2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Audi Q5

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, Hyundai's design prowess made the Kona appear taller and wider, thanks to tiered lighting, a tall grille, and chunky matte plastic trim. The car's exterior was visually stimulating, with slim LED running lamps, fender creases, and two-tone wheels contributing 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 2021 Audi Q5 exuded a classy, modern appearance with exceptional fit and finish. The Q5's design language was sharp and expressive, featuring LED headlights, a prominent Singleframe grille, and bold taillights. The plug-in hybrid variant added S-Line trim pieces and enhancements, including standard 19-inch wheels or optional 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Q5 maintained a high level of sophistication with smartly grouped buttons, real wood and metal materials, and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The second row was also well-appointed, offering standard leather seating surfaces.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona surprised many with its impressive powertrain and chassis. The 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine delivered 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, outperforming most competitors. This engine, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, provided strong acceleration and confidence-inspiring performance. 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 competitive. The Kona's handling was tight and stable, with AWD models offering an independent rear suspension for better road feel. Fuel economy was average, with the 1.6T AWD achieving 26 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took performance to another level with its combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid system, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and a 14.1-kWh battery, provided impressive acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. The Q5 PHEV offered multiple driving modes, including a battery-only mode for up to 20 miles. The seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and full-time Quattro all-wheel drive ensured smooth and responsive driving. The Q5 PHEV also boasted a fuel economy of 65 MPGe combined, with 27 mpg in gasoline-only mode.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space, offering only 19 cubic feet of cargo space and 46 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Rear legroom and headroom were average, but the Kona's cramped interior made it less practical for carrying passengers and cargo compared to competitors like the Honda HR-V and Buick Encore GX. Despite its easy-to-use controls and good sightlines, the Kona's limited utility was a drawback.

The 2021 Audi Q5 excelled in interior space and functionality. With 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded, the Q5 offered ample room for luggage. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were highly adjustable, heated, and ventilated in the Prestige trim. The Q5's interior was thoughtfully designed, with numerous storage options and a clutter-free layout.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona offered a range of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added proximity entry, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and an eight-speaker Infinity stereo. The Ultimate trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, auto high beams, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Kona's technology offerings were less advanced compared to the Audi Q5.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV featured Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system and the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The Prestige Package included navigation, which optimized fuel consumption and battery usage in hybrid mode. The Integrated Toll Module (ITM) was a convenient addition, and the Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system provided excellent sound quality. Wireless Apple CarPlay was also included, enhancing the Q5's tech-savvy appeal.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona received high safety ratings, scoring five out of five stars overall from the NHTSA and earning a 2020 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. However, the Kona lacked front knee airbags and rear side airbags.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS at the time, but the gasoline-only model received top ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the 2021 Q5 five stars. Safety features included six airbags, Audi Pre Sense basic, low-speed collision assist, and electronic stability control. Available driver-assistance features included adaptive cruise control, park steering assist, and a top-view camera system.