2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Hyundai Kona was a standout in its segment, boasting a sleek, sporty, and dramatic exterior that set it apart from its competitors. Despite being several millimetres shorter than rivals like the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR, the Kona's design cleverly masked its compact dimensions. The tiered lighting, tall grille, and matte plastic trim gave it a taller and wider appearance, while the slim LED running lamps and optional fog lights added to its visual appeal. The Kona's exterior was further enhanced by two-tone alloy wheels and a gently sloping roof, creating a premium vibe. However, the interior did not match the exterior's excitement, with hard plastics and lacklustre finishes. While the layout was acceptable and the screens high-resolution, the overall tactile quality fell short compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V.

In contrast, the 2021 Audi Q5 presented a sharp and modern appearance, carrying the Audi design language with distinction. Its expressive face featured LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, emphasizing width. The body styling was marked by crisp character lines, and the rear showcased bold taillights. The Q5's fit and finish were exceptional, with the plug-in hybrid version sporting S-Line trim pieces and enhancements. Inside, the Q5 maintained a classy and modern aesthetic, with a high level of material selection and a well-organized layout. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for driver visibility, and the second row was equally well-appointed with standard leather upholstery.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona surprised many with its impressive powertrain and chassis. Its 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four engine delivered 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, outperforming most competitors in its segment. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission provided quick responses, and the Kona's acceleration was strong in both normal and sport modes. The turbocharged engine was available only on the Trend and Ultimate trims, while the standard engine was a 2.0-litre inline-four with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. The Kona's handling was commendable, with fast and direct steering, a tight suspension, and minimal body roll. However, the ride was stiffer, and the cabin was noisier compared to more refined competitors. Fuel efficiency was average, with the 1.6T AWD model rated at 9.0 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took performance to another level with its combined output of 362 hp and 373 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a 14.1-kWh battery and a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. The Q5 PHEV accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds and offered impressive fuel efficiency of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres combined. The drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission with full-time Quattro AWD, and drivers could choose between different driving modes for optimal efficiency. The Q5's handling was balanced, with a slightly stiff, sporty setting and minimal body roll. The four-wheel independent suspension contributed to a comfortable yet engaging driving experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space, offering only 544 litres of cargo space and 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. Rear legroom was average, and the scalloped roof provided additional headroom. However, the Kona's cargo capacity was significantly smaller than competitors like the Honda HR-V and Kia Soul. Despite its easy-to-use controls and good sightlines, the Kona's utility was limited, making it more akin to a small hatchback than a true crossover.

The 2021 Audi Q5 excelled in interior space, with 710 litres of cargo space behind the second row and 1,503 litres with the seats folded. The Q5's smart packaging allowed it to carry its battery pack without sacrificing cargo space. The second row offered reasonable legroom and ample headroom, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and optional ventilation. The Q5's interior was thoughtfully designed, with ample storage options and a clutter-free layout.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth as standard features. Higher trims like the Luxury and Ultimate included a sunroof and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate trim featured an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and impressive lane-centring abilities on the highway.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The customizable instrument panel offered three views, enhancing the cabin's futuristic feel. The Q5 also featured a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and wired Android Auto, providing a high level of connectivity and entertainment.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. It came standard with forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. However, it lacked front knee airbags and rear side airbags.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the 2020 gasoline model received top ratings in most categories. The Q5 featured six airbags, an anti-lock braking system, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. Available driver-assistance features included Audi Pre Sense front, adaptive cruise control, and traffic-sign recognition.