2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2020 Volvo XC90

The 2020 Volvo XC90 was a testament to the brand's evolution in design, showcasing a modern aesthetic that was both elegant and commanding. The SUV's exterior featured distinctive elements like the blacked-out honeycomb grille on the R-Design trim, "Thor's hammer" LED headlights, and a sleek Thunder Grey Metallic paint that added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the XC90 offered a luxurious experience with options for wool fabric seats and matte wood trim, while the leather and aluminum interior exuded quality. The seats were designed for comfort, with power-adjustable thigh extensions and optional massage functions, making long journeys a pleasure. The attention to detail was evident in features like the Swedish flag tag and the twist-action ignition knob, emphasizing Volvo's commitment to craftsmanship and simplicity.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Kona presented a bold and sporty exterior that stood out in the subcompact SUV segment. Its design was characterized by tiered lighting, a tall grille, and chunky matte plastic trim, giving it a dynamic and youthful appearance. The Kona's compact size was cleverly utilized to create a sleek and dramatic look, with features like slim LED running lamps and two-tone wheels enhancing its visual appeal. However, the interior did not match the exterior's excitement, with hard plastics and lackluster finishes. While the layout was functional and the screens were high-resolution, the overall tactile quality fell short compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V. Despite this, the Kona's design was a testament to Hyundai's ability to create an attractive vehicle without a hefty price tag.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all featuring a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which was deemed insufficient for the vehicle's size. The T6 model, with its supercharged and turbocharged engine, delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft, providing the necessary power for a large SUV. The Polestar tune further enhanced the T6's output to 330 hp and 325 lb-ft. Despite these figures, the XC90 was not a performance powerhouse, with mid-range acceleration being adequate but not exceptional. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the T6 AWD rated at 18 mpg city, 26 highway, and 21 combined. The T8 plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, but its added weight and limited electric range did not significantly improve performance or fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona, on the other hand, surprised with its impressive powertrain and chassis. The 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four engine produced 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, offering strong acceleration and confidence when merging onto highways. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission complemented the engine's eagerness, providing quick and responsive shifts. The Kona's handling was commendable, with fast and direct steering, a tight suspension, and minimal body roll. The AWD models featured an independent rear suspension, enhancing the driving experience on winding roads. However, the Kona's engines were noisier and less refined compared to rivals, and the ride was stiffer. Fuel economy was average for the class, with the 1.6T AWD rated at 26 mpg city, 29 highway, and 27 combined.

The 2020 Volvo XC90's interior was a blend of luxury and practicality, with a focus on comfort and functionality. The Sensus infotainment system was faster and more responsive than previous iterations, though some controls were buried within the touchscreen. The cabin layout was well-organized, with seven seats standard and an optional integrated booster cushion for young children. The first and second rows offered generous legroom and support, while the third row was best suited for small children. Cargo space was ample, with up to 85.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats folded. The XC90's sightlines from the driver's seat were excellent, enhancing the overall driving experience.

In contrast, the 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space and utility. While seating for four was adequate, the rear legroom and headroom were average for the class. The Kona's cargo space was limited, with only 19 cubic feet available and 46 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This was significantly less than competitors like the Honda HR-V and Buick Encore GX, which offered more versatile cargo solutions. Despite its easy-to-use controls and simple infotainment system, the Kona's cramped interior and limited utility detracted from its appeal as a crossover.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 came equipped with advanced technology features, including the standard Volvo Pilot Assist, a semi-automated driving system that combined adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The R-Design trim featured a Bowers & Wilkins stereo with 19 speakers and 1,400 watts of power, delivering an exceptional audio experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was high-resolution and easy to navigate, though onboard apps were slow to load. The digital instrument panel offered limited customization compared to competitors, and the tire pressure monitoring system lacked individual tire pressure readings.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona offered a range of technology features across its trims. The base SE model included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added features like proximity entry, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The SEL Plus trim introduced an eight-speaker Infinity stereo, wireless charging, and Blue Link connectivity, which allowed remote engine start and vehicle monitoring via a smartphone app. The Ultimate trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a sunroof, and adaptive cruise control. Despite these offerings, the Kona's technology package was less comprehensive than the XC90's.

The 2020 Volvo XC90 boasted top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, though its headlight performance prevented it from achieving the highest IIHS designation. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition. Volvo's commitment to safety was evident in its use of high-strength steels and innovative safety systems, such as the whiplash protection system for front seats.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona also received high safety ratings, with a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. However, pedestrian detection was only available on the Ultimate trim, and the Kona lacked front knee airbags and rear side airbags, which some competitors offered.