2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Hyundai Kona was a standout in its segment, offering a sleek, sporty, and dramatic exterior that belied its mass-market economy car status. Despite being shorter than its competitors, the Kona's design cleverly masked its compact dimensions with features like tiered lighting, a tall grille, and matte plastic trim, giving it a taller and wider appearance. The exterior was further enhanced by slim LED running lamps, optional fog lights, and two-tone alloy wheels, creating a premium vibe. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal, with hard plastics and lackluster finishes. While the layout was acceptable and the screens high-resolution, the overall tactile quality fell short compared to rivals like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the luxury SUV market, unburdened by legacy design constraints. Its elegant two-box design featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a massive trapezoidal grille with a diamond mesh, establishing a signature Genesis look. The GV80's interior was a testament to luxury, with a sleek dashboard, minimal controls, and authentic materials like real wood and leather. The centre console was a bridge-like structure with a rotary gear selector and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, creating a sophisticated and uncluttered environment. The GV80's design successfully blended innovation with the brand's emerging identity, offering a truly luxurious experience.

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. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission provided strong acceleration and confidence in various driving conditions. However, only the Trend and Ultimate trims featured this turbo engine, while the standard 2.0-litre engine offered 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. The Kona's handling was commendable, with fast steering and a tight suspension, though the ride was stiffer and noisier compared to rivals. Fuel efficiency was average, with the 1.6T AWD model rated at 9.0 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 producing 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV80's ride was smooth, thanks to its electronically controlled suspension with road preview on 3.5T models. The 2.5T engine was lively but could feel thrashy when pushed, while the 3.5T was smoother and quieter, aided by active noise cancellation. Fuel consumption for the 2.5T was 11.3 L/100 km city and 9.5 highway, while the 3.5T was rated at 12.9 city and 10.4 highway.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space, offering seating for four and limited cargo capacity. With 544 litres of cargo space and 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded, it lagged behind competitors like the Honda HR-V and Kia Soul. The Kona's controls were user-friendly, and the infotainment system was simple and fast, but its utility was compromised by its cramped interior, making it more akin to a small hatchback than a true crossover.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 excelled in interior space and luxury features. The second row was comfortable for two adults, with power seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on 3.5T models, increasing passenger capacity to seven. The centre console featured a rotary gear selector and a multimedia controller with a concave design, offering a sophisticated interface. The GV80's interior was a blend of technology, design, and ergonomics, providing a luxurious and spacious environment.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona came with a good 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 Kona's lane-centring abilities were impressive, though it lacked some advanced features found in more expensive models.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD touchscreen and user-configurable split-screen displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with cloud connectivity for over-the-air updates. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users, five years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, and a head-up display on higher trims. The Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround audio system with 21 speakers was a highlight, providing an exceptional audio experience.

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

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS and received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It featured 10 airbags, including a front-centre airbag, and a suite of driver assistance and safety features. The GV80's adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist offered advanced safety and convenience, while the Remote Smart Parking Assist provided automated parking capabilities.