2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Kia Telluride was offered in five core trim levels: LX, S, EX, SX, and SX Prestige, with the option to add the rugged X-Line treatment to all but the LX and S trims. The X-Pro package was reserved for the top two trims, enhancing the Telluride's capabilities with features like 18-inch matte-black wheels, all-terrain tires, and heavy-duty engine cooling, which increased the maximum towing capacity to 5,500 pounds. The Telluride's design updates from the previous year maintained its attractive proportions, and the Wolf Gray paint with the blacked-out X-Line styling added a striking appearance. Inside, the SX Prestige model featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, though other color options like Mahogany brown and Sage Green were available, complementing the simulated open-pore wood trim. Despite some shiny plastic in the lower interior portions, the Telluride nearly met luxury SUV standards with its soft leather, artificial suede headliner, and 24-inch dual-screen digital display panel.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, still stood out in the crossover class with its futuristic design, featuring a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. The Kona's increased size, being around six inches longer, provided more interior space and a more assertive road presence. The new N Line S trim, along with the N Line, offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding. The Kona's interior remained unchanged from 2024, with a solid construction and airy feel, aided by the drive selector's relocation to a column beneath the wiper stalk. The 2025 model introduced standard 64-color ambient interior lighting on the N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims. The Kona's trim levels included SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited, each adding more visual enhancements and features like larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, with the latter including a locking center differential and a Snow driving mode. The Telluride's towing capacity was typically 5,000 pounds, but the X-Pro package increased it to 5,500 pounds. The SUV's ground clearance was 8.0 inches in standard spec, rising to 8.4 inches with the X-Line and X-Pro packages. Despite its power and refined driving experience, the Telluride was not very fuel-efficient, averaging 19 mpg in combined driving and 17.5 mpg in city conditions. The Telluride's ride was firm at lower speeds but soft and compliant at higher velocities, providing a smooth experience on winding roads. Off-road, the Telluride proved more capable than expected, handling various terrains with ease.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. 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). The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance, though it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup for an additional cost, offering active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models also featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, improving ride and handling. The Kona's performance was competent, prioritizing comfort and stability over sporty driving dynamics.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims like the SX Prestige X-Line, which featured premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was spacious enough for adults, and a dual sunroof panel added light to the interior. The Telluride's controls were oriented horizontally, with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that was easy to use. Storage space was generous, with a covered cubby, smartphone tray, and ample door panel bins. The hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, though it could be undesirable in certain situations. The Telluride offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum volume of 87 cubic feet. The X-Line and X-Pro trims also provided useful roof rails for additional cargo capacity.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. The Kona's trunk featured a dual-level cargo floor, offering surprising storage space. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom, providing adequate comfort 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 the N Line S and N Line featured Alcantara sport seats, and the Limited trim offered H-Tex leatherette. Heating and ventilation options varied by trim, with dual-zone automatic climate control available on most trims. The Kona's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with thoughtful features enhancing the overall experience.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required a cable connection. The system offered Bluetooth pairing and internet radio streaming, but the test vehicle's inactive Kia Connect subscription limited voice recognition testing. Kia Connect offered four plans, with features like remote engine starting, climate pre-conditioning, and over-the-air updates. The Telluride also featured satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Additional tech included a blue-light filter for the infotainment display, Quiet Mode, and a digital key function. A camera-based rearview mirror and a 10-inch head-up display were available, along with a 360-degree camera system. The Telluride's tech offerings were comprehensive, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. SEL Convenience trim and above included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai’s digital key. The Kona's digital instrument cluster was available on higher trims, offering customization options and a cohesive design. The N Line and Limited trims featured an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, while other trims had a six-speaker setup. Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date. The Kona's tech offerings were user-friendly and well-integrated, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard Kia Drive Wise collection of driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Highway Driving Assist was standard, offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Safety feature upgrades varied by trim, with options like front parking sensors, cross-traffic alert, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor system. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona continued Hyundai’s tradition of equipping even base models with advanced safety technology. Standard features included Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Limited trim offered additional parking assistance technologies. The Kona included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, underscoring its strong safety credentials.