2024 Nissan Rogue vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Nissan Rogue underwent its first major styling update since the 2021 model year, maintaining its lineup of S, SV, SL, and Platinum trims. The new design featured a larger grille that seamlessly integrated with the stack headlights and daytime running lights, which were among the Rogue's most distinctive features. The rear fascia saw minor changes with redesigned inner taillight elements. The Rogue SV received a new 18-inch wheel design, while the Platinum trim boasted a new 19-inch machined-finish wheel design and additional black exterior trim, including an optional black roof. Inside, the dashboard was updated to accommodate a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, enhancing the Rogue's premium feel. The Rogue SV models received new materials throughout the interior, and the Platinum trim offered leather seats with quilted stitching and a new Chestnut brown color option.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, retained its fresh and distinctive appearance in the crossover class. The Kona's design featured a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a futuristic 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 interior remained unchanged from 2024, with a solid construction and airy feel. The 64-color ambient interior lighting became standard on N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims. The Kona's interior offered ample storage options, and the SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured cloth upholstery, while N Line S and N Line had Alcantara sport seats, and Limited featured H-Tex leatherette.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue featured a unique powertrain with a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, part of Nissan's VC-Turbo lineup. This engine could vary its compression ratio to prioritize power or fuel economy, producing 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. It outperformed the standard engines in competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the Rogue's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was slow to transfer power to the wheels, affecting overall performance. The Rogue's suspension was firmer than the segment norm, impacting ride quality without enhancing handling. Despite the engine's impressive performance, the Rogue's exhaust note was less appealing.

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 with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims had a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 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, enhancing performance. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available across the lineup, offering a more sophisticated ride with a multi-link rear suspension. The Kona's ride and handling prioritized competence over excitement.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue offered competitive passenger space, with differences mainly in legroom compared to rivals like the Honda CR-V and Hyundai Tucson. The Rogue's cargo space measured 36.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 74.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, offering less space than the CR-V or Tucson but more than the Subaru Forester. The optional Divide-N-Hide system allowed for flexible cargo configurations, and the Rogue featured a molded-in space for grocery bags. The center console provided additional storage, though accessing it could be awkward.

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, with a dual-level cargo floor, offered surprising space. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom, ensuring comfort for most passengers. The front seats featured a generous range of movement, and the drive selector's relocation created a sense of space. The Kona's interior offered excellent storage options, with various shelves, trays, and cubbies. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured cloth upholstery, while N Line S and N Line had Alcantara sport seats, and Limited featured H-Tex leatherette.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue came with an 8-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims, while SL and Platinum models received a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. The Rogue was the first Nissan to feature Google built-in software, integrating Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play app store. The dual 12.3-inch screen setup improved the infotainment experience, though the touchscreen was occasionally slow to boot up. The Rogue offered multiple USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad on higher trims. Nissan extended the free trial period for its Nissan Connect Services to three years, providing features like remote door lock/unlock and vehicle health reports.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, 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 offered a 4.2-inch color multi-information display on SE and SEL trims, while SEL Convenience and above had a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. 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 enabled over-the-air software updates.

The 2024 Nissan Rogue received top safety scores from the IIHS, with "Good" ratings in various crash tests and a "Good" headlight rating. It also earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard driver assist features included automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. ProPilot Assist, available on higher trims, offered advanced driver assistance with automated lane centering.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. SEL Convenience and above added 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. It was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.