2025 Dodge Durango vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Dodge Durango offered a range of models from the base GT with a V6 engine and rear-wheel drive starting at approximately $43,000, to the high-performance SRT Hellcat with a supercharged V8 engine and all-wheel drive, nearing $100,000. The SRT Hellcat Premium model, enhanced with the Silver Bullet special edition package, featured Triple Nickel paint and additional visual upgrades like a satin black hood and black exhaust tips, bringing its MSRP to $115,315. Inside, the SRT Hellcat maintained a subdued aesthetic with dark red premium Nappa leather seats and a mix of suede and leather finishes, though some plastic surfaces detracted from the overall luxury feel.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually similar to its 2024 predecessor, retained a fresh and distinctive appearance in the crossover class. Its design featured a flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a futuristic look. The Kona's increased size, about six inches longer than previous models, improved interior space and road presence. The new N Line S and N Line trims offered sportier design elements, while other trims like SE, SEL, and Limited added 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 standard 64-color ambient lighting on higher trims.

The 2025 Dodge Durango streamlined its powertrain offerings with the GT model featuring a 295-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, the R/T with a 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, and the SRT Hellcat boasting a 710-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8. All models used an eight-speed automatic transmission, with AWD standard on the R/T and SRT Hellcat. The SRT Hellcat's engine delivered 645 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 180 mph and a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds. Despite its power, the Durango SRT Hellcat suffered from poor fuel economy, rated at 12/17/13 mpg city/highway/combined. The SUV's performance was enhanced by a full-time AWD system, adaptive damping suspension, and Brembo brakes, offering a track-ready feel.

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 with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 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 a more sophisticated ride with a multi-link rear suspension. The Kona's performance was competent, with the turbo engine offering adequate power, though it could feel flat at low revs.

The 2025 Dodge Durango excelled in form and function, offering a spacious and comfortable interior with thoughtful features. The SRT Hellcat Premium model included heated and ventilated front seats with Nappa leather, though the performance seats lacked secure support during spirited driving. The second-row captain’s chairs provided good leg support and legroom, with a large center console offering ample storage. The third-row seat was accessible through a generous pass-through, providing enough room for adults. The Durango's cargo space measured 17.2 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 85.1 cubic feet.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. 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, with a reach- and height-adjustable steering wheel. The interior featured excellent storage options, with numerous shelves and compartments. Upholstery varied by trim, with cloth on lower trims and Alcantara or leatherette on higher trims. Heating and ventilation options improved with higher trims, offering dual-zone climate control and rear air vents.

The 2025 Dodge Durango featured a Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a native navigation system. The system included SiriusXM 360L, Dodge Connect, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The SRT Hellcat came with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, enhancing the audio experience. The SRT Performance Pages allowed tracking of performance metrics, adding a sporty touch to the family SUV.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and a digital key. 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 audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity enabled over-the-air updates, ensuring features remained current.

The 2025 Dodge Durango's safety features were limited, with standard equipment including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional upgrades included adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and trailer detection. The Durango received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with a concerning three-star rollover resistance rating for AWD models. The IIHS had not fully evaluated the Durango in newer tests.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Limited trim included parking assistance features. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety credentials.