2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Hyundai Kona was a standout in its segment, offering a sleek, sporty, and dramatic exterior that belied its mass-market economy car status. Despite being several inches shorter than its competitors, the Kona's design cleverly masked its compact dimensions, making it appear taller and wider. The tiered lighting, slim LED running lamps, and two-tone wheels contributed to its premium vibe. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal, with hard plastics and lackluster finishes. While the layout was functional, the tactile quality fell short compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover exuded luxury and timeless elegance. Despite its design approaching a decade old, the Range Rover maintained its classic appeal with hallmark design cues like blacked-out pillars and clean styling. The interior was a testament to luxury, with high-quality leather upholstery and a mid-century modern ambiance. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as intuitive as newer systems, requiring a learning curve. Nevertheless, the Range Rover's overall look and feel were undeniably upscale and sophisticated.

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. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission provided strong acceleration and confidence in various driving conditions. However, the standard 2.0-liter engine was less impressive, offering 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. The Kona's handling was commendable, with fast steering and a stable suspension, though the ride was stiffer and noisier compared to rivals. Fuel economy was average, with the turbocharged AWD model achieving 26 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a range of powertrain options, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and electric motor assistance provided smooth and rapid acceleration. The Range Rover's 4WD system and Terrain Response 2 traction control ensured off-road capability, though the test vehicle was not pushed to its limits. The adaptive air suspension delivered a classic wafting ride, but the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling on winding roads. Fuel economy was modest, with the tested model averaging 18.5 mpg.

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, but the cargo hold was one of the smallest in its class. Despite easy-to-use controls and good sightlines, the Kona's utility was limited compared to competitors with more spacious interiors.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover provided a luxurious front seating experience, but the second row was less comfortable, lacking thigh support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments compensating for a small center-console bin. The cargo area offered 25 cubic feet, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The air suspension's kneel mode facilitated easier access and loading.

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 seats, and an upgraded audio system. The Ultimate trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and adaptive cruise control, though the latter lacked full stop-and-go capability.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's technology was extensive, with three digital displays for instrumentation and infotainment. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system required familiarization, as it was not entirely intuitive. The Range Rover also featured a head-up display, touch-sensing steering wheel controls, and a waterproof Activity Key wristband. The iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona received high safety ratings, with 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 front knee and rear side airbags.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included several safety packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.