2023 Genesis GV80 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 exterior updates included enhanced LED lighting and new alloy wheel designs, giving the Kona a more streamlined and athletic appearance. Inside, the Kona featured a more spacious look with 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 and performance-oriented features, such as exclusive black seats with red stitching and N logos, further elevating the Kona's sporty appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV80 exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille, presenting a stately presence at over 16 feet long. The Prestige trim featured 22-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its elegant look, especially with the matte Brunswick Green paint job. Inside, the GV80 continued the dark green theme with quilted leather seats, a split dash with horizontal air vents, and a center console with three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The interior was spacious and luxurious, with features like a 14.5-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, and a head-up display, although the infotainment system had a learning curve.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering 195 horsepower. The new Kona N featured a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with 276 horsepower, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT, offering exclusive driving features like N Grin Shift and launch control. The Kona N Line, with its 1.6-liter turbocharged engine and seven-speed DCT, provided adequate power and a sporty driving experience, with a curb weight of around 3,300 pounds contributing to its nimble handling.

The 2023 Genesis GV80, available only in all-wheel drive, offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine with 300 horsepower and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 with 375 horsepower. Despite its power, the GV80 was not particularly quick, taking about five and a half seconds to reach sixty. However, it excelled at highway driving, with smooth power delivery and an electronically controlled suspension that adjusted to road conditions. The GV80's active noise cancellation and comfortable ride made it ideal for long commutes, although it lacked the agility of some competitors.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, provided ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants, with comfortable seats that held passengers in place during turns. 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 folded, but towing was not recommended.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 offered a luxurious interior with heated and ventilated seats, an Ergo Motion driver's seat, and Nappa leather upholstery. A third row was available, though legroom was limited. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key, along with a tri-zone climate control system and an optional 21-speaker stereo system. Cargo space was generous, with 34.9 cubic feet behind the second row and 84 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an 8-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity, with higher trims offering a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and traffic information. The Kona N Line and above had a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and wireless device charging was standard on higher trims. Hyundai Blue Link provided connected services, including remote engine start and stolen-vehicle recovery.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster, though the infotainment system had a learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 featured remote smart parking assist, allowing the car to park itself without the driver inside, and multiple charging options, including wireless charging and several USB ports.

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 GV80 was equipped with advanced safety features, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. It featured a blind-spot video feed in the digital gauge cluster and Highway Drive Assist for hands-on/eyes-up driving aid. The GV80 received five stars from the NHTSA for overall safety and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests.