2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Genesis GV80

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 with tiered lighting, a tall grille, and matte plastic trim that made it appear taller and wider. The exterior was further enhanced by slim LED running lamps, optional fog lights, and fender creases that directed attention to the thin taillights. The Kona's two-tone wheels, sloping roof, and ground-hugging stance contributed to its premium vibe, making it visually stimulating from every angle. However, the interior did not match the exterior's excitement, with hard plastics and lackluster finishes. While the layout was acceptable and the screens high-resolution, the fit and finish were below par compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the luxury SUV market, unburdened by a legacy of design language. Its elegant two-box design featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a massive trapezoidal grille with a diamond mesh, complemented by the signature Genesis "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array. The GV80's design was further accentuated by big wheel arches and Quad Lamp taillights that wrapped around the vehicle's corners. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood and metal finishes, and genuine leather upholstery. The center console and stack were integrated into a bridge-like structure, providing ample storage and minimal controls. The cabin's spaciousness was enhanced by a 14.5-inch high-definition LCD display, making the GV80 a truly special luxury SUV.

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. However, only the Limited and Ultimate trims featured this turbo engine, 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. Despite its noisy cabin and stiffer ride, the Kona's chassis was well-engineered, offering a delightful driving experience. Fuel economy was average for its class, with the 1.6T AWD achieving 26 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with optional AWD. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its independent multi-link suspension and electronically-controlled suspension with road preview on 3.5T models. The 3.5T's active noise cancellation provided a quieter cabin, and its power delivery was smooth and strong. The GV80's fuel economy was reasonable for a luxury SUV, with the 2.5T achieving 21 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined with RWD, while the 3.5T AWD was rated at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

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. Despite its easy-to-use controls and good sightlines, the Kona's cramped interior made it more akin to a small hatchback than a true crossover. The lack of side rails on the base SE model further limited its utility.

The 2021 Genesis GV80, on the other hand, offered a sophisticated and spacious interior. The center console and stack featured a confluence of technology, design, and ergonomics, with a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller. The second row was comfortable and roomy, with power seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The GV80's interior was a testament to luxury, with features like three-row climate control and power rear-door closure.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona offered a good list of standard features, with the base model including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like 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. However, the Kona's technology offerings were not as advanced as those in the luxury segment.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 boasted a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was connected to the cloud, allowing for over-the-air updates and user-configurable split-screen displays. The GV80 also featured a near-field communication digital key function for Android users, Genesis Connected Services, and a head-up display on higher trims. The Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers was a highlight, providing an exceptional audio experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona received high safety ratings, scoring five out of five stars overall in NHTSA crash tests 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 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 came equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of advanced safety features like blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. Its adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist added to its safety credentials.