2025 Volkswagen Atlas vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, maintaining a fresh and futuristic look with its flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. Despite not being classically handsome, the Kona's design elements came together in a satisfactory manner. The increased size of the 2025 model, being 15 centimetres longer, provided more interior space and a more assertive stance, especially in the sportier N Line trim. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel with ample tech features, including a drive selector positioned beneath the wiper stalk for added space.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas, available in four trim levels, presented a chiseled and upscale appearance with polished aluminum detailing and sizable 21-inch wheels. The Execline trim, in particular, stood out with its Mountain Lake Blue exterior and Shetland Beige leather interior. Inside, the Atlas offered a premium feel with diamond-stitched leather and metallic accents. However, the touch-sensitive controls for temperature and stereo volume were less satisfying to use, especially without gloves. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Atlas maintained a muscular and impressive look that aged well.

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. The Kona N Line, however, boasted a more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available for an additional cost on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, enhancing the Kona's handling and ride quality.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas transitioned to a single 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and VW's 4Motion AWD system. Despite initial skepticism, the engine proved refined and capable, especially when utilizing the generous torque curve. However, the Atlas's ride quality was less impressive, with a brittle suspension over road imperfections and excessive body motions at highway speeds. Nevertheless, the Atlas handled predictably on mountain roads, with responsive brakes and steering.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a surprisingly spacious interior, with 723 litres of cargo capacity expanding to 1,803 litres with the rear seats folded. Rear legroom was adequate, and the front seats provided a comfortable range of movement. The Kona's interior featured excellent storage options and a variety of upholstery choices, with heated front seats standard in Canada. Climate control options varied by trim, with dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, offering one of the most comfortable third-row seats in its class. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent outward visibility and a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample legroom and a climate-control panel. Access to the third-row was outstanding, and the cargo area was cavernous, offering 583 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 2,735 litres with all seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Higher trims offered additional features like wireless smartphone charging and a digital key. The N Line trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an optional Bose premium audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas utilized VW Group's MIB3 operating system on a 12-inch touchscreen display. While the system offered Car-Net connected services, it lacked traditional controls, relying on touch-sensitive buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The native digital voice assistant was unreliable, making smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto a more satisfying option. The Execline trim featured a Harman Kardon audio system, enhancing the overall experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning as standard across all trims. Higher trims offered additional 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 Volkswagen Atlas came equipped with IQ.Drive, offering features like Front Assist, Side Assist, and Travel Assist. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a rear cross-traffic alert system were standard. The Atlas also included an eight-year subscription to Car-Net Safe & Secure services. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick.