2025 Nissan Armada 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, was a satisfactory blend of curves, bulges, and sharp angles. The 2025 model was notably larger than its predecessor, offering more 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.

The 2025 Nissan Armada showcased a strikingly high beltline, reminiscent of its luxury counterpart, the Infiniti QX80. Its imposing grille and taller front fascia, aided by higher ground clearance, made a strong impression. The PRO-4X trim stood out with its skid plate and unique front lighting signature featuring C-shaped LED lines. The Armada's side profile appeared larger and more business-like, with a parallel beltline and distinctive D-pillar accents. The PRO-4X trim added rugged character with black plastic cladding and all-terrain tires. The rear featured standard LED taillights and a fashionable red lightbar on higher trims. Inside, the Armada offered a premium feel with leather seats and a luxurious cabin, especially in the Platinum Reserve trim.

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 producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The Kona N Line, however, boasted a more powerful 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, enhancing traction and handling. The Kona's ride and handling were competent, with AWD models benefiting from a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension.

The 2025 Nissan Armada introduced a new powertrain with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard Intelligent Four-Wheel Drive in Canada. The PRO-4X trim featured dedicated 20-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, and an electronic locking rear differential. The Armada's adaptive electronic air suspension, shared with the Platinum Reserve trim, provided impressive off-road capabilities with a 33-degree approach angle and 34.4 cm of ground clearance. The Armada's towing capacity reached 3,855 kilograms, with various towing aids included. On-road, the Armada's electric power steering offered a nice sense of engagement, while the adaptive air suspension enhanced comfort.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a surprising amount of cargo space, with 723 litres available with the rear seats in place and 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom measured 970 millimetres, providing adequate space for most passengers. The front seats were comfortable, with a generous range of movement and excellent in-car storage options. The Kona's interior featured cloth upholstery on lower trims, with leatherette and Alcantara sport seats available on higher trims. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with additional features like a heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control available on higher trims.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured a push-button transmission, freeing up centre console space for a wireless charging pad. The Platinum Reserve trim offered "Zero Gravity" seats with extensive power adjustments. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated mirrors were standard in Canada, with additional seat cooling and heating options available on higher trims. The Armada's third-row seats offered power one-touch folding, increasing cargo space to 2,750 litres when fully folded. Headroom and legroom varied across trims, with improvements in some areas compared to the previous model. The Armada's passenger space was generally competitive, though it fell short of some American rivals.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and a digital key. The N Line trim boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while lower trims had a 4.2-inch display. The N Line with the Ultimate package offered an eight-speaker Bose audio system and built-in navigation. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2025 Nissan Armada came standard with two large screens, with higher trims featuring 14.3-inch displays. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Google Built-In. The Armada's infotainment system included a 12-speaker Klipsch Premium Audio System, offering a high-quality audio experience. A head-up display was standard on the Platinum Reserve trim, enhancing driver convenience.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and more. Higher trims added advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and a Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety credentials.

The 2025 Nissan Armada featured Nissan's ProPILOT Assist suite, with enhanced versions available on higher trims. ProPILOT Assist 2.1 offered hands-free highway driving assist technology. The Armada also included Nissan Safety Shield 360, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-departure warning. A surround-view camera and Nissan's 3D Around View Monitor were available on higher trims, enhancing safety and convenience.