2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Porsche Cayenne

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne was available in both a standard SUV form and a sporty Cayenne Coupe, each with distinct trim levels ranging from the base Cayenne to the high-performance Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. The GTS trim, which was the focus of many reviews, featured high gloss black trim, a unique front fascia with larger air intakes, and tinted headlights. Red brake calipers were visible through 21-inch anthracite gray wheels, and the Cayenne Coupe boasted an adaptive rear spoiler. Inside, the Cayenne offered extensive customization options, from interior colours to seat belts, though these could significantly increase the price. The cabin was well-organized, with mechanical controls for essential features and a dashboard-mounted shifter toggle that freed up storage space. The only minor criticism was the easily movable centre console.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a fresh and distinctive appearance with its flush grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. The Kona's design, with its curves and angles, was satisfactory from most perspectives. The newer model was notably larger, offering more interior space and a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line trim featured a sportier design with body-coloured bumpers and cladding. Interior-wise, the Kona remained unchanged from 2024, providing a solid and airy feel with ample tech features. The Trend package or N Line trim offered additional features like a sunroof and powered liftgate.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a range of engines, all capable of impressive performance. The base model featured a 3.0-litre V6 engine with 348 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. For those seeking more power, the Cayenne S provided a V8 with 468 hp, while the Turbo GT, available only as a coupe, boasted 650 hp. The plug-in hybrid options delivered up to 729 hp. The GTS trim, with its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, produced 493 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds with the Sport Chrono package. The GTS trim offered a balance between sporty and comfortable driving, with precise steering and a low centre of gravity. The Cayenne's adaptive suspension and Pirelli P Zero tires contributed to its agility, while the optional carbon ceramic brakes provided ample stopping power. In Normal mode, the GTS transformed into a comfortable commuter, retaining its V8 charm.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and gas-powered models. 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 an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The Kona N Line, with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, though it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, enhancing the Kona's handling. The AWD models featured a multi-link rear suspension for a more sophisticated ride.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne offered a la carte options, with the base model featuring standard eight-way power-adjustable seats, two-zone climate control, and ambient lighting. Higher trims like the GTS included a GT Sport steering wheel and Race-Tex headliner. The options list was extensive, allowing for customization of various interior elements. However, the Cayenne only accommodated five passengers, with the second row providing ample headroom. The Cayenne's towing capacity was impressive, matching that of a mid-size pickup truck, but its cargo space was smaller than competitors, with 772 litres behind the second row and 1,708 litres with seats folded.

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 mm of space, and the front seats provided a generous range of movement. The Kona's interior featured numerous storage compartments, enhancing its practicality. 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 a heated steering wheel available on the Preferred trim. The Kona's climate control options ranged from basic single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne featured a 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. An optional 10.9-inch passenger screen allowed for navigation and media control. The Cayenne's screens were well-organized and responsive, with voice control options. A head-up display provided pertinent information, though it appeared dim with polarized sunglasses. The Cayenne included four high-speed USB-C charging ports and a cooled wireless charging area.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display with 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 premium audio system and built-in navigation. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2025 Porsche Cayenne included standard parking sensors, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning were optional. Porsche's InnoDrive adaptive cruise control system was not tested due to the car's German specifications. The Cayenne had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.

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 featured six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.