2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 INFINITI QX80

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 underwent its first redesign since 2017, growing slightly in length and width while maintaining its height. It retained its body-on-frame architecture, but with a new frame that significantly improved torsional and lateral stiffness. The QX80's styling became more expressive, particularly at the front, with a larger grille and a stacked-headlight setup that gave it a distinctive look. The rear end retained its general shape but featured full-width taillights with over 300 LEDs. The QX80 was available in four trim levels, with varying wheel sizes and designs, and offered a high-tech interior makeover with a large horizontal display and ambient lighting.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained its fresh appearance with a flush grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. It grew about six inches longer, enhancing interior space and road presence. The Kona offered various trims, including the sporty N Line S and N Line, which featured body-colored bumpers and cladding. The interior remained solidly constructed and airy, with a focus on tech features. The 2025 model introduced standard 64-color ambient lighting on higher trims and offered a sunroof and powered liftgate on select trims.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 featured a new twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, replacing the previous 5.6-liter V8. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offering standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. The new engine and transmission provided a more energetic driving experience, although the active sound enhancement added an artificial noise during acceleration. The QX80's suspension system included air suspension and adaptive damping, allowing for ride height adjustments and improved ride quality. Despite its size and body-on-frame construction, the QX80's handling was average for its class.

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 with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims had a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup, providing enhanced traction and a more sophisticated suspension setup. The Kona's performance was adequate for its class, with a focus on competence rather than excitement.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80 offered increased cargo space, with 22 cubic feet behind the third row, 59 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 101 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. It featured a power liftgate and power-folding second- and third-row seats, with various seating configurations available. Passenger space was generous, with increased legroom in the first and third rows. The QX80 had a maximum towing capacity of 8,500 pounds, surpassing most full-size luxury SUVs.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded. It featured a dual-level cargo floor and ample in-car storage options. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, with 38.3 inches of headroom, offering comfortable seating for passengers. The front seats had a generous range of movement, and the interior featured various upholstery options depending on the trim level. Heating and ventilation options varied across trims, with dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's cabin featured dual 14.3-inch screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, along with a smaller 9-inch touchscreen for additional controls. It was the first Infiniti model with Google built-in apps, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were supported. The QX80 offered Klipsch sound systems, with a 14-speaker system on lower trims and a 24-speaker version on higher trims. It also featured a 360-degree camera system with multiple viewing angles and additional camera options.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came with 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. The Kona offered an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system on higher trims, with SiriusXM and HD Radio standard across the lineup. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2025 INFINITI QX80's crash-test ratings were unavailable at the time of publication. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and a trailer blind-spot warning system. The QX80 offered Nissan's ProPilot Assist highway-driving assistance system, with adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering. The more advanced ProPilot Assist 2.1 version allowed for hands-free driving and automated lane changes.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Limited trim offered parking assistance features. The Kona included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.