2021 Lincoln Navigator vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a testament to elegance and sophistication, standing apart from its Ford Expedition roots. Its design was characterized by simple rectilinear shapes, a body-color grille, and sweeping LED lights, all contributing to its understated yet commanding presence. The interior was equally impressive, offering seven color palettes and a modern, muted design with high-quality materials and tight panel gaps. The Navigator's Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, added to the luxurious experience, making it a formidable contender in the luxury SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with revised front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and sporty character lines. The interior featured a more horizontal layout, creating a spacious feel, with ambient lighting adding a touch of elegance. The introduction of the sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements and performance-oriented features, making the Kona a more athletic and appealing choice for those seeking a compact SUV with a sporty edge.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a remarkable twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a sprightly performance for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's towing capacity was impressive, with 8,300 pounds for 4WD models and 8,700 pounds for RWD models. However, its fuel economy was less than stellar, averaging in the teens. Despite some shortcomings in ride comfort and steering precision compared to competitors, the Navigator excelled in highway refinement and power delivery.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance needs. The base SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, while the N Line and Limited trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 195 horsepower. The new Kona N took performance to another level with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 276 horsepower. The Kona's handling was composed and agile, with the N Line trim providing a sporty driving experience. Despite some minor turbo lag, the Kona's performance was impressive for its class, offering a balance of power and efficiency.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered a spacious interior, accommodating up to eight passengers with its optional bench seating. Its boxy shape provided ample cargo space, with 19 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 103 cubic feet in total. The Navigator's front seats were highly adjustable and comfortable, while the second-row seats offered optional heating and climate controls. However, the lack of side window shades and electrically reclining second-row seats were noted as areas for improvement.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, provided a comfortable experience for front-seat occupants, with ample headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat passengers faced limited space due to the vehicle's compact dimensions. Cargo space was also tight, with 19.2 cubic feet available with all seats up, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite these limitations, the Kona's interior was well-designed, offering a balance of comfort and practicality for its size.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator featured a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, while intuitive, felt outdated compared to competitors. It lacked wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the cameras were low-resolution. However, the Navigator offered features like onboard 4G WiFi, wireless device charging, and a smartwatch app, providing a decent level of tech convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona saw significant tech upgrades, with an 8-inch display standard on the base SE trim 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 Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly, and features like Hyundai Blue Link and Digital Key added to its tech appeal. The Kona's tech offerings were impressive for its class, providing a modern and connected driving experience.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received five stars overall from the NHTSA, with four stars for rollover resistance in 4WD models. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, with optional adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked knee airbags and some advanced self-steering capabilities found in competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona was well-equipped with standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. It received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests. The Kona's optional safety technologies, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning, enhanced its safety profile, making it a reliable choice for safety-conscious buyers.