2023 Acura MDX vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, extending its length by 1.6 inches compared to the 2021 model. The updated front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and new character lines gave the Kona a more sophisticated appearance. The sporty new body lines contrasted with lower body cladding, and new alloy wheel designs rounded out the exterior changes. Inside, the instrument panel and center console were separated to emphasize a more horizontal layout, creating a wider, more spacious look. New ambient lighting for the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of sophistication, while a rear USB port increased convenience for back-seat passengers.

The 2023 Acura MDX, particularly in the Type S Advance trim, aimed to set a high bar for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and minor front styling modifications. The Type S also sported 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets framing a rear diffuser panel. Inside, the MDX Type S featured perforated Milano leather, aluminum interior trim, and a Sport Appearance package. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard, enhancing the luxury feel.

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 came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The new Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 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 like launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Performance enhancements included a solid front suspension stabilizer bar, an Electro-Servo brake system, and larger front brake rotors with upgraded Brembo calipers. However, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, with issues like indecisive transmission behavior, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants, even with the optional sunroof. The front seats, especially in the N Line, provided excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges with small door openings, limited headroom, and compromised legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats with flexible second-row seating options. The Type S Advance trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The second-row seats offered heating and could slide forward and back for easier third-row access. However, the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. The MDX's cargo area offered 18.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The cabin's design prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage bins and a touchpad interface that occupied valuable console space.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came with an 8-inch display as standard, offering Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker audio system. Higher trims featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, and wireless device charging. The Kona also offered Hyundai Blue Link connected services, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in higher trims.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen was not touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The MDX offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display and a top-tier ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers. Despite these features, the TTI design was criticized for being less intuitive than traditional touchscreens and for occupying valuable console space.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came with standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Available technologies included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kona received five-star ratings from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in all crashworthiness tests. However, it did not achieve Top Safety Pick status due to "Marginal" ratings for child-seat anchors.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, a suite of safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and available front and rear parking sensors. The MDX received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, it earned four-star ratings for driver and front passenger protection in frontal-impact tests.