2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, with its MSRP of $42,083, presented a robust yet understated appearance. Despite being fully loaded, it maintained a look similar to a standard rental car model, lacking the larger wheels of its non-hybrid counterpart. The RAV4 Hybrid's design was rugged for a compact SUV, though it could have benefited from more adventurous styling options. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid combined style and practicality, though the quality of materials varied. The interior was functional, with some rattling issues noted, but overall, it offered a comfortable and practical driving experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with new body lines, LED lighting, and alloy wheel designs. The interior was redesigned for a more 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 features, making the Kona look more athletic. The N Line's interior featured exclusive black seats with red stitching and sport pedals, while the Kona N offered a more aggressive design with wide fenders and sport bucket seats. The Blue Wave exterior of the test vehicle was particularly striking, and the overall fit and finish were commendable for its price point.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors, producing 219 horsepower. This setup provided standard AWD and several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid's CVT operated smoothly, and its regenerative braking system was effective. Despite its weight, the RAV4 Hybrid felt lively, though the engine noise was unpleasant at high revs. It achieved an EPA rating of 40 mpg in combined driving, with a test average of 39.7 mpg. The suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system contributed to a comfortable ride, though the tires limited grip during spirited driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a range of powertrains, with the N Line featuring a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing 195 horsepower. The Kona N boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with 276 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed DCT. The Kona N included performance features like launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential. The test vehicle, a Kona N Line with AWD, provided ample power and maneuverability, with minor turbo lag and some clunkiness in lower gears. The Kona's handling was composed, with a low center of gravity contributing to its stability. The cabin was quieter than expected for its class.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom was decent, with reclining backrests and heated cushions. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. The RAV4 Hybrid provided 37.5 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona prioritized front-seat comfort, with ample headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat space was limited, with small door openings and compromised head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight at 19.2 cubic feet, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The Kona's compact dimensions made it less suitable for carrying larger loads or accommodating rear passengers comfortably.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The test vehicle included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs for easy operation. Camera-based technology included a 360-degree surround-view system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech, 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, a Harman Kardon audio system, and Hyundai Blue Link services. The infotainment system was intuitive, with easy smartphone connectivity. The Kona's tech features provided a high level of accessibility for an entry-level model.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The RAV4 Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and top marks from the IIHS, except for its headlights.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though it did not achieve Top Safety Pick status due to child-seat anchor issues.