2025 Audi Q5 vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Audi Q5 presented a robust SUV aesthetic with its third-generation design. It featured a large, textured grille, prominent side air intakes, and high-mounted headlights, creating an imposing front end. The body sides were adorned with well-defined lines, adding a muscular touch. Despite the new styling elements, the changes appeared more evolutionary than revolutionary, resembling a facelift rather than a complete redesign. In Canada, the Q5 was available in base, Progressiv, and Technik trims, with the latter two offering matrix-design LED headlights and animated taillights. The Q5 came in both standard crossover SUV and coupe-like Sportback body styles, with the latter offering a sleeker profile at the expense of cargo space and rear-seat headroom. The SQ5 performance grade added power and sport suspension, along with distinctive matte chrome trim, larger air intakes, and quad exhaust tips. Inside, the Q5's design was detailed, with top-notch materials, although the dashboard and door panels had a somewhat discordant layout. Leather seating was standard, with the SQ5 offering a sportier interior option.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its fresh appearance from the 2024 model, with a futuristic look characterized by a flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. The Kona's design, while not classically handsome, was satisfactory with its myriad curves and angles. The newer model was significantly larger, offering more interior space and a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line featured a sportier design with body-coloured bumpers and cladding. Trim levels included Essential and Preferred, with progressively 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 2025 Audi Q5 was equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The base model featured a 2.0-litre turbo-four engine producing 268 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the SQ5 boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 with 362 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Q5's standard output was competitive, offering slightly less horsepower than an Acura RDX but more torque. The SQ5 nearly matched the Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 in output, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.8 seconds. However, both models experienced turbo lag and rough shifts, detracting from the sporty feel. The Q5 featured steel-spring suspension with passive frequency selective damping, while the SQ5 had air suspension with adaptive damping. The handling was competent but not sporty, with precise but lifeless steering. Off-Road and Off-Road Plus modes were available, but the Q5 was more suited to dirt roads than technical trails.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a gas-powered option with two engine choices. 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 had a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, but performance was adequate rather than exhilarating. All-wheel drive was available for an additional cost on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line. AWD models had a multi-link rear suspension for a more sophisticated ride. The Kona's ride and handling were competent, focusing on comfort rather than sporty driving.

The 2025 Audi Q5 retained similar exterior dimensions and interior space to the 2024 model, offering adequate headroom and legroom. The sliding and reclining second-row bench seat was standard, with cargo-area buttons for easy adjustment. The Q5 provided 757 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,710 litres behind the first row, surpassing some rivals but falling short of others. A power tailgate, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel were standard in Canada, with additional features available on higher trims. The Q5 also offered a towing capacity of up to 2,000 kilograms, exceeding some competitors.

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 headroom measured 972 mm. The front seats provided a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The Kona's interior featured excellent storage options, with numerous compartments for personal items. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth on the Essential and Preferred, leatherette with the Trend package, and Alcantara sport seats on the N Line. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with additional features available on higher trims.

The 2025 Audi Q5 featured an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch central touchscreen as standard, with a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen available on the Technik trim. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a cooled wireless charging pad. The Progressiv trim added USB-C ports and a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. The MMI infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS, was user-friendly, with a built-in voice assistant for some functions. An available head-up display provided additional information, and the Dynamic Interaction Light offered visual cues.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, featuring 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 also had a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offering more customization options. 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.

The 2025 Audi Q5 included standard driver assist features such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, parking sensors, and blind spot monitoring. An exit alert feature used interior ambient lighting to warn occupants of oncoming vehicles or cyclists. The Q5 had not yet received safety ratings from the NHTSA, and its IIHS ratings were not favourable, with too many Marginal or Acceptable ratings for 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 Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist. 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 received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.