2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle (EV) focus, evident in its sleek, modern appearance. Its grille closely resembled that of the Ioniq 5, featuring a single-piece design that signaled its electric powertrain. The Kona adopted the "seamless horizon" styling seen in the new Sonata, with a prominent skinny LED headlight at the front. Despite being nearly 6 inches longer than its predecessor, the Kona maintained its recognizable silhouette. The visual updates were more apparent up close, with new creased "parametric surface" doors and more substantial black body cladding on the SE, SEL, and Limited trims. The N-Line trim, however, featured body-colored wheel arches. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights were part of the new lineup, with a single taillight spanning the rear width. Wheel sizes varied from 17-inch on the base model to 19-inch on the N-Line and Limited trims. Inside, the Kona's cabin was noticeably updated, with a driver-oriented center stack and a relocated gear shift to the steering column, creating more storage space. The most striking update was the curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens, alongside revised vents, climate controls, and dash.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, available in five trims, debuted its fifth generation in 2024, maintaining its chunky, boxy design with a long wheelbase, flat hood, and snub nose. The pixelated H-shaped LED headlamps aligned with Hyundai's design aesthetic, offering vibrant colors like Terracotta Orange and Atlantis Blue. However, the rear design suffered from mismatched proportions, with pixelated H-shaped LED taillights positioned lower than ideal. Each trim had specific wheels, ranging from 18-inch on lower trims to 21-inch on the Calligraphy. The off-road-focused XRT trim added chrome and black exterior accents and black roof rails. Inside, the Santa Fe accommodated seven passengers, except for the Calligraphy trim, which featured second-row captain's chairs. Seating options varied from basic cloth to luxurious Nappa leather. While the fit and finish were generally good, some squeaks and rattles were noted. The inclusion of physical HVAC temperature dials was appreciated, though the fan speed buttons were less user-friendly.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, featuring a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE and SEL trims, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The N-Line and Limited trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, now coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters were standard on the N-Line and Limited trims, with the SEL Convenience Package offering them for the CVT. During the Kona launch, the Limited trim was driven from Baltimore to the Maryland countryside, and the N-Line was tested on city streets. The turbo engine's pickup was slightly sluggish, but the steering and handling were intuitive and nimble. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an additional $1,500, reducing EPA fuel economy estimates slightly.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a standard 2.5-liter turbocharged engine with 277 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. FWD or AWD was available across the lineup, except for the XRT trim, which was AWD-only. An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission handled shifting duties. The Santa Fe Hybrid, a separate model, combined a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, with FWD standard and AWD optional. The Santa Fe felt stable in corners, with firm brakes and responsive steering, though turbo lag was noticeable during acceleration. The gear selector, located on a stalk on the steering column, required some adjustment. The XRT trim featured 30-inch all-terrain tires and 8.3 inches of ground clearance, enhancing off-road capabilities. While the off-road geometry was improved, the Santa Fe wasn't suited for rugged terrain, performing best on graded dirt roads.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length significantly improved rear-seat and cargo space. Rear-seat legroom expanded to 38.2 inches, three inches longer than the 2023 Kona and six inches more than the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. The narrower, molded front seats created a more comfortable second-row space. Headroom increased to 38.3 inches front and rear with the sunroof. Cargo capacity grew from 19.2 to 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded down, nearly 20 cubic feet more than the first-gen Kona. The Kona Limited featured a power hands-free liftgate for easy access. Inside, a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash provided storage, and a "guardrail" kept phones secure on the wireless charging pad. The center console's storage was limited, suitable only for small items. The Kona offered cloth seats on SE and SEL trims, a leather/suede combination for N-Line, and H-Tex leatherette for Limited. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on the Limited trim, with heated front seats available from the N-Line trim or as an option for SEL.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe's base SE trim was basic but included a hands-free liftgate, dual-zone climate control with second-row vents, and a dual-way center console accessible from both rows. The XRT trim added heated front seats, a sunroof, and a 115-volt outlet for off-road accessories. The Calligraphy trim offered heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a premium audio system. All Santa Fe models featured a two-level glove box, with upper trims offering a UV-C sanitizer. The Santa Fe excelled in space, boasting the most third-row legroom in its class and adjustable second-row seat cushions. Cargo space was generous, with 40.5 cubic feet available with the second row folded and 79.6 cubic feet with both rows down. With all seats occupied, 14.6 cubic feet remained. The liftgate width increased to 50.2 inches, accommodating larger items. Most trims could tow 3,500 pounds, with the XRT capable of 4,500 pounds.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona introduced several technological enhancements. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen became standard across the lineup, replacing the previous 8-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on lower trims, with an OTA update promised for higher trims. N-Line and Limited trims, along with the SEL Convenience Package, offered wired connections, wireless device charging, and a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The upgraded stereo system was now provided by Bose. The Kona featured two USB-C ports in the front and two at the rear of the center console. SE and SEL trims retained a 4.2-inch driver-information display, while dual 12.3-inch screens were optional with the Convenience Package and standard on N-Line and Limited trims. OTA update capability and Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were standard on all 2024 Konas.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment, with a digital gauge cluster available on top trims. The system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and quick response times. Navigation wasn't standard on all trims, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included. Upper trims offered Amazon Music, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and Hyundai Pay. Charging options included multiple 27-watt USB-C ports and available wireless charging for two phones. A digital key feature allowed unlocking and starting the car via phone or Apple Watch, with sharing options for trusted individuals. A fingerprint scanner provided extra security. The Santa Fe offered a digital rearview mirror and a head-up display on higher trims. Bluelink app connectivity was standard, allowing climate control presets, location and speed alerts, and surround view monitor snapshots. OTA updates ensured the latest software.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with standard Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was now standard, and adaptive cruise control was included on N-Line and Limited trims. The Limited trim also featured Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist suite impressed with its smooth lane-keep assist, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience. The system effectively navigated highway curves, though it was slightly resistant to cancellation on backroads.

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe provided a range of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and more. Higher trims offered additional features like rear parking collision avoidance assist and Highway Drive Assist. The Highway Drive Assist feature combined adaptive cruise control and lane following assist, though it occasionally exhibited inconsistent behavior in traffic. The top trim included a blind spot avoidance feature, and the top two trims offered a Blind-View Monitor. All trims featured a driver attention warning, with expanded driver monitor systems on SEL and above. The NHTSA awarded the Santa Fe a four-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS rated it as Good in most categories, with Acceptable ratings for headlights and LATCH.