2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

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 not traditionally handsome, but its curves, bulges, and sharp angles came together in a satisfying manner. The newer model was notably larger, about six inches longer, which improved interior space and gave it a more assertive road presence. The sportier N Line S and N Line trims featured body-colored bumpers and cladding, enhancing their visual appeal.

In contrast, the 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, marking the start of its third generation. It adopted a sleek, modern look inspired by VW's electric vehicles, most notably with narrower headlights and a prominent grille design. The top SEL R-Line trim featured illuminated VW badges and light bars for added impact. The Tiguan's side profile showcased a sportier tapering hatch and a fastback-like illusion enhanced by a contrasting roof and tinted windows. The rear design included a single bar taillight and oversized trim elements, reflecting an evolution of previous themes with influences from newer VW models.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine 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 dynamic performance. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims boasted a more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged 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, although it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup, enhancing traction and handling.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. This represented an increase in horsepower but a decrease in torque compared to the previous model. The Tiguan featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive, with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive available on all models and standard on the top SEL R-Line trim. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be similar to its predecessor, reaching 60 mph in approximately 8.5 seconds. The suspension favored comfort, smoothing over road imperfections while maintaining composure in corners. A more powerful Turbo engine was anticipated for 2026, offering increased output for spirited drivers.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a surprising amount of cargo space, with 25.5 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when 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 steering wheel was both reach- and height-adjustable. The interior featured excellent storage options, including a large compartment where the drive selector was relocated to the steering column. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth, Alcantara, and H-Tex leatherette available. Heating and ventilation features were also trim-dependent, with dual-zone automatic climate control on most trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row of seats, resulting in increased second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. The interior saw improvements with the removal of capacitive-touch buttons, replaced by traditional controls on the steering wheel. Visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, with narrow front roof pillars and a sufficiently large rear window. The center console offered more storage, with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity details were not finalized, but the new design appeared smaller than the previous generation. The Tiguan featured remote seatback releases and a power liftgate on most trims.

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 boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization and cohesion. Audiophiles could upgrade to N Line or Limited trims for an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained current.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch display available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless phone charger with a cooling fan. The infotainment system included capacitive-touch sliders, but a new volume knob improved usability. The Tiguan introduced Atmospheres, a feature combining ambient lighting and audio settings to enhance mood. The standard audio system had seven speakers, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system available on top trims. VW's Car-Net system provided remote monitoring and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

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 Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Limited trim included parking assistance features. The Kona was equipped with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were not yet available, but it offered a robust suite of standard safety features. These included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. The Emergency Assist system could slow the vehicle to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. Higher trims added a head-up display, surround-view camera system, and semi-automated parking. The safety features functioned effectively, with no false alarms or over-sensitivity issues.