2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved from its predecessors, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing new details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which added a three-dimensional flair. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized, avoiding the puzzling trim seen on other models. The optional M Sport Package enhanced the sporty appearance with darkened Shadowline trim and larger wheels, while the Silver Anniversary Edition celebrated the model's 25th anniversary with unique paint and off-road features.

Inside, the X5's interior represented a gradual evolution of BMW's aesthetic, with a curved dashboard display that connected to previous generations. The quality was evident, though it appeared plainer compared to competitors like Mercedes-Benz or Genesis. The Silver Anniversary Edition featured carbon fiber trim and illuminated "X5" graphics, adding a touch of sophistication. Overall, the X5's design was a testament to BMW's commitment to blending tradition with modernity.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, still stood out in the crossover class with its futuristic design. The flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave even the gas-powered models a modern look. The Kona's increased size, being six inches longer, provided more interior space and a more assertive road presence. The N Line S and N Line trims offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding, enhancing the vehicle's appeal.

Inside, the Kona's interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel. The drive selector's placement on a column beneath the wiper stalk contributed to the spaciousness. The 64-color ambient interior lighting became standard on higher trims, adding a touch of luxury. The Kona's interior was practical and well-equipped, with various trims offering different levels of comfort and technology, making it a versatile choice for different preferences.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the X5 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. For those seeking more power, the AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, enhancing performance and efficiency.

The X5 also offered a plug-in hybrid variant, the X5 xDrive50e, combining the 3.0-liter inline-six with a larger electric motor and a 19.2-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This setup delivered a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and up to 39 miles of all-electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, featuring air suspension, a locking rear differential, and off-road drive modes, although it compromised on-road dynamics.

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 Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but lacked the performance punch. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This turbo engine provided a more muscular performance, although it could feel flat at low revs.

All-wheel drive was available across the Kona lineup for an additional cost, offering active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models also featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, enhancing ride and handling. While the Kona's performance was competent, it prioritized practicality and value over exhilarating driving dynamics.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV, offering generous passenger space but not class-leading. It had slightly less first-row legroom compared to competitors like the Acura MDX and Audi Q7, but provided more headroom. The sport seats in the X5 offered extra bolstering for cornering, though the lack of real leather upholstery and front-seat ventilation was noticeable given its price. The X5's cargo space was competitive, with 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate design was a unique feature, providing convenience for loading and unloading cargo.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. The dual-level cargo floor added versatility. Rear legroom was adequate at 38.2 inches, and the front seats provided a comfortable range of movement. The Kona's interior featured various storage compartments, enhancing practicality. Different trims offered varying levels of upholstery, with higher trims providing heated and ventilated front seats. The climate control system ranged from basic single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read, with augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity as additional features.

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 Hyundai's digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing customization options. The N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, while other trims had a six-speaker setup. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard Active Driving Assistant features, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for speeds up to 85 mph. The Parking Assistant setup included Reversing Assistant, with an optional Parking Assistance Professional Package offering additional parking aids. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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 offered parking assistance features. All Konas included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.