GMC Yukon vs Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a notable update, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. The vehicle was 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor, featuring revised front and rear fascias, improved LED lighting, and new character lines that contributed to a more sophisticated appearance. The addition of new alloy wheel designs further complemented the exterior changes. Inside, the Kona's interior was reimagined with a more horizontal layout, creating a sense of spaciousness. Ambient lighting and a rear USB port added convenience and a touch of elegance. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-color cladding and exclusive interior features, elevating the Kona's sporty appeal.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Yukon was characterized by its extensive use of chrome, particularly evident in the Denali trim, which featured a vast, multi-dimensional grille. This design choice gave the Yukon a commanding presence, essential for a full-size luxury SUV. The Denali's 22-inch bright machined aluminum wheels and the dark Redwood Metallic paint added to its striking appearance. The AT4 trim offered a distinct look with a dark grille, skid plate, and red recovery hooks. Inside, the Yukon boasted a spacious cabin with standard seating for eight, with options for second-row captain's chairs. The Denali trim offered exclusive interior designs, enhancing the vehicle's premium feel.

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 Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed DCT. The Kona N, with its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, produced 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed wet DCT. This setup included performance features like launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential. The Kona N Line, with its turbocharged engine and AWD, provided a spirited driving experience, with agile handling and a composed ride.

The 2022 GMC Yukon offered three engine options, including a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, standard on most trims. The Denali trim featured a 6.2-liter V8, producing 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine, available on most trims, delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, offering excellent fuel economy. All engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with RWD standard and 4WD optional. The AT4 trim was exclusively 4WD, featuring a two-speed transfer case for off-road capability. The Yukon's towing capacity reached 8,400 pounds with the right configuration. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality, though some bouncing was noted on rough surfaces.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, provided a comfortable experience for front-seat occupants, with ample headroom and legroom. The N Line's front seats offered excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat passengers faced challenges, with limited headroom and legroom due to the vehicle's dimensions. 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 for the Kona.

The 2022 GMC Yukon excelled in interior space, particularly with its redesigned third row, which offered 34.9 inches of legroom, a significant improvement. Cargo space behind the third row increased to 25.5 cubic feet. The Yukon's longer wheelbase and independent rear suspension contributed to the spacious interior. The second-row seats folded flat, and power-folding options eased access to the third row. The Denali trim featured a power-sliding center console with hidden storage, adding convenience. Power-retractable assist steps facilitated entry and exit, though they could be cumbersome in wet conditions.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more technology, starting with an 8-inch display on the base SE trim, offering Bluetooth connectivity. The SEL trim added SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link. The Limited and Kona N featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and an optional Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The Kona also offered a Digital Key and Hyundai Blue Link services, enhancing convenience and connectivity.

The 2022 GMC Yukon came equipped with a 12-inch reconfigurable driver information center, providing access to phone, audio, and navigation functions. The Denali trim featured a 15-inch head-up display, offering comprehensive driving information. The Yukon's 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system included Google Built-In, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Denali Ultimate Package added a rear-seat media system with dual 12.6-inch touchscreens. The Bose 14-speaker audio system, while adequate, didn't meet expectations for sound quality.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered essential safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though it didn't achieve Top Safety Pick status due to child-seat anchor issues.

The 2022 GMC Yukon featured GMC's Pro Safety suite, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. The Pro Safety Plus package added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert. The Yukon received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars for side crash protection. The IIHS had not tested the current-generation Yukon.