2021 BMW X7 vs 2020 Hyundai Kona

The 2020 Hyundai Kona was a standout in its segment, offering a sleek, sporty, and dramatic exterior that set it apart from its competitors. Despite being several inches shorter than other small SUVs, the Kona's design cleverly masked its compact dimensions, giving it a premium vibe. The tiered lighting, bold grille, and two-tone wheels contributed to its visually stimulating appearance. However, the interior did not match the exterior's excitement, with hard plastics and lackluster finishes. While the layout was functional and the screens high-resolution, the overall tactile quality fell short compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 exuded luxury and sophistication, both inside and out. Its imposing presence on the road was complemented by traditional BMW styling cues and a massive grille that suited its large SUV stature. Inside, the X7 offered a high-quality, tech-laden environment with premium materials and intuitive controls. The interior was nearly identical to the X5, providing a familiar yet upscale experience. The X7's design and features positioned it as a top contender in the luxury SUV market, offering a blend of prestige and technological sophistication.

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 lb-ft of torque, outperforming most competitors in its class. This engine, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, provided strong acceleration and confidence-inspiring performance. The Kona's handling was agile, with fast steering and a tight suspension that minimized body roll. However, the ride was stiffer, and the cabin was noisier compared to more refined rivals. Fuel economy was average, with the turbocharged AWD model achieving 26 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2021 BMW X7 featured a smooth and powerful turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 335 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque. The engine was paired with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive AWD system. The X7's eBoost mild-hybrid technology aimed to improve fuel efficiency, though EPA ratings showed a slight decrease compared to the previous year. The X7 excelled in delivering a smooth and serene driving experience, with advanced suspension systems and steering technology enhancing comfort and stability. Despite its size, the X7 demonstrated impressive agility and power, making it a pleasure to drive on various terrains.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space, offering only 19 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This was significantly less than competitors, making it less practical for carrying larger loads. While seating for four was adequate, the Kona's cramped interior limited its utility as a family vehicle. Despite its user-friendly controls and infotainment system, the Kona's lack of space and utility features made it more akin to a small hatchback than a true crossover.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X7 provided a luxurious and spacious interior, equipped with features like heated and ventilated seats, premium leather upholstery, and advanced climate control systems. The X7 offered comfortable seating for adults in all three rows, with power-adjustable seats enhancing accessibility. Cargo space was generous, with 48.6 cubic feet behind the second row and 90.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. The X7's interior was designed for comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families and those seeking a premium driving experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona offered a range of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like proximity entry, heated seats, and an upgraded audio system. The Kona Ultimate trim included an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and adaptive cruise control. While the technology was user-friendly, the Kona's offerings were more basic compared to luxury competitors.

The 2021 BMW X7 boasted a comprehensive suite of technology, featuring the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen and digital instrumentation. The system supported both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with enhanced SiriusXM and real-time traffic data. The X7 also included advanced voice recognition, gesture control, and a head-up display. The technology was sophisticated and intuitive, providing a seamless user experience for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona received high safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. However, pedestrian detection was limited to the Ultimate trim, and the Kona lacked some advanced airbag features found in competitors.

The 2021 BMW X7 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, with additional features available in the Driving Assistance Professional Package. This package included advanced systems like evasive-steering assist and traffic-jam assist. The X7's safety technology was praised for its accuracy and effectiveness, providing a reassuring driving experience in various conditions.