2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

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 rivals like the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR, the Kona's design cleverly masked its compact dimensions. The tiered lighting, tall grille, and matte plastic trim gave it a taller and wider appearance, while the slim LED running lamps and fender creases added to its visual appeal. The Kona's two-tone wheels and gently sloping roof contributed to its premium vibe, making it a visually stimulating choice in the mass-market economy car category. However, the interior of the Kona did not match the exterior's excitement, with hard plastics and lackluster finishes. While the layout was acceptable and the screens were high-resolution, the fit and finish fell short compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that enhanced its exterior with new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular aesthetic. The Pacifica retained some of its original sophistication, with a new all-LED taillamp running the width of the model. The S Appearance Package added darkened features and black accents, further elevating its look. Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium experience, especially in the Pinnacle trim, with quilted leather seats, suede center row pillows, and Beber floor mats. The flat dashboard, anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, and the abundance of Piano Black plastic trim with wood accents made it the poshest minivan on the market. The Pacifica's well-weighted doors and sound-deadening technology added to its premium feel, making it a top choice for those seeking luxury in a family vehicle.

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 in its segment. This engine, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, provided strong acceleration and confidence when merging onto highways. The Kona's turbo engine was available only in the Limited and Ultimate trims, while the standard engine was a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter inline-four with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. The Kona's handling was commendable, with fast and direct steering, a tight suspension, and minimal roll. The AWD models featured an independent rear suspension, enhancing its performance on narrow back roads. However, the Kona's fuel economy was not exceptional, with the 1.6T AWD averaging just under 29 mpg.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, and a hybrid powertrain with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower. The Pacifica's AWD system was a new addition, automatically activating on-demand based on driving conditions. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range of more than 500 miles, delivering 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, with AWD models seeing a slight decrease in fuel efficiency. The Pacifica's performance was well-rounded, offering a balance of power and efficiency for family travel.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space, offering seating for four and limited cargo capacity. With only 19 cubic feet of cargo space and 46 with the rear seats folded, it lagged behind competitors like the Honda HR-V and Buick Encore GX. The Kona's cramped interior made it less practical for transporting larger items or multiple passengers. Despite its easy-to-use controls and good sightlines, the Kona's utility was limited, resembling a small hatchback more than a true crossover.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica excelled in accommodating family needs, with spacious seating and ample storage options. The power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating system made it a practical choice for families. The Pacifica's cargo area was generous, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters in the Pinnacle trim. The under-console storage for second-row passengers and the Stow 'n Go seats added to its versatility, making it a top choice for family travel.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona offered a range of standard features, with the SE model including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like proximity entry, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SEL Plus trim introduced wireless charging and an eight-speaker Infinity stereo. The Ultimate trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and adaptive cruise control, enhancing its tech offerings.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, offering a modern and customizable experience. The system was graphically appealing and responsive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The second-row in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games for 2021. The Pacifica offered multiple sound system upgrades, with the 20-speaker Harman Kardon system providing a high-quality listening experience. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona received high safety ratings, with five stars overall from the NHTSA and 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, and pedestrian detection was only available on the Ultimate trim.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came with 97 standard safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key safety technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model at the time of publication.