2025 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, maintaining a fresh and futuristic look that set it apart in the crossover class. Its design featured a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars at both the front and rear, giving even the gas-powered models a modern aesthetic. The Kona's design, while not traditionally handsome, combined curves, bulges, and sharp angles in a way that was visually satisfying. The 2025 model was notably larger than its predecessor, offering increased interior space and a more assertive stance, especially in the sportier N Line trim with its body-coloured bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, providing a solid and airy feel with ample tech features, including a drive selector positioned on a column beneath the wiper stalk for added space.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse impressed with its exterior styling, consistent with Chevrolet's successful SUV designs. The interior design was appealing, featuring digital instrumentation and a Google-based infotainment system. However, the quality of materials used, such as hard, glossy plastics and Evotex artificial leather, detracted from the overall sense of sophistication. The Traverse was available in LT, Z71, and RS trims, with prices ranging from $54,333 to $70,333 in Canada. The Z71 trim, tested here, was the off-road version, equipped with features like Radiant Red paint, a panoramic sunroof, and an Enhanced Driving Package, bringing the MSRP to $68,681. Despite its shortcomings in material quality, the Traverse offered a visually appealing and technologically advanced interior.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and two gas-powered 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 Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but lacked in performance excitement. The Kona N Line, however, came with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This combination provided a more muscular performance, although it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available for an additional $2,000 on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, enhancing the Kona's handling and ride quality.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse was powered by a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. While the engine's exhaust note was not particularly pleasant, it provided ample power, especially when all-wheel drive was engaged. The Traverse Z71 trim was designed for off-road adventures, featuring an off-road suspension, 19.7 cm of ground clearance, and a Twin Clutch AWD system. The Z71's suspension handled rough terrain effectively, and its all-terrain tires provided good grip and noise control. The Traverse offered various driving modes, including Tow/Haul, Normal, and Sport, although it felt large and less sporty on narrow roads. The test vehicle achieved a fuel consumption rate of 10.9 L/100 km, slightly better than the official estimate.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered impressive cargo capacity, with 723 litres available with the rear seats in place and 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom measured 970 mm, with 972 mm of headroom, providing adequate space for most passengers. The front seats were comfortable, with a range of adjustments, and the interior featured excellent storage options. The Kona's trims varied in upholstery, with cloth in the Essential and Preferred, leatherette in the Trend package, and Alcantara sport seats in the N Line. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats available in higher trims. Climate control options ranged from single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse boasted significant interior volume, particularly in width, providing ample space for front seat occupants. The eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats added to the comfort. The Traverse offered eight-passenger seating with a second-row bench or individual captain's chairs. The third-row seats were comfortable but lacked a view due to the rear window design. Storage space was commendable, with 648 litres behind the third row and up to 2,764 litres with all seats folded. However, folding the third row required adjusting the second-row seats, which could be inconvenient. The Traverse's interior lacked some family-friendly features, such as easily accessible USB ports and cupholders for second-row passengers.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured 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 also boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing a cohesive and customizable display. 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, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse came standard with a 17.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Google Built-in, OnStar connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless smartphone charging, were also standard. The large touchscreen provided a user-friendly interface, with Google Assistant offering effective voice recognition. The Traverse included an 11-inch digital instrumentation panel with customizable views. Optional features included a digital rearview mirror and a high-definition surround-view camera system, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist as standard across all trims. The Preferred trim added enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, while 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, reflecting its strong safety credentials.

The 2025 Chevrolet Traverse offered a robust suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. The Enhanced Driving Package added Super Cruise, a hands-free driving assist system, and remote-parking technology. The Traverse received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Top Safety Pick" award from the IIHS, highlighting its commitment to safety.