2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner, in its sixth generation, maintained a design evolution rather than a complete overhaul. It retained the horseshoe-shaped grilles from the previous generation, but with a more robust and industrial look. The side body panels featured deep beveled creases that seamlessly blended with the flared wheel arches, giving the 4Runner a broad-shouldered stance suitable for an off-road SUV. Paying homage to its predecessors, the 4Runner included design elements like the slanted rearmost window, while the sliding rear window facilitated easier cargo access. Inside, the 4Runner mirrored the Tacoma pickup truck, with a beveled styling motif that was both attractive and functional. The cabin was designed to endure punishment, with hard plastics and light cushioning for comfort. The materials were of higher quality than those in a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, though not as refined as the Land Rover Defender.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, visually unchanged from the 2024 model, still stood out in the crossover class with its futuristic design. The flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave even the gas-powered models a modern look. The Kona's increased size, being 15 centimetres longer, provided more interior space and a more assertive stance. The Kona N Line offered a sportier design with body-coloured bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel with ample tech features. The drive selector was conveniently placed on a column beneath the wiper stalk, enhancing the sense of space. The Kona's trims, Essential and Preferred, offered varying levels of visual enhancements, with the N Line providing the most sporty and tech-savvy options.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner offered two engine choices. The standard 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 317 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission for improved acceleration and fuel economy. In Canada, part-time 4WD was standard, with full-time 4WD available in the Limited and Platinum packages. The Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain, based on the same four-cylinder engine, combined with a 1.87-kWh battery pack and an electric motor, delivered 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid variant provided stronger power at lower speeds, beneficial for off-roading. The 4Runner's new generation was quieter and more composed on pavement, with improved handling and reduced body roll. It offered eight distinct packages with varying off-road capabilities, with the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models being the most capable.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine 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). The Kona N Line came with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. AWD was available for an additional cost on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line. The AWD models featured a multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The Kona's performance was adequate for its class, with the turbo engine providing a more muscular feel, although it could feel flat at low revs.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner was nearly 13 centimetres longer than its predecessor, with a longer wheelbase that offered minimal passenger space gains. The front seats provided ample room for taller passengers, while the middle row offered adequate legroom and headroom. A third row was available on non-hybrid models but was cramped and best suited for short trips. The cockpit was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and grouped off-road controls for easy operation. The 4Runner offered various storage options, with a cargo capacity of 1,371 litres behind the second row, reduced to 1,206 litres in the Hybrid due to the battery placement. A sturdy roof rack compensated for any cargo deficits.

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 millimetres of space, and headroom measured 972 millimetres. The front seats provided a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The Kona's interior featured excellent storage options, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. 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 from the Preferred trim. The N Line with the Ultimate package offered ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 14-inch option available. Both screens offered logical menus and quick responses, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A digital instrument panel was standard on Hybrid variants and available on gas models. Off-road models included external camera views for trail navigation, with automatic activation at low speeds. A 14-speaker JBL audio system was available, along with a portable Bluetooth speaker. Remote monitoring and control were possible through a smartphone app, with a digital key function replacing the key fob.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Preferred trim with the Trend package and the N Line included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The N Line featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while other 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 Toyota 4Runner had not yet been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the Tacoma pickup on which it was based was a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. All 4Runner models included Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, with features like frontal collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. In Canada, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert was standard.

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 Highway Driving Assist and a Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.