2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this connection was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and strong fender creases. The exterior color significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome and presented in Celestial Silver, giving it a somewhat dated look. However, a switch to Solar Octane orange with black accents transformed its vibe to a more playful "Tonka truck" aesthetic. Inside, the Sequoia mirrored the Tundra's blocky, geometric dashboard design, complete with physical dials and buttons for climate control. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered a range of seating materials. The Sequoia provided power-adjustable front seats across all trims and included a power-tilt and -slide moonroof, with a panoramic version available on higher trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a fresh and distinctive appearance in the crossover class. Its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave it a futuristic look, even in gas-powered versions. 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 featured sportier designs with body-colored bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel with a drive selector on the column and ample tech features. The 2025 model introduced 64-color ambient interior lighting as standard on N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims. Sunroof and powered liftgate options were available on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively offered in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This system combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over its predecessor. The Sequoia's fuel economy improved to 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The TRD Pro trim was available only with 4WD, featuring a part-time system with selectable modes and a skid plate. Other trims offered 4WD as an option for an additional $3,000. The 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth operation, and the TRD Off-Road package added adventure-ready features like all-terrain tires and an off-road suspension. The Sequoia's maximum towing capacity increased to 9,520 pounds, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between two gas-powered engines. 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 Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). 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. AWD was available across the lineup for an additional $1,500, providing active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models also featured a multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The Kona's performance was competent, with the turbo engine offering adequate power for its class.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, making it easier for shorter individuals to enter the vehicle. Inside, the Sequoia offered a maximum of 86.9 cubic feet of cargo space with both second- and third-row seats folded. Behind the second row, there were 49 cubic feet, and behind the third row, it ranged from 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet, depending on seat position. The second-row seats were easy to move for access to the back row, and the third-row seats folded at the push of a button, though they did not create a flat load floor. Headroom was reduced due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack, and legroom varied across rows. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, offering wide but flat seating.

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 trunk featured a dual-level cargo floor, accommodating a surprising amount of luggage. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom, ensuring comfort for most passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The drive selector was relocated to a stalk on the steering column, creating additional storage space. In-car storage was excellent, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth, Alcantara sport seats, and H-Tex leatherette available. Heating and ventilation features progressed from basic to dual-zone automatic climate control on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim was equipped with a range of features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The SR5 trim had an 8-inch touchscreen, while other trims featured a 14-inch center touchscreen. The Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment system prioritized functionality over flashy design. A full-color 12.3-inch driver-information display was standard across all trims, along with a Panoramic View monitor. The Capstone and Platinum trims offered a 10-inch color head-up display, and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system was available on higher trims.

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 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 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 Sequoia came with the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5 suite of safety and driver-assistance features as standard across all trims. This included a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert with steering assist, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. The Tow Technology Package, available on select trims, added a digital rearview mirror and trailer backup guide. The Sequoia had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the similar 2024 Toyota Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. Limited trim included parking assistance features like Parking Distance Warning and Surround View Monitor. All Konas came with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.