2024 Genesis GV80 vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Genesis GV80 presented itself as a luxury SUV with a choice between two engines: the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6. In Canada, both engines were available with the Advanced trim, while the Prestige trim was exclusive to the V6. Prices ranged from $76,000 to $92,500, with Genesis offering an all-inclusive, no-haggle pricing model that included five years of scheduled maintenance and at-home concierge service. The GV80 3.5T test vehicle arrived in the top-shelf U.S. trim, Prestige Signature, which was not available in Canada. The Prestige trim offered six exterior colours and a variety of 22-inch wheel designs. Inside, the GV80 featured diamond-stitched Nappa leather, a suede headliner, and metallic-finish accents, along with ambient lighting, a 3D digital instrument cluster, and a wide touchscreen display for infotainment.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a fresh appearance with its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. The Kona's design, with its myriad curves and angles, gave it a futuristic look. The newer model was significantly larger, offering more interior space and a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line featured a sportier design with body-coloured bumpers and cladding. The Essential and Preferred trims added visual appeal with larger alloy wheels and LED lighting. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel with enough tech to impress. The Trend package added a sunroof and powered liftgate to the Preferred trim, while the N Line included these features as standard.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: the 2.5T turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and the 3.5T twin-turbocharged V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV80 provided five driving modes and 20.5 cm of ground clearance, with a towing capacity of up to 2,720 kg. The 3.5T model included upgraded front brakes and an adaptive damping suspension, delivering a rewarding driving experience with swift acceleration and commendable grip from its P265/40R22 all-season tires.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission, and a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, although it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, which also featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. The Kona's ride and handling were competent, with the AWD models offering a more refined experience.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 3.5T Prestige offered a third-row seat, with real or Nappa leather upholstery depending on the trim. Standard features included heated and ventilated front seats, heated outboard rear seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, triple-zone climate control, and a power hands-free liftgate. However, the seats were uncomfortable for long trips, and rear legroom was limited. The GV80 offered 988 litres of cargo space behind the second row, expanding to 2,378 litres with the seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona provided 723 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom was adequate, with 970 mm of space, and the front seats offered a generous range of movement. The Kona's interior featured excellent storage options, with cloth upholstery on the Essential and Preferred trims, leatherette with the Trend package, and Alcantara sport seats on the N Line. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with a heated steering wheel available on the Preferred trim. The N Line with the Ultimate package added ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment display, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument display on the Prestige trim. The infotainment system included a navigation system, SiriusXM satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GV80 also offered a digital key system, a Lexicon premium sound system, and a head-up display in Canada.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. The N Line trim featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while the Essential and Preferred trims had a 4.2-inch display. The N Line with the Ultimate package included an eight-speaker Bose audio system and built-in navigation. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2024 Genesis GV80 came with numerous advanced driving-assistance systems, including a Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist. The GV80 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. The N Line with the Ultimate package added advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and a Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.