2024 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, known for its iconic design, retained its boxy shape and flat roof, reminiscent of its predecessors. Each of the three trims featured elements that paid homage to earlier models, such as the heritage grille and round headlights. The vehicle embraced modernity with LED lighting and color-selectable fog lights on higher trims. Driver comfort was enhanced with a lowered beltline for better visibility and standard heated front seats across all trims. The interior varied from cloth seats in the base trim to real leather in the First Edition, with options for a moonroof and ventilated seats in the Premium Package. The cabin was designed for comfort, with cushy seats and padded consoles, allowing drivers to focus on the road ahead.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a fresh and distinctive appearance in the crossover class. Its flush grille and slim LED light bars gave it a futuristic look. The Kona grew in size, offering more interior space and a more assertive road presence. The N Line S and N Line trims featured sportier designs with body-colored bumpers. The interior remained solidly constructed and airy, with a new standard 64-color ambient lighting on select trims. The Kona offered a range of trims, each adding more features, such as larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior was equipped with tech features, including a drive selector on the column and ample storage space.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and a 48-hp electric motor, producing a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard full-time four-wheel drive, with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case. The Multi-Terrain Select system, available on mid-tier and First Edition models, operated in both 4Hi and 4Lo. The vehicle included an automatic limited-slip differential and rear- and center-locking differentials. A push-button disconnect for the front sway bar was available on higher trims, enhancing off-road articulation. The updated CRAWL control function offered five speed settings for precise low-speed navigation over challenging terrain.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two 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 an Intelligent Variable Transmission. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup, providing active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models featured a multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The Kona prioritized competence in ride and handling, offering a balanced driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser, based on the Prado, offered two rows of seating with headroom measuring 36.1 inches in the front and 35.3 inches in the back. Legroom was 33.0 inches in the front and 26.7 inches in the rear. The center console provided easy access to off-road features, and the vehicle included a wireless charging pad and a center console cool box in higher trims. The cargo area, with a raised load floor, offered 37.5 cubic feet of space and included a 120-volt AC outlet and USB-C ports in some trims.

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. Rear legroom was 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The interior featured ample storage options, with various shelves and compartments. Upholstery varied by trim, with cloth seats in lower trims and Alcantara or H-Tex leatherette in higher trims. Heating and ventilation options were available, with dual-zone automatic climate control in most trims.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a Multi-Terrain Monitor system on higher trims, displayed on a 12.3-inch center touchscreen. The infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. The base trim had an 8-inch display and a six-speaker sound system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker system or an optional 14-speaker JBL premium sound system. The Premium Package added a head-up display and a digital rear-view mirror.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and a digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Built-in navigation was available on select trims, and Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Toyota’s track record and the Tundra’s Top Safety Pick award provided some confidence in its safety. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and lane-tracing assist. The Premium Package added lane-keep assist, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist on higher trims.

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