2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV marked a significant evolution for the Blazer nameplate, transitioning from its truck-based off-roader roots to a modern, car-based crossover. This electric version retained some styling cues from its gasoline counterpart but was built on a new EV-specific platform. The Blazer EV's design was characterized by a tall hood, a reimagined front end, and boomerang-shaped taillights, giving it a more aggressive look compared to other electric SUVs. It was notably larger than competitors like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6, with a longer and wider stance. The Blazer EV was available in LT and RS trims, each with distinct styling elements, and a forthcoming SS model promised even more unique features.

Inside, the Blazer EV offered a distinctive interior with large round air vents and a flat-bottom steering wheel, reminiscent of the gasoline Blazer and Camaro. Optional red leather upholstery added a playful touch, contrasting with the more subdued interiors of rivals. While some interior components felt flimsy, the Blazer EV mostly avoided the overuse of piano-black plastic seen in other brands. Despite its traditional SUV appearance, the Blazer EV's interior space was comparable to sleeker models like the Mach-E and EV6, lacking the commanding driving position of a classic SUV. Cargo space was less than the gasoline Blazer but still competitive within its class.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a fresh and distinctive appearance in the crossover segment. Its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave it a futuristic look, even in gas-powered versions. The Kona's design featured a mix of curves, bulges, and sharp angles that came together in a satisfying manner. The newer model was significantly larger, offering more interior space and a more assertive stance, especially in the sportier N Line trim with body-coloured bumpers and cladding.

Inside, the Kona's unchanged interior from 2024 was solid and airy, with a drive selector relocated to a column beneath the wiper stalk, creating a sense of space. The Kona offered a range of trims, from Essential and Preferred with cloth upholstery to the N Line with Alcantara sport seats. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with additional features like a sunroof and powered liftgate available in higher trims. The Kona's interior was well-equipped with tech, including a 12.3-inch central touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and Hyundai's digital key in higher trims. The N Line with the Ultimate package offered a premium audio experience and built-in navigation.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV offered a range of powertrain options in Canada, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD) in the LT and RS trims. The RWD models delivered 340 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack. In contrast, the AWD models had 288 horsepower and 333 pound-feet of torque, with an 85-kWh battery pack. Interestingly, the dual-motor AWD had a lower output than the single-motor RWD, positioning it as the base offering. The Blazer EV also introduced a single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) option for the 2025 model year, anticipated to be the most popular configuration. The performance-oriented Blazer EV SS boasted a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 557 horsepower and 648 pound-feet of torque, featuring a Wide Open Watts (WOW) launch mode for rapid acceleration.

During test drives, the RWD and AWD versions of the Blazer EV RS demonstrated strong acceleration, with the AWD model offering better traction off the line. The Blazer EV's driving dynamics differed from the Cadillac Lyriq, with a focus on handling over comfort. Its stiff suspension provided precise steering on twisty roads but compromised ride comfort. Cabin noise was minimal, with only slight wind noise at highway speeds. The Blazer EV featured a steering-wheel paddle for adjusting regenerative braking, allowing for a customizable driving experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and gas-powered options. The gas-powered Kona came with two engine choices: a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but lacked performance excitement. The Kona N Line featured a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, delivering adequate performance for its class.

All-wheel drive (AWD) was available on the Essential and Preferred trims for an additional cost and standard on the N Line. AWD models featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, enhancing ride and handling. The Kona's driving experience focused on competence rather than excitement, with the turbocharged engine offering adequate performance for everyday driving.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, despite its traditional SUV appearance, offered interior space comparable to sleeker models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and Kia EV6. It lacked the commanding driving position of a classic SUV, but visibility was generally good. The Blazer EV's cargo space measured 722 litres with the second row in place and 1,673 litres with the seats folded, less than the gasoline Blazer but more than the EV6. It featured a "presence activated" liftgate for convenient access. The interior provided ample small-item storage, though some controls were moved to the touchscreen, requiring adjustment.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 723 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,803 litres when folded. This made it surprisingly spacious for its size, even surpassing some larger vehicles. Rear legroom was adequate, with 970 millimetres of space, and the front seats offered a generous range of movement. The Kona's interior featured excellent storage options, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. The Essential and Preferred trims had cloth upholstery, while higher trims offered leatherette and Alcantara sport seats. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats available in higher trims.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV introduced a new Google-based infotainment system, featuring built-in Google apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. However, it eliminated standalone Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering deeper functionality for Android users but limited options for iOS users. The Blazer EV came with a 17.7-inch touchscreen and an 11-inch digital instrument cluster, both with sharp graphics. The infotainment system included built-in route planning and over-the-air software updates. The user experience was generally good, though some controls were touchscreen-based, which could be inconvenient for passengers.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Higher trims offered wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The N Line trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing more customization options. Audiophiles could upgrade to the N Line with the Ultimate package for a premium audio experience. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV came equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The Super Cruise hands-free driver assist system was standard on the SS trim and optional on the RS, offering advanced driving assistance capabilities. However, crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

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 more. Higher trims offered additional features like Highway Driving Assist and a Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety credentials.