2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it had become a high-end SUV with a starting price of $92,000, which could soar to $250,000 with various upgrades. The test model, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, offering a blend of standard and modestly upgraded features. Despite its age, the Range Rover maintained a timeless appeal with its classic design elements and luxurious interior, though its infotainment system lagged behind newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Kona received a notable makeover, enhancing its exterior with revised fascias, LED lighting, and sporty character lines. The interior saw improvements with a more spacious layout and ambient lighting, though rear-seat comfort remained limited. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims added a sporty flair, with unique styling elements and performance upgrades. The test vehicle, a Kona N Line, impressed with its Blue Wave color and sporty interior accents, offering a well-finished cabin for its price point.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Its 4WD system and Terrain Response 2 traction control ensured off-road capability, though the test drive was limited to mild trails. The Range Rover provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension that absorbed road imperfections. However, its steering was slow, and the vehicle's weight and height affected handling on winding roads. Fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined, with the test achieving 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered diverse powertrain options, with the N Line featuring a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. The Kona N boasted a more powerful 2.0-liter engine with 276 horsepower. The test vehicle, a Kona N Line with AWD, provided ample power and agility, making it enjoyable to drive in urban and highway settings. Despite minor turbo lag, the dual-clutch transmission enhanced the driving experience. The Kona's handling was composed, aided by its low center of gravity, and the cabin remained quiet for its class.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still faced challenges. The front seats were luxurious, but the second row lacked comfort and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated bin and modest cargo capacity of 25 cubic feet, expandable to 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but overall space was less than some competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona prioritized front-seat comfort, with ample headroom and legroom, even for taller drivers. However, rear-seat access and space were constrained, with limited headroom and legroom. Cargo space was tight at 19.2 cubic feet, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Kona's compact size limited its practicality for larger loads, and towing was not recommended.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays, though it was not entirely intuitive. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system required setup to avoid distractions while driving. The Range Rover offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for convenience, but the technology could be cumbersome to navigate.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech features, with an 8-inch display standard on lower trims and a 10.25-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The Kona offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay on the base screen, with wired versions on the larger screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and Hyundai Blue Link provided connected services. The Kona's tech accessibility was impressive for its class, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance, with optional packages for advanced driver aids. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Optional technologies included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though child-seat anchor accessibility was rated "Marginal."