2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport showcased a refreshed design that mirrored the updates seen in its three-row sibling, the Atlas. It featured new lighting elements at both the front and rear, with the Volkswagen logos on the grille and tailgate now illuminated in white and red, respectively. This lighting innovation was first introduced on the all-electric Volkswagen ID.4. The front of the Cross Sport was adorned with a light bar connecting the daytime running lights, part of the new standard LED headlights, which contributed to a more Americanized aesthetic. Built in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Cross Sport was designed specifically for the U.S. market. The rear of the vehicle, with its lower roofline, offered a silhouette reminiscent of German luxury crossover coupes, setting it apart from other two-row midsize crossovers. The Cross Sport was 5.2 inches shorter than the standard Atlas and sat slightly lower, enhancing its sporty appearance.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a distinctive look that set it apart in the crossover class. Its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave even the gas-powered models a futuristic appearance. The Kona's design was characterized by a blend of curves, bulges, and sharp angles that created a visually satisfying profile. The 2025 model was notably larger, approximately six inches longer than its predecessor, which improved interior space and road presence. The Kona N Line S and N Line trims featured sportier design elements, including body-colored bumpers and cladding, enhancing its assertive stance. The trim lineup included SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited, each offering progressively more visual enhancements such as larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, with a solid construction and ample tech features, including a 64-color ambient lighting system standard on higher trims.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine replaced the previous 3.6-liter VR6, marking the end of an era for VW. The new turbo-four offered slightly less horsepower but more torque than the VR6, with peak torque arriving earlier at 1,550 rpm. The engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with standard front-wheel drive and optional 4Motion all-wheel drive. Despite the improved performance claims, the Cross Sport was not particularly engaging to drive, with a lackluster ride quality, possibly due to the 21-inch wheels on the test car. The maximum towing capacity remained at 5,000 pounds, except for the base SE model, which was rated at 2,000 pounds.

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 Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but lacked performance excitement. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims were equipped with a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged 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, although it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup for an additional $1,500, offering a more sophisticated ride with a multi-link rear suspension. The Kona's ride and handling focused on competence rather than excitement.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport received additional standard equipment for 2024, including heated side mirrors, two-zone automatic climate control, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were ventilated and heated, while the SE with Technology trim added a power liftgate and tow hitch. The SEL trim featured heated second-row seats and leather upholstery. The Cross Sport's interior offered competitive legroom, although the roofline reduced rear-seat headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 40.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 77.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The cabin was functional, with ample storage space in the center console and door pockets.

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 capacity. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom, 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 interior featured numerous storage compartments, enhancing practicality. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth on lower trims and Alcantara or H-Tex leatherette on higher trims. Heating and ventilation features progressed from basic air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents on higher trims.

The 2024 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless phone charging. The infotainment system was user-friendly, but the haptic touchpads for controls were less intuitive than traditional buttons. The Cross Sport offered up to six USB-C ports, with a dash cam port on higher trims. The SEL trim included a head-up display, and the optional premium audio system was upgraded to a Harman Kardon 12-speaker system on the SEL Premium R-Line model.

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. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization and cohesion. The N Line and Limited trims featured 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 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact crash testing and four stars in frontal and rollover tests. The IIHS had not released ratings for the 2024 model, but the 2023 model received top "Good" scores in most tests. The IQ.Drive package, now standard on all trims, included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and Travel Assist. Higher trims added predictive adaptive cruise control, park assist, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, 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. 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.