2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Kia Sorento

The 2024 Kia Sorento underwent a significant visual update, aligning more closely with its siblings like the Telluride and EV9. This transformation included a robust new front end, enhanced taillights, and a more sophisticated cockpit. The exterior featured a prominent grille, vertically stacked LED headlights, and wing-like daytime running lights, giving the Sorento a larger and more intimidating presence. The rear received subtle updates, with higher trims boasting LED taillights and new bumpers. Inside, the Sorento showcased a revamped dashboard with a horizontal layout, combining the gauge cluster and infotainment displays under a single pane of glass. The interior materials were upgraded, offering a more luxurious feel, with options like faux open-pore wood grain and quality stitching on leather-wrapped elements. The Sorento's cabin exuded a sense of upscale assembly, making it a strong contender in the midsize SUV segment.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its fresh appearance from the previous year, standing out in the crossover class with its futuristic design. The Kona featured a flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a modern look. The Kona's increased size, being 15 centimetres longer, contributed to a more assertive stance and improved interior space. The N Line trim offered a sportier design with body-coloured bumpers and cladding. Inside, the Kona maintained a solid and airy feel, with a drive selector positioned on a column beneath the wiper stalk, enhancing the sense of space. The interior boasted excellent storage options, and the seats provided comfort with various upholstery choices. The Kona's climate control system progressed from basic to dual-zone automatic, offering convenience and comfort across trims.

The 2024 Kia Sorento retained most of its mechanical components, with the base engine being a 2.5-litre four-cylinder producing 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, struggled with the Sorento's weight. Higher trims featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine delivering 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged models offered lively performance, with zero-to-100 times in the mid-seven-second range. All Sorentos in Canada came with all-wheel drive, and the X-Line and X-Pro trims provided increased ground clearance. The Sorento excelled in handling, with well-weighted steering and effective brakes. The X-Pro trim, equipped with all-terrain tires, demonstrated impressive off-road capabilities and a towing capacity of 2,040 kilograms. While the gas-powered Sorentos had average fuel economy, the turbocharged versions achieved 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options for its gas-powered models. 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 boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance, although it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available for the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, offering improved traction and a more sophisticated suspension setup. The Kona prioritized competence in ride and handling, providing a comfortable driving experience.

The 2024 Kia Sorento's cabin offered comfort in the first two rows, while the third row remained tight. With 1,052 millimetres of front legroom and 1,060 mm in the second row, the Sorento provided ample space compared to two-row SUVs. The third row, with 752 mm of legroom, was suitable for occasional use by children. The Sorento's cargo capacity varied, with 357 litres available with the third row in use, expanding to 1,090 to 1,274 litres with it folded down. With all seats down, the Sorento offered up to 2,139 litres of cargo space. The interior featured ergonomic controls and ample storage options, although the new dash lacked convenient areas for stashing items like a purse.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 723 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom measured 970 millimetres, providing comfort for most passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The Kona's interior boasted excellent storage options, with numerous shelves and compartments. Upholstery options varied across trims, with cloth, leatherette, and Alcantara sport seats available. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats available on higher trims. The climate control system progressed from basic to dual-zone automatic, enhancing comfort for occupants.

The 2024 Kia Sorento featured a single-pane, twin-screen setup for its gauge and infotainment displays. All models came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen running the new "Connected Car Navigation Cockpit" software. The system prioritized popular features on the home screen and offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The Sorento's infotainment system received over-the-air updates, ensuring it remained up-to-date. Higher trims boasted a Bose 12-speaker surround sound system, while Digital Key 2.0 allowed for keyless access and sharing. The Sorento's technology package provided a comprehensive and user-friendly experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The N Line trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing customization options and a cohesive look. The Kona's audio system ranged from a six-speaker setup to an eight-speaker Bose premium audio experience on higher trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity enabled over-the-air software updates, ensuring the system remained current. The Kona's technology package offered a seamless and modern experience for drivers and passengers.

The 2024 Kia Sorento boasted an extensive suite of active safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included navigation-based adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist 2. The Sorento's safety systems performed well, although some sensors were affected by adverse weather conditions. The Sorento received "Good" ratings in IIHS tests, with an "Acceptable" rating for its LATCH system. NHTSA had not yet evaluated the 2024 model.

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 advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona's safety systems were easy to use and effective in maintaining lane position and safe distances. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.