When it comes to SUVs, Hyundai is one brand with a stacked lineup that has all sizes covered — from those wanting a large three-row option all the way down to subcompact offerings.

One of the smaller and more affordable options from Hyundai (just one step up from the even smaller Hyundai Venue, but below the Hyundai Tucson) is the 2025 Hyundai Kona, a vehicle I recently had the chance to experience.

This funky looking but fun to drive commuter-friendly ride is among the better options for people looking for something on the smaller side, but isn’t underpowered. It received minor updates in 2025 after a fully updated version debuted in 2024.

There are plenty of rivals to consider — including the Chevy Trax and Mazda CX-30 to the Volkswagen Taos — but the Kona holds its own against them, especially on the performance end of things.

As people continue to flock to smaller SUVs and crossovers, refreshes continue to come to vehicles in this segment to maximize their appeal.

For Hyundai, that means a new version of the 2024 Kona has hit the showrooms, launching the second generation of this subcompact SUV.

I recently spent some time behind the wheel of a 2024 Hyundai Kona N Line, which offers a bold update on a strong competitor in this class that definitely makes it stand out. Upgrades were made inside and out, and the difference is very clear. 

It’s one of the better redesigns I have seen in a long time, but it still faces a lot of tough competition in the segment. Read on to see how it competes against other strong mini-ute competitors — including Chevy Trax, Mazda CX-30, Volkswagen Taos, Honda HR-V and more.