2024 Volkswagen Tiguan vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan presented itself as a visually appealing option in the compact SUV class, exuding a premium aura that many found more sophisticated than its non-European counterparts. The exterior featured standard LED headlights and taillights, with an illuminated grille light line on the SEL R-Line trim. The model name was prominently displayed in all-caps at the rear, accompanied by the classic Volkswagen badge. However, the color options were somewhat limited, especially for the base Tiguan S, which was only available in grayscale. The interior offered a range of features across trims, from heated cloth seats in the base model to leather upholstery and advanced seat adjustability in the SEL R-Line.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its fresh and distinctive appearance, with a futuristic design highlighted by a flush grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. The Kona's increased size, being six inches longer than its predecessor, contributed to a more assertive road presence and improved interior space. The N Line S and N Line trims offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged from the 2024 model, providing a solid and airy feel with ample tech features. The 64-color ambient lighting became standard on higher trims, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. The Kona's trim levels offered a variety of upholstery options, from cloth to Alcantara sport seats and H-Tex leatherette, with heating and ventilation features available on higher trims.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with the option to upgrade to Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive for an additional $1,500 on lower trims, while it came standard on the SEL R-Line. The AWD models featured a slightly larger fuel tank, accommodating the system's impact on fuel economy. The Tiguan's performance was a mixed experience, with inconsistent power delivery and a touchy gas pedal. The steering was light but provided good visibility and handling, making the vehicle feel maneuverable despite its size.

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 with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims boasted a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with 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 on AWD models.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan offered a two-row seating configuration in the AWD models, providing 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in place, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The three-row configuration, available in FWD models, reduced cargo space but still offered reasonable passenger space. The front seats provided 39.6 inches of headroom and 40.2 inches of legroom, while the second row offered 38.7 inches of legroom. The third row, though tighter, was more spacious than some competitors, making the Tiguan a practical choice for those needing occasional extra seating.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 63.7 cubic feet when folded. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility, accommodating a surprising amount of luggage. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom, providing ample space for passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the relocation of the drive selector created additional storage space. The Kona's interior featured numerous storage compartments, enhancing practicality. Upholstery options varied across trims, with heated and ventilated seats available on higher trims, along with dual-zone climate control.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan featured haptic touch slider buttons for climate control, which were responsive and easy to use. However, the physical volume knob integrated with the on/off button was less user-friendly. The infotainment system relied on monochromatic graphics, accessed through an 8-inch center touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base Tiguan S had a smaller 6.5-inch screen and fewer USB-C ports. Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit System was standard, with the SEL R-Line offering a fully configurable 10.25-inch display. The nine-speaker Fender Premium Audio System was a highlight, providing excellent sound quality.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, featuring good graphics and clear menu layouts. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, with wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key available on higher trims. The SEL Convenience trim and above featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization options. The N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan earned a 2022 Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, and its safety features improved for 2024 with the standard inclusion of Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE suite. This included adaptive cruise control, active blind-spot monitoring, Lane Assist, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist. Additional features included rain-sensing wipers, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with pedestrian detection. Park Distance Control became standard on higher trims, although its Maneuver Braking feature was found to be intrusive.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety technology, offering advanced features even on base models. Standard equipment included 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 featured parking assistance technologies, although they were not deemed essential for a subcompact vehicle. The Kona included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.