2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Volvo XC90, available in Canada in B6 and Recharge T8 model series, presented a sophisticated blend of luxury and practicality. The XC90 B6 featured a turbocharged and supercharged mild-hybrid four-cylinder engine, while the Recharge T8 was a plug-in hybrid offering superior performance and efficiency with an estimated 53 kilometres of electric-only range. Both models came standard with all-wheel drive (AWD) and were offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $71,550 to $94,500, excluding destination charges and fees. The Recharge T8 in Ultimate trim, equipped with a Lounge Package, active air suspension, and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, had a Canadian MSRP of $107,709. The XC90's exterior was characterized by a subdued and earthy colour palette, with various appealing wheel designs up to 21 inches in diameter. Inside, the design was somewhat dated but featured rich materials, including wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and natural wood trim.

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 even the gas-powered models a futuristic look. The Kona was significantly larger than its predecessor, offering improved interior space and a more assertive stance, especially in the sportier N Line trim. The Essential and Preferred trims progressively added visual enhancements, such as larger alloy wheels and LED lighting. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, providing a solid and airy feel with ample tech features. The Trend package added a sunroof and powered liftgate to the Preferred trim, while the N Line offered these features as standard.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The battery and electric motor allowed for 53 kilometres of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel economy of 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres when driven as a hybrid. The XC90 Recharge T8 could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds in Power mode. Recharging was straightforward, taking about 12 hours with a standard outlet or less than half that time with a 240-volt outlet. The XC90 offered various driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, Constant AWD, and Off-Road, with additional battery modes like Hold and Auto. However, the XC90's electric performance waned as the battery approached its minimum state of charge, and the gas engine would assist when necessary. The SUV's handling was not particularly thrilling, with a firm ride on irregular pavement and more roll, pitch, and dive than ideal for spirited driving.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between 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 (IVT), and a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, although it could feel flat at low revs. AWD was available on the Essential and Preferred trims for an additional $2,000 and standard on the N Line, which also featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. The Kona's ride and handling were competent, prioritizing comfort and stability over outright performance.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8, even in Core trim, was well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, optional leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 seated seven people, with a comfortable bench seat in the second row and tight access to the third row. Cargo capacity was 1,854 litres with the third row folded and 2,426 litres with the second row down.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered 723 litres of cargo capacity with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom was adequate, with 970 millimetres of space, and the front seats provided a generous range of movement. The drive selector's relocation to a stalk on the steering column created additional storage space. The Essential and Preferred trims featured cloth upholstery, while the Trend package added leatherette, and the N Line had Alcantara sport seats. Heated front seats were standard, with a heated steering wheel available on the Preferred trim. Dual-zone automatic climate control was available with the Preferred's Trend package or the N Line trim.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, including Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The 12-inch digital instrumentation panel and head-up display were available, along with a surround-view camera.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display, offering 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 featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and the Ultimate package added an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system and built-in navigation. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was known for its safety, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. However, its advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) were not as innovative as some rivals. The XC90 included Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist, but it struggled with certain driving conditions and made a significant error during testing.

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 Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and the N Line with the Ultimate package included advanced features like Highway Driving Assist. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.