2025 Hyundai Kona Overview

The 2025 Hyundai Kona represents the second model year of the nameplate’s second generation. The subcompact crossover is available in several trim levels, and offers both gasoline and fully electric powertrains.

2025 Hyundai Kona Changes and Updates

The Kona was thoroughly redesigned for the 2024 model year. It rides on a revised architecture boasting a longer wheelbase (104.7 inches or 2,660 millimetres versus the previous-gen’s 102.4 inches or 2,600 mm), resulting in more rear-seat legroom. Cargo space has also increased noticeably.

For the 2025 model year, the gas-only Kona gets a new variant called 1.6T Preferred with Sport Package, which receives the 2.0L Preferred with Trend Package’s equipment content, but without wireless phone charging, a digital key, leatherette seating and dual-zone climate control. It basically offers the N Line’s turbocharged engine at lower price point. Meanwhile, the Kona Electric’s lineup grows from two to four variants with the addition of an N Line trim and a Preferred with Trend Package trim.

2025 Hyundai Kona Trim Levels and Pricing

In Canada, the gas-powered Kona is offered in 2.0L Essential, 2.0L Preferred, 2.0L Preferred with Trend Package, 1.6T Preferred with Trend Package, N Line and N Line Ultimate. The Kona Electric is available in Preferred, Preferred with Trend Package, Preferred with N Line Package and Preferred with Ultimate Package.

Base trim levels are equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that develops 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, managed by a continuously variable automatic transmission. The 1.6T Preferred and N Line benefit from a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that generates 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, the Kona Electric features an electric motor that produces 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. Gas-powered Kona units are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the Kona EV is front-wheel drive only.

2025 Hyundai Kona Specifications

2025 Hyundai Kona Warranty Coverage

In Canada, the Hyundai Kona is covered by a 5-year/100,000 km Limited Warranty (whichever comes first), although the vehicle’s paint and audio system warranties are limited to 3 years or 60,000 km, and the 12-volt battery is covered for 2 years or 40,000 km. The Kona also includes a 5-year/100,000 km Powertrain Limited Warranty, along with a 5-year/unlimited km rust Anti-Perforation Warranty. The Kona Electric’s high-voltage battery warranty covers defects for 8 years or 160,000 km.

24-hour roadside assistance is offered on the Kona for 5 years regardless of mileage.

What the 2025 Hyundai Kona Does Well

• The Kona is much more accommodating than before, catching up and even surpassing many rivals regarding rear-seat space and cargo volume.
• For those who can afford them, the turbocharged Kona 1.6T Preferred and N Line variants offer good performance and decent handling without sacrificing ride comfort. The new eight-speed transmission seems better suited to exploit the 1.6L engine’s power band than the seven-speed DCT it replaced last year. Overall, the Kona isn’t as engaging as the Mazda CX-30, but doesn’t lack character like the Honda HR-V, for example.
• The Kona’s infotainment system is very easy to use, with clear on-screen menus, although its processing speed could be quicker. There are also a few redundant buttons on the center stack to rapidly access the system’s main features. In addition, physical climate controls are always better than on-screen button zones while driving.
• As with the previous generation, the Hyundai Kona is easy to drive, with good all-around visibility and a narrow turning radius, perfect for slithering through the shopping mall parking lot. We can also mention appreciable little details such as three-position reclining rear seatbacks, and hood struts instead of a flimsy prop rod.

What the 2025 Hyundai Kona Doesn’t Do Well

• Despite being more aerodynamic than before with its new alien-like bodywork, and with a marginal curb weight increase, the 2025 Kona’s fuel economy ratings are worse than the outgoing generation’s. It trails the Toyota Corolla Cross, the Subaru Crosstrek, the Mazda CX-30 and the Kia Seltos in combined city/highway driving.
• The Kona is normally well-equipped, but only the top-shelf gas-powered N Line with the Ultimate Package as well as the Ultimate and N Line Ultimate Packages on the Kona Electric can be equipped with a power-adjustable driver’s seat.
• While still affordable, the Kona isn’t the bargain it used to be. Its base price increased by more than $3,000 compared to the previous-gen 2023 model. Yet it remains on the low end of the subcompact crossover price spectrum, so at least there’s that.
• As always, Hyundai’s lane keep assist system is too sensitive, constantly stepping in the correct our trajectory even through we’re driving within the lines. At some point, it gets so intrusive that we end up deactivating it, which defeats its intended purpose in the first place.

2025 Hyundai Kona Competition

The Hyundai Kona competes with the Buick Encore GX, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the Dodge Hornet, the Honda HR-V, the Kia Niro, the Kia Seltos, the Mazda CX-30, the Mitsubishi RVR, the Nissan Kicks, the Subaru Crosstrek, the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Volkswagen Taos.

2025 Hyundai Kona

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2025 Hyundai Kona Electric

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