2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 BMW X3

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, maintaining a fresh and futuristic look that set it apart in the crossover class. Its design featured a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a modern aesthetic. The Kona's design was characterized by a mix of curves, bulges, and sharp angles that, while not traditionally handsome, came together in a satisfying manner. The 2025 model was notably larger than its predecessor, offering increased interior space and a more assertive road presence, especially in the sportier N Line S and N Line trims.

In contrast, the redesigned 2025 BMW X3 presented a seductive appearance for an SUV, with its oversized grille and aerodynamically honed flanks. The X3's athletic look was accentuated by its long hood, captivating dashboard-to-axle ratio, and tapering greenhouse and roofline. The test model's Arctic Race Blue paint and 21-inch wheels emphasized its taut, crouched appearance. Inside, the X3's cabin featured quality materials, though some plastic elements revealed its price point. The interior was spacious, with a simple dashboard and a prominent BMW Curved Display, enhancing the sense of width and luxury.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims were equipped with 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. For those seeking more power, the N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup, enhancing traction and handling.

The 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive came with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Despite its weight, the X3 achieved a zero-to-60 mph time of six seconds, thanks to its eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive AWD system. The X3 also featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, improving responsiveness and fuel efficiency. For those seeking more power, the X3 M50 xDrive offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 393 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds. The X3's performance was complemented by its sport-tuned suspension and performance tires, providing an engaging driving experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a surprisingly spacious interior for its size, with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, expandable to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, providing adequate space for most passengers. The front seats were comfortable, with a range of adjustments, and the interior featured ample storage options. Upholstery varied by trim, with cloth, Alcantara, and H-Tex leatherette options available. The Kona's climate control system ranged from basic single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents.

The 2025 BMW X3 provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and optional ventilation. The dashboard housed a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The cargo area offered 31.5 cubic feet of space, with additional storage under the load floor. The rear seats, however, were less comfortable, with low positioning and hard front seat-back panels. The X3's interior design emphasized width and luxury, with angular trim elements and ambient lighting enhancing the cabin's appeal.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured 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 a digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring the Kona's features remained up to date.

The 2025 BMW X3's infotainment system was powered by the new iDrive 9 software, offering a Quick Select user experience. However, our test vehicle experienced issues with profile creation and accessing BMW Digital Services. Despite these challenges, the navigation system with augmented video feature worked well, and wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity was flawless. The X3's infotainment system, while promising, had some reliability issues during our evaluation, which may have been unique to the test vehicle.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning as standard across all trims. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Kona's safety credentials were further bolstered by its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 BMW X3 offered a robust suite of driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premium Package added adaptive cruise control and Parking Assistant Plus, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package included hands-free Traffic Jam Assistant and Lane Change Assistant. The X3 earned a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some room for improvement in frontal-impact crash tests.