2022 Acura MDX vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Acura MDX, a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, was engineered on a new dedicated platform, distinct from its previous generations that shared a platform with the Honda Pilot. This new generation featured a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance, enhancing its elegant proportions. The MDX's exterior design was sportier and more assertive, with standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels and tires. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality. Inside, the MDX boasted a modernized, spacious cabin with authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather. The dashboard's layered design emphasized the cabin's width, and the unique gear selection controls added a touch of sophistication. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, mounted in landscape orientation, was a smart safety choice, and the front seats offered exceptional comfort and adjustability.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, with a 1.6-inch increase in length, revised front and rear fascias, and enhanced LED lighting. The new character lines and alloy wheel designs gave the Kona a more sophisticated and athletic look. Inside, the instrument panel and center console were separated, creating a wider, more spacious feel. New ambient lighting and a rear USB port added convenience and sophistication. The addition of the sporty N Line and even sportier Kona N trims brought unique styling elements and performance features. The N Line featured exclusive black seats with red stitching, a black headliner, and alloy sport pedals, while the Kona N boasted wide fenders, 19-inch alloy wheels, and N sport bucket seats. The Blue Wave exterior color and N Line-exclusive 18-inch wheels added to the Kona's handsome appearance, and the interior material quality was appropriate for its price point.

The 2022 Acura MDX came with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. A new 10-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels in base MDX and Tech trims, or to all four wheels with the optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system, with torque vectoring, greatly enhanced cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and a revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and sporty handling. The new 10-speed automatic transmission worked smoothly with the engine, and the Integrated Dynamics System offered five drive modes to tailor performance. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. During test drives, the MDX impressed with its handling and performance, feeling closer to the benchmark Audi Q7 and outperforming competitors like the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of engines and transmissions across its lineup. The SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The N Line and Limited trims had a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The new Kona N trim boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N also featured exclusive driving features like N Grin Shift and N Power Shift. The Kona N Line, with its 1.6-liter turbo engine and AWD, provided more than adequate power and a pleasurable driving experience. The Kona's handling was composed and surefooted, with a low center of gravity and minimal understeer. Despite some minor turbo lag and clunkiness in the lower gears, the DCT increased the Kona's sportiness factor.

The 2022 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered comfortable seating for the first two rows, with dual bucket sport seats in the front and an innovative second row with a removable center section. The second row could slide fore and aft to balance legroom for second- and third-row passengers and reclined up to 12 degrees. The third row was best suited for pre-teens and smaller individuals. The MDX provided flexible cargo capacity, with 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 71.4 to 95 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. The power tailgate featured "Grab 'N Go" and Hands-Free Access functions, and the interior lighting offered 27 customizable themes, enhancing the cabin's ambiance.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its small size, provided ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants. The N Line's front seats offered excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges with small door openings, limited headroom due to the sloping roof, and compromised legroom. The Kona's cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expandable to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. Towing was not recommended with the Kona, limiting its utility for larger cargo needs.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification, delivering exceptional sound quality. The base MDX came with a nine-speaker system, while the Tech Package included a 12-speaker ELS Studio system. All MDX models had a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the Acura Precision Cockpit 12.3-inch HD digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Qi-compatible wireless device charging were standard. The A-Spec and Advance trims included CabinTalk, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera system. A WiFi hotspot and over-the-air updates were also available.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona added more tech features, starting with an 8-inch display on the base SE trim, which included a six-speaker audio system and Bluetooth connectivity. The SEL trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. The Limited and Kona N trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and traffic information. An eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system was standard on the Limited and Kona N. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the 8-inch screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The Kona also offered Digital Key, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless device charging, and Hyundai Blue Link connected services.

The 2022 Acura MDX had not yet been rated by the IIHS and NHTSA, but the outgoing 2020 model received high marks. The MDX featured a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system was included. The AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance technologies was standard, including collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitor, and traffic-jam assist.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all six crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, lane-following assistance, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert. Available technologies included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, Highway Drive Assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Warning. The Kona's child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS.