2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its overall sophistication. The model was 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor, featuring revised front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and sporty new character lines. The sharp body lines were complemented by lower body cladding, and new alloy wheel designs completed the exterior updates. Inside, the Kona's instrument panel and center console were separated to emphasize a more horizontal layout, creating a wider, more spacious look. New ambient lighting and a rear USB port added convenience and sophistication. The introduction of the sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-color cladding and exclusive interior features, enhancing the Kona's athletic appeal.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender stood out with its classic, boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4, which appealed to customers over the Discovery. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, maintaining a consistent industrial theme. Tasteful accents paid homage to the original 1980s Defender, including dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, skylights along the roof, and a body-color square separating the side glass. The Defender offered various accessory packages and was available in three body styles: 90, 110, and 130, providing unmatched choice and flexibility. Despite its rugged exterior, the interior focused on function and durability, with rubbers and plastics designed to resist stains and moisture, maintaining the Defender's hardcore character.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. 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 CVT. For those seeking more power, the N Line and Kona Limited boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivering 195 hp and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a seven-speed DCT. The Kona N took performance to another level with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 276 hp 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 drive. Our test vehicle, a Kona N Line with AWD, demonstrated impressive power and handling, with minimal turbo lag and a composed ride.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled off-road, with its permanent 4WD, Terrain Response 2 system, and impressive wheel articulation. However, on-road performance was less refined, with excessive body roll, slow steering, and noticeable wind noise. The Defender's saving grace was its powerful engines. The V8 engine delivered 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque, providing exhilarating acceleration, while the six-cylinder engine offered 395 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque with a mild hybrid system for seamless operation. The Defender's fuel economy varied, with the V8 returning 14/19/16 mpg and the six-cylinder achieving 18/23/20 mpg. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender's on-road performance was less polished compared to other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered commendable front-seat comfort with ample headroom and legroom. The N Line's front seats provided excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges with small door openings and limited head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight, with 19.2 cubic feet available with all seats up, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended, limiting the Kona's utility for larger loads.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in versatility, offering unmatched seating configurations. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 offered optional third rows for up to eight passengers. The Defender's large glass areas and optional panoramic moonroof enhanced visibility and interior ambiance. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering 77 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by features like a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps, making it a practical choice for adventurous families.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an upgraded infotainment system, starting with an 8-inch display on the base SE trim. The N Line and above offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and traffic information. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The Kona also offered Hyundai Blue Link, providing remote services and convenience features. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with easy smartphone connectivity and a suite of connected services.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender boasted two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen was integrated into the dashboard, while the optional 11.4-inch screen offered greater legibility. Both screens supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a voice assistant and connected apps. The Defender's technology suite included heated front seats, a proximity key, and power-folding mirrors. Higher trims added features like a Meridian stereo, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display, enhancing the Defender's luxury appeal.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a basic suite of driver aids, including 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. However, the child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating, preventing the Kona from achieving Top Safety Pick status.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. agencies but received five stars in Euro NCAP testing. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included a digital instrument panel with full-screen maps, a head-up display, and a 360-degree camera system. The Defender's safety suite was comprehensive, though it lacked some advanced features like self-steering highway assist.