2024 Toyota RAV4 vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was designed to project a rugged and aggressive appearance, with its frowning front and angular grey body cladding. Despite its tough exterior, the performance did not quite match the visual promise, as the dual exhaust outlets suggested more power than was actually present. The upper trims featured faux skid plates and off-road-themed versions with utility-style roof racks, enhancing its adventurous look. The TRD Off-Road trim, tested in the U.S., was discontinued in Canada, where the Limited trim became the top offering. The RAV4's interior was practical, with utility-focused features like a full-width dashboard shelf and easy-clean surfaces, offering a more upscale feel with contrast-colour interior choices on select trims.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its fresh and distinctive appearance, with a largely unchanged design from the previous year. Its single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave it a futuristic look, even in gas-powered models. The Kona's increased size, being 15 centimetres longer than its predecessor, provided more interior space and a more assertive stance. The N Line trim offered a sportier design with body-coloured bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel, with tech features that impressed. The Kona's trims, Essential and Preferred, added visual enhancements with larger alloy wheels and standard LED lighting.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 203 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 184 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. This powertrain required high revs to access maximum power, and while it was powerful for its class, it was also loud and unrefined. The RAV4 featured standard all-wheel drive in Canada, with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Multi-Terrain Select driving modes. Fuel economy was rated at 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the LE model slightly more efficient at 7.9 L/100 km. The RAV4 Hybrid offered better fuel efficiency, rated at 6.4 L/100 km.

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, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance. All-wheel drive was available for an additional cost on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, which also featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4's interior was designed for practicality, with numerous storage options and oversized rubberized controls. The test vehicle featured SofTex artificial leather upholstery, with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with ventilated front seats and heated rear seats available on the Limited trim. The RAV4 offered excellent outward visibility and a comfortable driver's seat. It could accommodate four adults comfortably, with a rear seat that provided good legroom and footroom. The cargo area offered 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 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. The interior offered ample storage options, with a large storage compartment created by relocating the drive selector. The front seats featured a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The Kona's trims offered different upholstery options, with heated front seats standard in Canada. The N Line with the Ultimate package included ventilated front seats. Climate control varied by trim, with dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims.

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 featured the Toyota Audio Multimedia system, with an 8-inch or optional 10.5-inch touchscreen display. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and various connected services plans. Service Connect and Safety Connect were free for ten years, while Remote Connect was complimentary for three years. Drive Connect required a subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital voice assistant. The infotainment system was sophisticated but had some usability issues, such as the lack of a multi-panel Home screen and difficulty exiting Apple CarPlay. The test vehicle had a digital rear-view mirror but lacked the panoramic surround-view camera.

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 Preferred trim with the Trend package and the N Line trim included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing more customization options. The N Line with the Ultimate package offered an eight-speaker Bose premium 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 Toyota RAV4 came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist. However, the system's performance was inconsistent, with excessive braking and inaccurate lane-departure warnings. The RAV4 lost its Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS due to a Marginal rating in the small overlap frontal-impact crash test and an Acceptable rating in the side-impact test.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. The Preferred trim added enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, while the N Line with the Ultimate package included advanced features like Highway Driving Assist. All Konas came with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.