2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, ensuring it stood out 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 futuristic look. While not traditionally handsome, the Kona's curves, bulges, and sharp angles came together in a way that was visually satisfying. The newer model was noticeably larger, being about 15 centimetres longer, which enhanced its interior space and gave it a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line, with its sportier design, body-coloured bumpers, and cladding, further emphasized this assertiveness. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel, with tech features that impressed. Those seeking additional features like a sunroof or powered liftgate had options through the Trend package or by choosing the N Line.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, with its black-on-black-on-black colour scheme, was not the ideal choice for a tropical climate, but its design remained fundamentally appealing. Rooted in a World War II military vehicle, the Wrangler's design and capability to traverse almost any terrain made it popular despite its lack of sophistication compared to modern cars. The Wrangler was available in various trims, including Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and Rubicon X, with the Rubicon 392 discontinued in Canada after 2024. The Wrangler's interior, while not luxurious, was functional, with a focus on durability and utility. Despite its uninspired wheel design and all-season tires, the Wrangler's appeal lay in its ruggedness and off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and gas-powered models. The gas-powered versions came with two engine options: 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 (IVT), and a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, available in the Kona N Line. The latter was paired with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission, providing a more engaging driving experience. 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 versatility. The AWD models also featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension setup, improving ride and handling.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler offered a standard 3.6-litre V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission, or an optional turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged engine was more fuel-efficient, with a Natural Resources Canada rating of 11.0 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Wrangler's standard four-wheel drive, high ground clearance, and generous approach and departure angles made it capable of tackling various terrains. However, its ride was rough, and the steering felt disconnected, especially at higher speeds. The Wrangler's three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA was a concern, but its off-road capabilities remained impressive.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered ample cargo space, with 723 litres available with the rear seats in place and 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom was adequate, with 970 millimetres of space, and the front seats provided a comfortable range of movement. The Kona's interior featured excellent storage options, with various shelves, trays, and cubbies. The Essential and Preferred trims came with 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 a heated steering wheel and ventilated front seats available on higher trims.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's high ground clearance and narrow door openings made entry and exit challenging. The front seats were comfortable, with cloth upholstery and optional heated seats and steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of the plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. The Wrangler's cargo space was reasonable, with 897 litres available in the four-door model, expanding to 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded. However, accessing the cargo area was cumbersome due to the tailgate and rear window design.

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 more cohesive and customizable experience. Audiophiles could upgrade to the N Line with the Ultimate package for an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport S trim came with an eight-speaker stereo, while a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system was optional. Jeep Connect offered navigation and off-road capabilities, including adventure guides and GPS trail logs. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display between the analog gauges, passive entry, and a remote engine starting system. Rear parking sensors were available in the Safety Group option pack.

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 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler introduced side curtain airbags as standard for the front and rear seats. Advanced driver assistance systems were optional, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert available on most trims. Forward collision warning with automatic braking was standard on the Sahara trim. The Wrangler's safety features included adaptive cruise control and automatic high-beam headlights. The NHTSA gave the Wrangler a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS rated the Wrangler Good for side-impact protection but Marginal for small overlap frontal-impact tests.