Hyundai Kona
Hyundai’s very popular Kona received a thorough redesign for 2024, which added a slick new front facia (that will be the face of Hyundai going forward) as well as new chassis tuning and more interior space.
The powertrain choices echo those of its Seltos cousin – that model’s two engines have made it to the Kona, and they make the same power as well.
One thing the Kona gets that the Seltos doesn’t, however, is a quasi-performance model in the N Line. It doesn’t get any power boosts, but it looks much more purposeful with a unique front end and suave 19-inch wheels.
See: 2024 Hyundai Kona First Drive Review: At the Adults’ Table
See: Car Specs Hyundai Kona 2025 Preferred
See: 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric First Drive: Already a Sure Value?
Mazda CX-30
The vehicle that started a whole new naming system for Mazda’s SUVs and crossovers returns for 2025, looking just as spunky as it always has.
It’s actually amazing that after all this time, the design has hardly aged at all. You still get the five-point grille, slim headlamp lenses and athletic stance, no doubt helped by the fact that it shares much of its body with the Mazda3 Sport hatchback.
For 2025, the CX-30 gets a new native navigation system as well as Amazon Alexa compatibility, but the two available powertrains remain unchanged: a 2.5L 4-cylinder good for 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, as well as a turbo 4-cylinder good for 250 hp and 320 lb-ft, both with AWD as standard and 6-speed auto transmissions.
If you want a little more stylistic flair, the Suna version returns for 2025, adding Zircon Sand Metallic paint, dark wheels and terracotta leatherette interior.