2025 Nissan Armada 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 single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars contributed to its modern aesthetic, even in the gas-powered models. The Kona's design, with its curves, bulges, and sharp angles, created a visually satisfying vehicle, despite not being classically handsome. The 2025 model was notably larger, offering more interior space and a more assertive road presence, especially in the sportier N Line S and N Line trims. These trims featured body-colored bumpers and cladding, enhancing their sporty appeal. The Kona's interior remained unchanged from 2024, providing a solid, airy feel with ample tech features. The addition of standard 64-color ambient lighting on select trims added a touch of sophistication.

The 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a bold design with a high beltline reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. Its imposing grille and taller front fascia, aided by higher ground clearance, made a strong impression. The Armada's side profile appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X trim emphasized its rugged character with black plastic cladding and unique design elements. The Armada's rear featured C-shaped LED taillights and a fashionable lightbar on higher trims. Wheel sizes varied across trims, with the PRO-4X offering all-terrain tires. Inside, the Armada provided a premium feel, even in the PRO-4X trim, with leather seats and a padded center console. Higher trims offered luxurious touches like quilting and unique color combinations, enhancing the overall cabin experience.

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. 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 might not appeal to those seeking spirited performance. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims boasted 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. This turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance, although it could feel slightly flat at low revs. All-wheel drive (AWD) was available across the lineup, offering additional traction and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, inspired by the high-performance GT-R. This engine delivered 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, an increase over its predecessor. The Armada's transmission was upgraded to a nine-speed automatic, and most trims offered a choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and Nissan's Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive (4WD). The PRO-4X trim was exclusively 4WD, equipped with off-road features like an electronic locking rear differential and skid plates. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, available on higher trims, provided adjustable ride height and improved off-road capabilities. The Armada's towing capacity reached 8,500 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and other towing aids. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered a balanced feel, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort. Off-road, the PRO-4X trim excelled in challenging conditions, thanks to its advanced suspension and drive modes.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered practical interior space, with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. This made it surprisingly spacious for its class. 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 Kona's interior featured clever storage solutions, including a large compartment where the drive selector was relocated. 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 select trims, enhancing comfort. The climate control system ranged from basic single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up center console space for a wireless charging pad on most trims. The Armada's "Zero Gravity" seats provided comfort, although they felt deep for some. The front seats offered power adjustment, with higher trims adding more customization options. Heated front seats were standard on the SL trim, with cooling and second-row heating available on higher trims. The Armada's three-row seating configuration included a standard second-row bench, with captain's chairs available on Platinum trims. Cargo volume increased across the board, with 20.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 56.3 cubic feet behind the second row, and 97.1 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Armada's headroom and legroom varied depending on the presence of a sunroof, with improvements in some areas and reductions in others.

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 Hyundai's digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing a cohesive and customizable display. Audiophiles could opt for the N Line or Limited trim for an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system. All Konas came with SiriusXM and HD Radio, while built-in navigation was available on select trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, with 12.3-inch displays on lower trims and 14.3-inch screens on higher trims. The infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with six USB-C ports. The SL trim added a wireless charging pad and Google Built-In, allowing Google Maps to be displayed on the driver-information screen. A head-up display was optional on higher trims. The base Armada SV featured a six-speaker sound system, while a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System became standard on the SL trim and above. The collaboration with Klipsch aimed to deliver an enhanced audio experience for discerning listeners.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety features, even on base models. Standard equipment included Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following 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. All Konas came with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite of advanced driver-assistance technologies. The basic version included adaptive cruise control and lane-centering steering assistance. Higher trims offered ProPILOT Assist 1.1, which adjusted speed based on navigation data. The most advanced version, ProPILOT Assist 2.1, provided hands-free highway-driving assist technology. The Armada also came with Nissan Safety Shield 360, offering features like traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and more. Higher trims included a surround-view camera and Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor, enhancing visibility and safety.