2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Hyundai Palisade

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, maintaining a fresh and futuristic look with its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. Despite not being classically handsome, the Kona's design elements came together in a satisfactory manner. The newer model was notably larger, offering more interior space and a more assertive road presence. The introduction of the N Line S trim added a sportier design with body-colored bumpers and cladding, while other trims like SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited progressively added visual enhancements such as larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, featuring solid construction and ample tech, with the addition of standard 64-color ambient lighting on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Palisade stood out with its bold and unmistakable design, especially after the 2023 refresh that gave it a more angular and technical look. The Palisade's upscale appearance made it seem like a bargain at its price point. Inside, even the base SE trim offered a clean and modern look, while higher trims boasted luxury features like premium leather and metal speaker grilles. The Palisade was equipped with thoughtful details such as USB ports in the front seatbacks, smartphone storage pockets, and drink holders accessible to children. The seven trim levels ranged from SE to Calligraphy Night Edition, with prices starting at $37,200. The Calligraphy trim, in particular, offered a premium experience with features like AWD and a robust paint finish.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and two gas-powered 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 an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). For those seeking more power, 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, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup for an additional $1,500, enhancing the Kona's versatility with a dedicated Snow mode and a more sophisticated suspension setup.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade, on the other hand, was powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Palisade's powertrain was smooth and refined, offering a satisfying driving experience. It had a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and an EPA-rated fuel economy of 22 mpg combined. The Palisade's ride was firm at lower speeds but softened at higher speeds, and it handled speed bumps impressively. The Smart driving mode adjusted calibration automatically, and the powertrain delivered ample power with smooth shifts. Despite not being the most fuel-efficient, the Palisade's V6 engine was a delight to drive.

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 was adequate at 38.2 inches, and the front seats provided a comfortable range of movement. The interior featured excellent storage options, with numerous shelves and compartments. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth on lower trims and Alcantara or H-Tex leatherette on higher trims. Heating and ventilation features were available on higher trims, and the climate control system was user-friendly with physical controls.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade provided generous interior space with three rows of seats. Our test vehicle featured a seven-passenger configuration with second-row captain's chairs, while eight-passenger seating was available on lower trims. The Calligraphy trim offered premium Nappa leather, power-adjustable front seats, and a massaging driver's seat. The second-row seats were heated and ventilated, and the third-row seat was also heated. Storage solutions were thoughtful, with adjustable cupholders and dedicated smartphone trays. The Smart Liftgate was a convenient feature, and cargo space was ample, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 86.4 cubic feet with all seats folded.

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, enhancing the interior's modern feel. 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 allowed for over-the-air updates, ensuring the system remained up-to-date.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade's technology, while slightly dated compared to newer models, was fully functional and feature-rich. It included a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Smartphone connectivity required a cable, but the system offered Bluetooth support, wireless charging, and SiriusXM radio. The Calligraphy trim included navigation, voice recognition, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Harman Kardon audio system provided excellent sound quality, and features like Rear Seat Quiet Mode and a digital rearview mirror added convenience. The head-up display and surround-view camera system enhanced safety and ease of use.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety features, even on base models. Standard equipment included 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 Limited trim offered parking assistance technologies. The Kona's safety credentials were further bolstered by its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a robust suite of safety features under the Hyundai SmartSense umbrella. Standard features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added advanced features like Blind Spot View Monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist. The Palisade's lane-keeping assist system was less effective in typical driving, but the Highway Driving Assist system performed well. The Palisade earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS through 2024, but a Poor rating in a new crash test prevented it from receiving the accolade in 2025. The NHTSA awarded it five-star frontal impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.