2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Toyota RAV4

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was offered in six trim levels, ranging from the budget-friendly RAV4 LE to the luxurious RAV4 Limited, with two off-road-oriented trims in between. The design remained consistent with the 2019 model, especially in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which featured a distinctive two-part face. The Adventure trim, which we tested, had a more aggressive grille, blacked-out wheels, and additional black cladding around the wheel arches. However, it was more about appearance than actual off-road capability. The interior of the Adventure trim was spruced up with orange accents, including a stripe down the middle of the seats and contrast stitching, adding a touch of flair to an otherwise basic center console.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle (EV) focus, evident in its sleek, grille-less front end reminiscent of the Ioniq 5. The new Kona featured a "seamless horizon" styling with a single LED headlight strip dominating the front. Despite its increased length, the Kona retained its recognizable silhouette, with new creased "parametric surface" doors and more substantial black body cladding on the base SE, SEL, and Limited trims. The sporty N-Line trim had body-colored wheel arches. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights were part of the new design, with 17-inch wheels standard and larger wheels for higher trims. Inside, the Kona's cabin was updated with a driver-oriented center stack, a new gear shift on the steering column, and a curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came standard with front-wheel drive (FWD), except for the Adventure and TRD Off-Road trims, which were all-wheel-drive (AWD) by default. All trims could be upgraded to AWD, adding a Snow Mode. The RAV4 Hybrid and Prime models were exclusively AWD. The sole engine for the gas-powered RAV4 was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the transmission was preferable to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it didn't excel in acceleration. The Adventure trim, with its 19-inch all-season tires and standard suspension, couldn't match the TRD Off-Road's 18-inch wheels, Falken All-Terrain tires, and TRD-tuned suspension.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder for the SE and SEL trims and a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder for the N-Line and Limited trims. The base engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT, while the turbo engine delivered 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, now mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters were available on the N-Line and Limited trims, and as an option for the SEL Convenience Package. During our test drive, the turbo engine's pickup was slightly sluggish, but the steering and handling were intuitive and nimble. FWD was standard, with AWD available for an additional $1,500, reducing fuel economy estimates slightly.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 was designed to seat five, offering 37.7 inches of headroom in the front row and 39.5 inches in the back with the moonroof. Front legroom measured 41 inches, while the second row had 37.8 inches. The RAV4 provided ample storage options, including a shelf along the glove compartment and large door pockets. Cargo space was 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded, placing it mid-pack among competitors.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length translated to more rear-seat legroom at 38.2 inches, three inches more than the previous model. Headroom increased to 38.3 inches front and rear with the sunroof. Cargo capacity grew significantly to 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded. The Kona Limited featured a power hands-free liftgate for easier access. Inside, a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash provided additional storage, and a "guardrail" kept phones in place on the wireless charging pad. The center console, however, had limited covered storage. The Kona offered cloth seats on 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.

For 2023, the Toyota RAV4 received a new infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 10.5-inch touchscreen for Limited and TRD Off-Road trims. The system supported over-the-air (OTA) updates, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Our RAV4 Adventure tester featured the upgraded multimedia system with a 10.5-inch screen and an 11-speaker JBL Premium audio system. A 7-inch driver-information display was standard, with a 12.3-inch version available on the Limited trim.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona introduced several technological upgrades, including a standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen across the lineup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were initially available only on the lower trims, with an OTA update promised for the higher trims. The Kona also featured wireless device charging, a new Wi-Fi hotspot, and a Bose stereo system. Dual 12.3-inch screens created a panoramic view in the curved housing, standard on N-Line and Limited trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were now standard, with a lifetime subscription included.

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 came with standard safety features, including lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam LED headlights, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. The 2023 RAV4 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2024 Hyundai Kona featured standard advanced driver-assistance safety features, including Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was now standard, and adaptive cruise control was included 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 of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features impressed with smooth lane-keep assist and intuitive steering inputs.