2022 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, characterized by the iconic kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights, was unmistakably BMW, offering a luxurious and upscale appearance. The M Sport styling added a sporty flair with body-colour matched trims and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, featuring leather and soft-touch materials, though it suffered from an overuse of black plastic. The M Sport models boasted unique styling elements, enhancing the sporty feel with an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with a longer body, revised grille, and sporty character lines. The new alloy wheel designs and LED lighting added to its modern appeal. Inside, the Kona's instrument panel and centre console were redesigned for a more spacious look, complemented by ambient lighting. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and exclusive interior features like red stitching and N logos, giving the Kona a more athletic and racy appearance.

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, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp, while the X5 M reached 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model provided 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 50-kilometre all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were less engaging than expected, with dynamics more akin to a Lincoln. The plug-in hybrid's charging was convenient, offering a total driving range of about 600 kilometres.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of engines and transmissions. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 hp, paired with a CVT. The N Line trim provided a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 195 hp, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 276 hp, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona's handling was composed, with a low centre of gravity and surefooted performance. The N Line's turbo engine and AWD made it agile in city traffic, though some turbo lag and clunkiness in lower gears were noted.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats accommodated two adults comfortably, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button facilitated easy loading of cargo. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its compact size, provided ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants. The N Line's front seats offered excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat space was limited, with small door openings and compromised head- and legroom. The Kona's cargo space was tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended for the Kona.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, a premium audio system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an 8-inch display on the base trim, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The Kona N Line and Kona N offered a premium audio system and a digital instrument cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard with the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. Hyundai BlueLink provided connected services, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped 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 a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Optional technologies included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and Good ratings in all IIHS crashworthiness tests. The forward collision-avoidance system received high marks, though the child-seat anchors were rated Marginal.