2024 Kia Telluride vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Kia Telluride was available in Canada with three core trims—EX, SX, and SX Limited—and two rugged variants, X-Line and X-Pro, all featuring standard all-wheel drive. The X-Line trim added a centimetre of ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and a tow mode, along with unique styling elements like a distinctive grille and blacked-out wheels. The X-Pro trim further enhanced off-road capabilities with 18-inch matte-black wheels, all-terrain tires, and heavy-duty engine cooling, increasing the towing capacity to 2,495 kilograms. Prices ranged from $53,433 for the EX to $66,133 for the X-Pro, including a destination charge. The Telluride's design, especially in the X-Line trim with Wolf Gray paint, was striking, though opinions on its styling updates varied. Inside, the test model featured a black interior with premium Nappa leather seats, though other trims offered more appealing colours like Mahogany brown and Sage Green, complementing the simulated open-pore wood trim.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a fresh and distinctive appearance 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 was significantly larger than its predecessor, offering more interior space and a more assertive stance. The N Line trim added sportier design elements, including body-coloured bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, providing a solid and airy feel with ample tech features. The Kona offered trims named Essential and Preferred, with progressively larger alloy wheels and standard LED lighting. The Trend package or N Line trim added features like a sunroof and powered liftgate, enhancing the vehicle's practicality and appeal.

The 2024 Kia Telluride was powered by a 3.8-litre V6 engine, delivering 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms, with the X-Pro trim increasing this to 2,495 kilograms due to heavy-duty engine cooling. The Telluride featured a locking centre differential and multiple driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Sport, and Smart. Ground clearance was 20.3 centimetres, rising to 21.3 centimetres in the X-Line and X-Pro trims. Despite its power and refined driving experience, the Telluride was not fuel-efficient, averaging 12.4 L/100 km in combined driving. The SUV's ride was firm at lower speeds but soft and compliant at higher velocities, providing a smooth experience on winding roads. Off-road, the Telluride proved more capable than expected, handling various terrains with ease.

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 with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. The Kona N Line boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance, though it felt slightly flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available for an additional $2,000 on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, offering active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models featured a multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling, while the Kona prioritized competence over excitement in its driving dynamics.

The 2024 Kia Telluride offered a comfortable interior, especially in higher trims with premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat accommodated adults, and a dual sunroof added light to the interior. The Telluride featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls, though metallic finish buttons were hard to read in bright sunlight. Thoughtful details included a digital instrumentation panel with changing scenic landscapes and generous storage space. The hands-free power liftgate was standard, offering convenience but requiring manual deactivation in certain situations. The Telluride provided 594 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,302 litres with the seats folded, and a maximum volume of 2,463 litres. Roof rails on the X-Line and X-Pro trims added further utility.

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 was adequate, with 970 millimetres of space, and headroom measured 972 millimetres. The front seats provided a generous range of movement, and the relocated drive selector created additional storage space. The Kona featured excellent in-car storage, with numerous shelves and cubbies. The Essential and Preferred trims had cloth upholstery, while the Trend package added leatherette, and the N Line featured Alcantara sport seats. Heated front seats were standard, with a heated steering wheel available from the Preferred trim. Dual-zone automatic climate control was included with the Trend package or N Line trim, with physical controls for ease of use.

The 2024 Kia Telluride came equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, requiring a cable for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Kia Connect trial subscription was included for three years, with various plans available afterward. Standard features included satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The Telluride offered a blue-light filter for the infotainment display, Quiet Mode, and a function to project the driver’s voice to rear passengers. Additional tech included a digital key function, a camera-based rearview mirror, and a 10-inch head-up display. A 360-degree camera system was also available, providing top-down, surround, and side views.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Preferred trim with the Trend package and the N Line trim included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai’s digital key. The N Line trim offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing customization options and a cohesive look. The N Line with the Ultimate package featured an eight-speaker Bose audio system and built-in navigation. Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2024 Kia Telluride impressed with its standard driver assistance features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear occupant protection. Highway Driving Assist was standard, offering semi-autonomous driving capabilities. Safety feature upgrades included front parking sensors, junction cross-traffic alert, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor. Advanced Highway Driving Assist added automatic lane changing, though it performed best on open highways. The Telluride received a five-star overall crash test rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona continued Hyundai’s tradition of equipping base models with advanced safety technology. Standard features included Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist. The Preferred trim added enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, while the N Line with the Ultimate package included Highway Driving Assist and a Blind Spot View Monitor. All Konas featured six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.