2025 Acura MDX vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Acura MDX underwent subtle styling updates, including a new grille, revised front bumper, and darkened headlights and taillights, which enhanced its sporty and performance-oriented appearance. Most versions received new wheel designs, adding to the SUV's visual appeal. Inside, the MDX saw more significant changes with the introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the previous touchpad interface and providing additional storage space. The seats from the previous MDX Type S model were incorporated into the MDX Advance package and MDX A-Spec Advance, while the Type S received a new seat design. Acura also improved cabin quietness with added sound insulation and acoustic laminated window glass.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its fresh appearance from the 2024 model, featuring a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars that gave it a futuristic look. The Kona's increased size, being around six inches longer, contributed to a more assertive road presence and improved interior space. The new N Line S and N Line trims offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding. Other trims, such as SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited, progressively added visual enhancements like larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, maintaining a solid construction and airy feel, with the addition of 64-color ambient interior lighting as standard on higher trims.

The 2025 Acura MDX positioned itself as a performance-oriented luxury SUV, offering a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine in the Type S model, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. Most buyers opted for the standard 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 290 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. The MDX offered various driving modes, including Comfort, Normal, Sport, Snow, and Individual, with the Sport mode providing the best powertrain response. The A-Spec Advance trim achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing averaged 18.4 mpg. The MDX's handling was smooth and consistent, with some brake fade noted during spirited driving. It provided a comfortable and communicative ride in typical driving situations, though it wasn't designed for off-roading.

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 producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims boasted a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup, enhancing traction and handling. The Kona's ride and handling prioritized competence, with AWD models featuring a more sophisticated suspension setup. While not exhilarating, the Kona's performance was adequate for its class.

The 2025 Acura MDX offered luxurious interior features, with the MDX Advance and MDX A-Spec Advance trims providing 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage programs. The second row could be configured as a bench seat or individual bucket seats, with the option to remove the center section for added versatility. The third-row seat was less comfortable for adults, making it more suitable for children. The MDX provided 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 71.4 cubic feet with the second row down.

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. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, 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 Kona's interior featured excellent storage options, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. Upholstery varied by trim, with cloth on lower trims and Alcantara or leatherette on higher trims. Heating and ventilation options were available on higher trims, enhancing comfort.

The 2025 Acura MDX introduced a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Alexa and Google Built-in, offering a more intuitive interface. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though SiriusXM required streaming through a smartphone app. AcuraLink connected services and an AT&T 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot were standard. The MDX featured a premium sound system, with Bang & Olufsen audio systems available on higher trims. The digital instrumentation display and head-up display provided essential information, though blind-spot monitoring alerts were absent from the latter.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The digital instrument cluster, available on SEL Convenience trim and above, offered customization options. The N Line and Limited trims featured an eight-speaker Bose audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity enabled over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2025 Acura MDX benefited from hardware upgrades to its AcuraWatch driver assistance features, with an expanded AcuraWatch 360 package available on the Type S Advance. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though SH-AWD models lacked a rollover resistance rating. The 2024 MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

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