2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as the factory options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out were limited to a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. However, the potential introduction of a performance-tuned SVR model with a twin-turbocharged V8 and more vibrant exterior details promised a future option for those desiring a more attention-grabbing vehicle. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle featuring numerous upgrades that brought its MSRP to $98,420. Notable design elements included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology in the taillights, contributing to its excellent aerodynamics.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle (EV) focus, evident in its appearance. The grille resembled that of the Ioniq 5, and the seamless horizon styling, with a single skinny LED headlight, dominated the front end. Despite its increased size, the Kona retained a recognizable silhouette, with new creased "parametric surface" doors and substantial black body cladding on the base SE, SEL, and Limited trims. The N-Line trim featured body-colored wheel arches. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights were part of the package, with 17-inch wheels standard and larger options for higher trims. Inside, the Kona's cabin was updated with a driver-oriented center stack, a relocated gear shift, and a curved display housing driver-information and infotainment screens. The interior updates enhanced the overall driving experience.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement, comfort, and driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric driving range. A 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine was offered for early-build 2023 models but was temporarily unavailable. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, and a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. The SUV's fuel efficiency was commendable, with an EPA rating of 21 mpg combined, and it averaged 22.3 mpg on the evaluation route. The Range Rover Sport's new vehicle architecture increased torsional stiffness by 35%, and its adaptive damping air suspension enhanced ride comfort and handling. However, it struggled to match the performance of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled, with impressive ground clearance, approach, breakover, and departure angles, and advanced off-road technology.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque for the SE and SEL trims. The N-Line and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was replaced by an eight-speed automatic transmission, with paddle shifters available on N-Line and Limited trims. The Kona's pickup was slightly slow even with the turbo, but its intuitive steering and nimble handling were appreciated. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional fee. The Kona's fuel economy estimates were 26 city, 32 highway, and 28 mpg combined for FWD, and 24 city, 29 highway, and 26 mpg combined for AWD.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport maintained its Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel with a low dashboard, upright windshield angle, and thin roof pillars. The air suspension could be programmed to kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, ventilation, and optional massage features. The rear seat, while improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with hard front seatback panels and narrow door openings. The back seat provided excellent support but had a reclined angle. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Storage within the cabin was decent, with various compartments and a full-size spare tire under the cargo floor.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona benefited from increased rear-seat legroom, measuring 38.2 inches, and improved headroom at 38.3 inches with the sunroof. Cargo capacity increased to 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded down. The Kona Limited featured a power hands-free liftgate for easy access. Inside, the cabin offered a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash and a guardrail on the wireless charging pad. The Kona's seating options included cloth seats for SE and SEL trims, a leather/suede combination for N-Line, and H-Tex leatherette for Limited. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on the Limited trim.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and an Online Pack with connected services. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system. A wireless smartphone charging pad was included but could be challenging to access.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona introduced a 12.3-inch infotainment system touchscreen display as standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on lower trims. An OTA update was promised to add wireless connectivity to higher trims. The Kona featured a new Wi-Fi hotspot, a Bose stereo system, and dual 12.3-inch screens for N-Line and Limited trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were standard, with a subscription included for the vehicle's life.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist was available, allowing the SUV to park itself using a smartphone app. The adaptive cruise control and steering assist were less satisfactory, with slow responses and challenges on freeway curves.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was standard, with adaptive cruise control available on N-Line and Limited trims. The Limited trim also featured Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist suite provided smooth lane-keep assist, although it could be resistant to cancellation.