2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 BMW X5

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 shorter than many of its rivals, the Kona's design cleverly masked its compact dimensions, giving it a premium vibe. The tiered lighting, tall grille, and matte plastic trim contributed to its visually stimulating appearance, making it seem taller and wider. The two-tone alloy wheels and gently sloping roof added to its appeal, while the Trend and Ultimate models offered additional styling elements. However, the interior did not match the exterior's excitement, with hard plastics and lackluster finishes. While the layout was functional, the tactile quality lagged behind competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 exuded the high-quality craftsmanship expected from the brand. Its design was unmistakably BMW, with the signature kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights. The X5's exterior was both upscale and sporty, especially in the M Sport styling, which featured body-coloured trim and high-gloss black accents. The interior, while sharing many elements with other BMW models, was luxurious with leather and soft-touch materials. The M Sport models offered unique styling touches, enhancing the cabin's appeal. Despite some sameness in design, the X5's interior was comfortable and well-appointed, though the abundance of black plastic was prone to collecting dust.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona surprised many with its impressive powertrain and chassis. The 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, making acceleration strong and confident. The Kona's handling was agile, with fast steering and a tight suspension that minimized body roll. The AWD models featured an independent rear suspension, enhancing the driving experience on twisty roads. However, the Kona's engines were noisy, and the cabin lacked insulation, resulting in a loud driving experience. Fuel efficiency was average, with the 1.6T AWD achieving 9.0 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The M50i variant boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid combined a 3.0-litre engine with a 24-kWh battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with up to 50 km of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were less engaging than expected, with steering issues at higher speeds. Fuel efficiency varied, with the xDrive45e rated at 11.5 L/100 km combined on gasoline and 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 km with electric assistance.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space, offering only 544 litres of cargo capacity, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. This was significantly less than competitors like the Honda HR-V and Kia Soul. The rear seats provided average legroom, but the overall space was cramped, limiting its utility as a crossover. Despite easy-to-use controls and good sightlines, the Kona's interior felt more like a small hatchback than a true SUV.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with a well-organized centre console and spacious seating. The front seats were comfortable for short trips, though they became hard on longer journeys. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate and air suspension made loading cargo easy, and the cargo area was spacious without the third row. However, moving items in and out of the second row was challenging due to narrow door openings.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona came with a solid list of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and heated front seats. Higher trims added a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The lane-centring abilities impressed, though the adaptive cruise control lacked stop-and-go functionality.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system had connectivity quirks, with Apple CarPlay taking over music operations unexpectedly. Standard features included a digital gauge cluster, 10-speaker sound system, and panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was intuitive once familiar.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona received high safety ratings, earning five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. However, pedestrian detection was limited to the Ultimate trim, and the Kona lacked front knee and rear side airbags.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received mostly Good ratings from the IIHS but had a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.