2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS

The 2020 Hyundai Kona presented a striking exterior design that stood out in the subcompact SUV segment. Its sleek, sporty, and dramatic appearance was achieved through clever design choices rather than sheer size. The Kona's tiered lighting, tall grille, and matte plastic trim gave it a taller and wider look, while the slim LED running lamps and fender creases added to its visual appeal. Despite its compact size, the Kona managed to convey a premium vibe with features like two-tone alloy wheels and a gently sloping roof. However, the interior did not match the exterior's excitement, with hard plastics and lackluster finishes dominating the cabin. While the layout and screens were acceptable, the overall tactile quality fell short compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a more refined and luxurious experience. The GLS's exterior design was characterized by softened angles and lines, giving it a more svelte appearance despite its large size. Inside, the GLS featured a futuristic cabin with a massive digital screen spanning nearly two-thirds of the dash, highlighting its tech-reliant controls. The GLS was available in three levels, with the AMG GLS 63 model showcasing aggressive bodywork and a performance-inspired interior. The GLS's interior was spacious, with three rows of seating and ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. The third row, while not as spacious, was still suitable for full-size adults, a claim many three-row SUVs couldn't make.

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 the segment. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission provided quick responses, making the Kona feel lively and confident in various driving conditions. However, only the Trend and Ultimate trims featured the turbo engine, while the standard 2.0-litre engine offered 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Kona's handling was commendable, with fast steering and a tight suspension that allowed minimal roll. Despite its small size, the Kona's AWD models with independent rear suspension provided a driving experience comparable to more premium brands.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engines, starting with the GLS 450's twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine producing 362 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The GLS 580 featured a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 with 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. The AMG GLS 63, however, stole the show with its hand-crafted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, delivering 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. The GLS 63 could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.2 seconds, an impressive feat for a vehicle weighing over 2,694 kilograms. The GLS's adaptive air suspension and multiple drive modes allowed for a comfortable and dynamic driving experience, making it feel more like a smaller car in terms of maneuverability.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space, offering seating for four with average rear legroom and headroom. However, its cargo space was limited, with only 544 litres available and 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. This was significantly less than competitors like the Honda HR-V and Kia Soul, making the Kona less practical for carrying larger loads. Despite its easy-to-use controls and good sightlines, the Kona's utility was compromised by its cramped interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS excelled in interior space and functionality. It offered three rows of seating, with ample headroom and legroom for first- and second-row occupants. The third row, while not as spacious, was still suitable for adults. The GLS provided 355 litres of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 1,209 litres with the third row folded and 2,400 litres with both the second and third rows down. The power-folding third row and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona came equipped with a good list of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and proximity entry. Heated front seats and side mirrors were also standard. Higher trims like the Luxury and Ultimate added features such as a sunroof and adaptive cruise control. The Ultimate trim impressed with its lane-centring abilities on the highway, despite not having the full Highway Driving Assistant feature.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the new MBUX infotainment system, which included a massive touchscreen and a trackpad for easy navigation. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it required a USB-C cable for connectivity. The MBUX voice-control system allowed for complex commands, enhancing the user experience. The digital dash extended to the fully digital instrument panel, controlled by touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. While there was a learning curve, the system made the GLS's extensive technology more manageable.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona received high safety ratings, scoring five out of five stars overall in NHTSA crash tests and earning a 2020 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 only available on the Ultimate trim, and the Kona lacked front knee airbags and rear side airbags.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, rain-sensing wipers, and automatic high beams. Additional safety tech included lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot monitoring. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system, ensuring a high level of safety for its occupants.