2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

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, with its myriad curves, bulges, and sharp angles, created a satisfactory visual appeal from most angles. The newer model was notably larger, about six inches longer, enhancing both interior space and road presence. The sportier N Line S and N Line trims offered a more assertive stance with body-colored bumpers and cladding, while other trims like SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited added visual enhancements such as larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, providing a solidly constructed and airy feel, with the addition of 64-color ambient interior lighting as standard on higher trims.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse showcased Chevrolet's knack for exterior styling, with a good-looking design that extended to its interior layouts. However, the quality of materials, particularly the hard, glossy plastic and Evotex artificial leather, detracted from the overall impression. The Traverse offered trims like LT, Z71, High Country, and RS, with base prices ranging from $41,095 to $55,495. The Z71 spec, designed for off-road use, featured extra-cost Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and various driving packages, bringing the MSRP to $55,900. Despite its stylish appearance, the Traverse's material quality did not match its price point, especially in the Z71 test vehicle.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and gas-powered options. The gas-powered models came with two engine choices: 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), and a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 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 2025 Chevrolet Traverse featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. In front-wheel-drive mode, it exhibited torque steer, but engaging all-wheel drive provided controlled and satisfying acceleration. The Z71 trim, designed for off-road use, offered 7.7 inches of ground clearance, unique 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Traverse's driving modes included Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, although it felt large and less sporty on narrow roads. The Z71's suspension and tires provided a smoother ride on rough terrain and poorly maintained roads. The test vehicle achieved an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving, slightly exceeding the official estimate.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a surprising amount of cargo space, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, providing adequate comfort for most passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the interior featured excellent storage options. Upholstery varied by trim, with cloth on lower trims and Alcantara or H-Tex leatherette on higher trims. Heating and ventilation options improved with higher trims, and dual-zone automatic climate control was available on most models.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, particularly in width. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats provided comfort, while the Evotex artificial leather upholstery was less impressive. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench seat, although our test vehicle had captain's chairs. The third-row seats were comfortable but lacked a view due to the rear window design. Cargo space was commendable, with 22.9 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient.

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 had 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.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its standard 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, Alexa compatibility, and OnStar connected services. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The system's user interface was intuitive, and Google Assistant responded accurately to voice commands. The Traverse also offered an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views and a camera-based digital rearview mirror.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added features like Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Kona included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a generous list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Driver Confidence Package added a surround-view camera system and traffic sign recognition. The Enhanced Driving Package included Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.