2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2020 Acura MDX

The 2020 Hyundai Kona was a standout in its segment, boasting a sleek, sporty, and dramatic exterior that belied its mass-market economy car status. Despite being shorter than its competitors, the Kona's design cleverly masked its stubbiness with tiered lighting, a tall grille, and matte plastic trim that made it appear taller and wider. The fender creases, two-tone wheels, and a gently sloping roof added to its premium vibe. However, the interior did not match the exterior's excitement, featuring hard plastics and lackluster finishes, which fell short compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V.

In contrast, the 2020 Acura MDX had a more understated but still attractive design. Its Jewel Eye LED headlights and trapezoidal grille gave it a rich look, while its sleek, low-slung profile and flawless paint and chrome added to its appeal. Inside, the MDX featured a modern and simple design with high-quality materials and superior fit and finish. The center stack with twin infotainment screens was a highlight, and the overall build quality made the MDX feel solid and well-built.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona offered a surprisingly robust performance for its class. Its 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine produced 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, delivering strong acceleration and confidence-inspiring merging capabilities. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) was quick to react, making the driving experience enjoyable. However, only the Limited and Ultimate trims featured this turbo engine. The standard 2.0-liter inline-four engine with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft was less impressive but still paired with a responsive 6-speed automatic transmission. The Kona's handling was tight and stable, with minimal roll and good grip, especially in AWD models with independent rear suspension. Fuel economy was average, with the 1.6T AWD achieving 26 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with two powertrain options: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, and a Sport Hybrid with a 3.0-liter V6 and three electric motors, delivering a combined 321 hp and 289 lb-ft. The gasoline-only model with SH-AWD displayed good straight-line performance and nimble handling, thanks to torque-vectoring technology. The nine-speed automatic transmission was well-behaved, and the MDX's four-wheel independent suspension provided a comfortable ride. The MDX's performance was impressive, especially in corners and curves, making it a joy to drive.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space, offering only 19 cubic feet of cargo space and 46 with the rear seats folded. Rear legroom was average, and the scalloped roof provided decent headroom. However, the Kona's cargo capacity was significantly smaller than competitors like the Honda HR-V and Buick Encore GX. The Kona's controls were easy to use, and the infotainment system was simple and fast, but it fell short as a utility vehicle due to its cramped interior.

The 2020 Acura MDX excelled in interior space and functionality. It featured sliding and reclining second-row seats for easy access to the third row, with good headroom in all three rows. The MDX offered 15.8 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 43.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 90.9 cubic feet with the second row folded. The interior had ample storage options, including a flexible center console, door panel pockets, and cupholders for all passengers. The MDX also came with tri-zone climate control, making it a comfortable and practical choice for families.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona offered a good list of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like proximity entry, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and an eight-speaker Infinity stereo. The Ultimate trim included a sunroof, an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, and adaptive cruise control. The Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly, and the Blue Link app provided remote engine start and other connectivity features.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with a comprehensive suite of technology features. The base model included Siri Eyes Free, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker audio system. The Technology Package added navigation, rain-sensing wipers, and a premium audio system. The Advance Package included additional tech features like a surround-view camera system and heated rear seats. The Entertainment Package offered a rear entertainment system with a 16.2-inch screen and HDMI compatibility. The MDX's tech features were extensive and catered to a wide range of needs.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona scored five out of five stars overall in NHTSA crash tests and was rated a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. It came standard with forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. However, it lacked front knee airbags and rear side airbags, and pedestrian detection was only available on the Ultimate trim.

The 2020 Acura MDX came with standard AcuraWatch, which included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Technology Package added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Advance Package included Head-Up Warning. The MDX featured a sophisticated body design for crash energy absorption and received high safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.