2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a notable makeover, enhancing its sophistication with a longer body, revised fascias, and new LED lighting. The sporty character lines and alloy wheel designs contributed to its modern appearance. Inside, the Kona's interior was reimagined with a more horizontal layout, ambient lighting, and increased convenience features like a rear USB port. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims added unique styling elements and sportier interiors, with the Kona N boasting features like 19-inch alloy wheels and N sport bucket seats. The Blue Wave Kona N Line test vehicle impressed with its streamlined look and sporty accents.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 shared stylistic elements with the G70 sedan, featuring split-bar headlights and a chrome line that suggested a coupe-like SUV. Inside, the GV70's cabin was a testament to luxury, with high-quality materials and a contemporary yet classic design. The dashboard featured a full touchscreen with a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The GV70's interior was both luxurious and functional, with thoughtful design touches that enhanced the overall aesthetic.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower. The N Line and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 195 horsepower, while the Kona N boasted a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 276 horsepower. The Kona N's performance was enhanced by features like launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential. The test vehicle, a Kona N Line with AWD, provided a spirited driving experience with its torquey engine and composed handling.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two gas-powered trims: the 2.5T with a 300-horsepower turbocharged engine and the 3.5T with a 375-horsepower V6. Both trims featured AWD and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV70 Electrified used a 77.4-kWh battery and dual motors, producing 429 horsepower, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. The electric GV70 had a range of 236 miles and supported fast charging. The GV70's handling was well-rounded, balancing comfort and sportiness, with the Electrified version leaning slightly towards comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona's interior was designed for front-seat comfort, with ample headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges with limited space and small door openings. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet available with all seats up and 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Kona's compact dimensions limited its practicality for larger loads or rear-seat passengers.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 28.9 cubic feet with them in use, making it more spacious than the Kona. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate and well-designed storage solutions in the front. While front-seat comfort was excellent, rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring adjustments for taller passengers. The rear bench's reclining feature helped improve comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came with an 8-inch display on the base SE trim, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The infotainment system included features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Hyundai Blue Link. The Kona N Line and above offered a Harman Kardon audio system and wireless device charging. The system was intuitive, with easy smartphone connectivity.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a rotary dial and button controls. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo. Ambient lighting and a digital instrument panel were available, enhancing the luxury experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies, including forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Advance Package added features like a blind-spot camera and 360-degree parking camera. The Electrified GV70 included most of these features as standard, with the head-up display available in the Prestige trim.