2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which featured a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package added sportier bumpers and a leather steering wheel, with further upgrades available through the M Sport Pro package. The interior continued the BMW aesthetic evolution, offering a sense of quality with a plainer appearance compared to competitors like Mercedes-Benz or Genesis.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its fresh appearance from the previous year, standing out in the crossover class with its futuristic design. The single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave even the gas-powered models a modern look. The Kona's increased size, being 15 centimetres longer, 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 ample tech features. The Trend package and N Line trim added options like a sunroof and powered liftgate.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the xDrive40i, featuring a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. The M60i xDrive variant boasted a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reducing the 0 to 100 km/h time to 4.3 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The plug-in hybrid xDrive50e combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor, delivering a total output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with an all-electric range of up to 63 kilometres. The X5 M Competition model offered a 617-hp twin-turbo V8, achieving 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while available with a fully electric drivetrain, offered gas-powered options with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission. The Kona N Line featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, providing active on-demand drive to the rear axle. The AWD models featured a multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row five-seater, offering generous passenger space but not class-leading. It had slightly less first-row legroom compared to competitors like the Acura MDX and Audi Q7, but offered more headroom. The X5 provided 960 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,047 litres with the second row folded. The split tailgate design was a unique feature, offering convenience for loading and unloading. The X5's towing capacity was 3,265 kilograms, competitive within its class.

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 interior featured excellent storage options, with various shelves and compartments. 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 in Canada, with additional features like dual-zone climate control available on higher trims.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The iDrive infotainment system offered multiple control options, including a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were notable features, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, 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, providing more customization options. The N Line with the Ultimate package offered an eight-speaker Bose audio system and built-in navigation, while all trims included Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity for over-the-air updates.

The 2025 BMW X5 came standard with driver aids like lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The Advanced Driver Assistance Package offered Highway Assistant for hands-free driving. The Parking Assistant setup included Reversing Assistant, with additional features available in certain packages. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

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, 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 also received a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.