2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2021 Hyundai Kona was a small SUV that combined a playful and unique exterior with a more subdued rear design. Its front featured a busy arrangement of lights and a grille that appealed to younger buyers. Inside, the Kona maintained a fun yet practical vibe, with neat seat patterns and a straightforward layout. The infotainment system was mounted high on the dash, complemented by physical climate controls, making it intuitive and user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, with a design that was unmistakably Range Rover. It managed to scale down the big Range Rover's profile into a sporty package, featuring a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a distinctive grille. The Velar's exterior was both blocky and streamlined, with special details like taillight lenses that created an illusion of depth. The interior was equally impressive, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The three screens offered sharp graphics, and even the base trim boasted exemplary fit and finish.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two powertrain options. The base model had a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivered 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. The Kona's engines provided sufficient power for city and highway driving, and its handling was surprisingly agile and engaging. Fuel economy varied slightly depending on the drivetrain, with the base engine and FWD achieving an EPA-estimated 27/33/30 mpg city/highway/combined.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" experience. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, available in two states of tune, offered 340 to 395 horsepower and 354 to 405 pound-feet of torque, enhancing performance while reducing emissions with a mild-hybrid system.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, with controls and displays easily accessible. The rear seats offered good headroom but limited legroom, and the cargo space was smaller compared to competitors. However, the Kona featured generous small-item storage spaces, including large door pockets and a spacious center console area.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, while stylish, sacrificed interior space for its design. Rear-seat headroom was limited, and visibility was restricted by thick B-pillars and small windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were sometimes frustrating, but the new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came equipped with an eight-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Bluetooth, six speakers, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional features included SiriusXM radio, navigation, wireless device charging, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment software was simple, colorful, and responsive, making it easy to navigate.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. It included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation capabilities. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, 14-way power heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo. The system offered a range of useful features, such as a 360-degree camera and off-road mode.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in the European NCAP, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.