2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe presented a distinct departure from the brand's recent design language, which had been gradually evolving through models like the Palisade and Ioniq series. While it was challenging to determine if the Santa Fe was the culmination of these design steps or a new direction entirely, it certainly stood out with its boxy yet upscale appearance. The design chief, SangYup Lee, emphasized the practicality of a box shape for storage, aiming to make it both elegant and premium. Despite its boxy form, the Santa Fe was more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor, turning heads with its sophisticated exterior colours and anodized-finish badging. The interior offered premium styling, with the XRT and Ultimate Calligraphy trims showcasing a mix of soft and decadent materials, creating a luxurious feel.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its fresh appearance from the previous year, ensuring it remained distinctive 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 futuristic look. The Kona's increased size, being 15 centimetres longer than its predecessor, contributed to a more assertive stance and improved interior space. The N Line trim added a sportier design with body-coloured bumpers and cladding. Inside, the Kona's unchanged interior from 2024 offered a solid and airy feel, with tech features that impressed. The drive selector's relocation to a column beneath the wiper stalk enhanced the sense of space, while various trims offered different upholstery options and climate control features.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe in Canada offered a unique approach by making the hybrid powertrain the entry-level option, with gas-only engines reserved for upper trims. The Preferred models and the limited-run NHL Edition featured a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid engine, delivering an estimated 231 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Other models came with a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 277 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was standard across all models. The Santa Fe offered Normal, Sport, and Snow driving modes, with the XRT trim adding off-road capabilities. Fuel economy for the hybrid was rated at 6.8 L/100 km city, 6.9 highway, and 6.9 combined, while the gas powertrain consumed 12.1 L/100 km city, 8.8 highway, and 10.6 combined. The XRT trim had slightly higher fuel consumption due to its increased ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The Santa Fe's towing capacity maxed out at 1,587 kilograms, with the XRT gaining an extra 453 kilograms. On the road, the Santa Fe offered smooth and stable driving dynamics, with notable body roll through turns.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission. The Kona N Line, on the other hand, boasted a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available for an additional cost on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line. The AWD models featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension setup. The Kona's performance was adequate by class standards, with the turbo engine providing a muscular feel, although it could feel flat at low revs. The Kona's ride and handling focused on competence rather than excitement.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe featured a longer wheelbase and body compared to its predecessor, with most of the extra space dedicated to the cargo area. Inspired by the concept of "chabak," the Santa Fe's design aimed to create a comfortable space for car camping and tailgating. The cargo area offered 413 litres of space, expanding to 1,148 and 2,267 litres with the third and second rows folded, respectively. The interior provided spacious first and second rows, with various upholstery options depending on the trim. Heated front seats were standard, with ventilation available on higher trims. The Santa Fe also included a UV sanitization compartment in the glovebox for sterilizing small objects.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered 723 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. The trunk featured a dual-level cargo floor, providing ample storage space. Rear legroom measured 970 millimetres, with 972 mm of headroom, ensuring comfort for most passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the drive selector's relocation created a sense of space. The Kona's interior featured various upholstery options, with heated front seats standard in Canada. Climate control options varied by trim, with dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims.

The 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe's cabin was highlighted by a curved panoramic display, offering a luxurious feel. The touchscreen display was intuitive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the lineup. The system included a 12-speaker Bose stereo, dynamic voice recognition, and multiple USB ports. Higher trims offered wireless charging and Hyundai's BlueLink system for vehicle access and information.

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. The N Line trim offered a full 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing customization options. 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 Hyundai Santa Fe came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot monitors, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims added features like a 360-degree camera system and remote automatic parking. The Santa Fe was the first Hyundai vehicle with driver monitoring, enhancing safety by tracking driver alertness.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot collision warning. 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.