2024 Toyota Sequoia vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, and this was evident in its design cues, such as hexagonal grilles, wheel arches, and strong fender creases. The exterior colour significantly influenced its appearance, with the Capstone model featuring more chrome brightwork. Our tester, in Celestial Silver, appeared somewhat dated, reminiscent of a "cop car." Inside, the Sequoia closely resembled the Tundra and other Toyota vehicles, with a blocky, geometric dash layout and physical controls for volume and climate. The Capstone trim boasted semi-aniline leather upholstery, while other trims offered SofTex leatherette or standard leather. All models featured power-adjustable front seats and a moonroof, enhancing the interior's customization and comfort.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a fresh and distinctive appearance in the crossover class. Its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave it a futuristic look. The Kona's design, with its curves and angles, was satisfactory from most perspectives. The newer model was notably larger, offering more interior space and a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line featured a sportier design with body-coloured bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged, providing a solid and airy feel, with tech features that impressed. The Trend package and N Line offered additional features like a sunroof and powered liftgate.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia was exclusively available in a hybrid format, utilizing Toyota's iForce MAX hybrid powertrain. This combined a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor, producing 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, surpassing its V8 predecessor. Fuel economy improved significantly, rated at 11.7 L/100 km combined with 4WD. The Sequoia featured standard 4WD in Canada, with a part-time system and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The TRD Pro models included a skid plate, while the SR5 TRD Off-Road offered adventure-readiness with unique tires, off-road suspension, and driver-assist features. The maximum towing capacity was 4,137 kilograms, with towing-related upgrades available.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and gas-powered models. 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 Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission. The Kona N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD was available for an additional cost on Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line. AWD models featured a multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone featured automatic power-deploying running boards, aiding entry for shorter individuals. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum of 2,460 litres with seats folded. The second-row seats were easy to move for third-row access, but the third-row seats did not create a flat load floor due to the hybrid powertrain's battery pack. Headroom and legroom measurements varied across rows, with the Sequoia offering competitive space compared to rivals. Second-row captain's chairs were available on higher trims, providing comfort but lacking bolstering.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered 723 litres of cargo capacity with rear seats in place, expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom was adequate at 970 millimetres, with 972 mm of headroom. The front seats provided a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable. The drive selector's relocation created additional storage space. Interior storage was excellent, with numerous compartments. Upholstery options varied by trim, with heated front seats standard in Canada. Climate control options ranged from basic to dual-zone automatic, with physical controls for ease of use.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Capstone trim was equipped with a 14-inch centre touchscreen, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system prioritized functionality over flashiness. A 12.3-inch driver information display was standard across trims, with a Panoramic View monitor available on higher trims. The Capstone also featured a 10-inch colour head-up display and a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Preferred trim with the Trend package and the N Line offered wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The N Line trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Audiophiles could upgrade to the N Line with the Ultimate package for an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite as standard, featuring a pre-collision system, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and road-sign recognition. Front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking and blind-spot monitoring were also standard. An optional trailer backup guide was available on higher trims. The Sequoia had not been rated by safety organizations, but the similar Tundra earned a Top Safety Pick+ designation.

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