2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Acura MDX was a sleek and stylish three-row SUV, though its design was not particularly groundbreaking. It featured Acura's signature Jewel Eye LED headlights, which added a touch of sophistication to its front end. The MDX's exterior was characterized by a trapezoidal grille with a prominent Acura logo, chiseled details, and a fast roofline. Inside, the MDX boasted a modern and simple design with high-quality materials and a well-organized center stack featuring twin infotainment screens.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Kona had a funky and playful design that appealed to younger buyers. Its front end was busy with multiple lighting features, while the rear was more subdued with a standard crossover shape. The interior of the Kona managed to maintain a fun attitude without being overly whimsical. It featured neat patterns on the seats, standard cloth upholstery, and an intuitive layout with an infotainment system touchscreen mounted high on the dash.

The 2020 Acura MDX offered two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a Sport Hybrid model with a 3.0-liter V6 engine and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. The MDX's Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system provided excellent handling and torque vectoring, making it nimble in corners and curves. The MDX's four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, even on long drives.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona also offered two powertrain options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The base engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the turbocharged engine came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Kona's handling was surprisingly agile and engaging, with a good balance of comfort and composure. Fuel economy varied depending on the engine and drivetrain, with the best figures being 28/32/30 mpg for the turbo engine with front-wheel drive.

The 2020 Acura MDX provided ample interior space and functionality, making it a great choice for families. It featured sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row, and offered good headroom in all three rows. The MDX had 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, which expanded to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 90.9 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded. The interior also included numerous storage compartments, tri-zone climate control, and a flexible center console.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered decent headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers. The rear seats, however, had limited legroom, making it less comfortable for taller passengers. The Kona's cargo space was limited compared to its competitors, but the rear seats could be folded to increase storage capacity. Small-item storage spaces were generous and conveniently located, with large door pockets and a spacious center console area.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a range of standard tech features, including Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and an eight-speaker audio system. Additional tech features were available through the Technology Package and Advance Package, which included navigation, a surround-view camera system, and a premium audio system. The Entertainment Package added a rear entertainment system with a large screen and wireless headphones.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona was equipped with an eight-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Bluetooth, six speakers, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional tech features included SiriusXM radio, navigation, wireless device charging, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen system. The Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a simple and responsive interface.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with the AcuraWatch suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included a Head-Up Warning. The MDX received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a head-up display.