2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with a 1.6-inch longer body, revised front and rear fascias, and sporty new character lines. The updated LED lighting and new alloy wheel designs contributed to its modern appearance. Inside, the Kona's interior was redesigned for a more spacious look, featuring a separated instrument panel and center console, ambient lighting, and a rear USB port for added convenience. The introduction of the sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-color cladding and exclusive interior features, elevating the Kona's athletic appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover underwent an evolutionary redesign, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large expanses of unadorned sheet metal. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, while premium materials like leather and rich wood trim enhanced the luxurious feel. The Range Rover's interior exuded a sense of premium luxury, rivaling more expensive alternatives.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The base SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line and Limited trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque with a seven-speed DCT. The high-performance Kona N was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N also featured exclusive driving modes and performance enhancements, making it a thrilling option for enthusiasts.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The P400 provided impressive acceleration, reaching 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, while the Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size. The Range Rover excelled in off-road capability, thanks to its Terrain Response system and rear-wheel steering, offering a smooth and composed ride.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its compact size, offered ample front-seat comfort with generous headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges with limited head- and legroom, and the small rear door openings made entry and exit cumbersome. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The Kona's towing capacity was limited, making it less suitable for hauling larger loads.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided abundant space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats offered long-distance comfort with available massage functions, while the second row featured power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row, though limited in headroom, accommodated smaller passengers comfortably. Cargo space was 17.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 93 cubic feet with the second row down. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment facilitated easy loading and unloading.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an 8-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity as standard, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and traffic information. The Kona N Line and above trims included a Harman Kardon premium audio system and wireless device charging. Hyundai Blue Link provided connected services, including remote engine start and stolen-vehicle recovery. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade. Additional tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came equipped with standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional technologies included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera system. While crash test results were not available, the Range Rover's safety features performed well during testing. However, some advanced safety features found in rival luxury SUVs were absent.