyless access and sharing.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. SEL Convenience trim and above included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The SE and SEL trims had a 4.2-inch color multi-information display, while higher trims featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, while other trims had a six-speaker setup. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity enabled over-the-air software updates, ensuring the system remained up to date.

The 2024 Kia Sorento came equipped with Kia's Drivewise suite of active safety features, offering a comprehensive range of standard and optional systems. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist. The Sorento's safety systems performed well, although adverse weather conditions could affect sensor performance. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in some IIHS tests, but its LATCH system earned an "Acceptable" rating.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and more. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Limited trim offered parking assistance features. The Kona included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.