2025 Hyundai Santa Fe vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, maintaining a fresh and unique look 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 futuristic vibe. While not traditionally handsome, the Kona's curves, bulges, and sharp angles came together in a satisfactory manner. 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 design with body-colored bumpers and cladding, while other trims like SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, and Limited added visual flair with larger alloy wheels and rear privacy glass. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid, airy feel with ample tech features. Notably, 64-color ambient interior lighting became standard on N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, in its fifth generation since 2024, maintained its chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose. The pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic, and the SUV was available in vibrant colors like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim had specific wheel sizes, ranging from 18 to 21 inches, and the off-road-focused XRT trim featured chrome and black exterior accents. Inside, the Santa Fe offered seating for seven, except for the Calligraphy trim, which had captain's chairs in the second row. The interior boasted a range of materials from cloth to Nappa leather, though some squeaks and rattles were noted during testing. The inclusion of physical HVAC dials was appreciated, though the fan speed buttons were less intuitive.

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 Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but lacked in performance excitement. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims boasted a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided a broader torque band and more muscular performance, though it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available across the lineup for an additional $1,500, offering enhanced traction and a more sophisticated suspension setup.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe came standard with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. It offered both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) options, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD only. The eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handled shifting duties. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-liter engine with an electric motor for a total of 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. The Santa Fe exhibited stability in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, though turbo lag and occasional transmission delays were noted. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and increased ground clearance, enhancing off-road capabilities. However, the Santa Fe was not designed for rugged rock crawling, better suited for graded dirt roads and small obstacles.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a surprising amount of cargo space, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 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 steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The interior featured excellent storage options, including a large compartment where the drive selector was relocated to a stalk on the steering column. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth on SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience, Alcantara sport seats on N Line S and N Line, and H-Tex leatherette on Limited. Heating and ventilation features progressed from basic single-zone air conditioning on SE to dual-zone automatic climate control on higher trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe excelled in interior space, offering the most third-row legroom in its class. The second-row seats had an adjustable cushion angle, and both the second and third rows could be folded for increased cargo capacity. With all seats in use, the Santa Fe provided 14.6 cubic feet of space, expanding to 79.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The rear opening was widened to 50.2 inches, accommodating larger items. The Santa Fe's towing capacity varied by trim, with most able to tow 3,500 pounds, while the XRT trim could handle 4,500 pounds. The base SE trim was basic in features, but higher trims like Calligraphy offered heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium audio system.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. SEL Convenience trim and above included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The SE and SEL trims had a 4.2-inch color multi-information display, while higher trims boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. N Line and Limited trims offered an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system, while lower trims had a six-speaker setup. Built-in navigation was available on SEL Convenience, N Line, and Limited trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe also featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with a digital gauge cluster available on top trims. The system was user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard. Upper trims offered additional features like Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging for two phones. A digital key and fingerprint scanner were available for added security. The Santa Fe offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on higher trims. Bluelink app connectivity was standard, providing remote access to climate control and vehicle monitoring.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard 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. Limited trim included parking assistance technologies. The Kona was equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward-collision avoidance assist. Higher trims added features like rear parking collision avoidance assist and Highway Drive Assist. The top trim included a blind spot avoidance feature and Blind-View Monitor. The Santa Fe received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a Good rating from the IIHS, except for Acceptable scores in the headlight and LATCH categories.