2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant mid-generation refresh, resulting in a more muscular exterior design. The new hexagonal grille and standard LED headlights contributed to a streamlined front end, moving away from the elegance of previous models. Despite these changes, the Pacifica retained some of its original sophistication, particularly noticeable along its sides and rear. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its centre. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Carnival by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. The interior boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted Nappa leather seats, creating a luxurious feel. The Pacifica also excelled in sound deadening, providing a quiet ride.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona presented a funky and youthful design, appealing to a younger audience. Its exterior combined mild and wild elements, with a busy front end featuring multiple lighting layers and fog lights on some trims. The rear design was more subdued, resembling a standard crossover. Inside, the Kona maintained a playful yet organized atmosphere, with neat seat patterns and standard cloth upholstery. Higher trims offered leather upgrades for the steering wheel and seats. The interior layout was simple and intuitive, with an infotainment system touchscreen mounted high on the dash and physical climate controls. Despite its compact size, the Kona's interior managed to convey a sense of fun without being overly whimsical.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-litre V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid version combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission and a 16-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 260 horsepower from the engine and 198 horsepower from its motors. In Canada, all-wheel drive (AWD) was an extra-cost option for internal combustion engine models, while the Pacifica Hybrid was front-wheel drive (FWD) only. The AWD system was a new addition, automatically activating when needed and deactivating for improved fuel efficiency. The Pacifica Hybrid boasted an all-electric range of over 50 kilometres and a total range of 784 kilometres, with fuel consumption ratings of 2.9 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres and 8.0 litres per 100 kilometres combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica had fuel consumption ratings of 12.4 litres per 100 kilometres in the city, 8.4 on the highway, and 10.6 combined, with AWD models seeing slightly higher figures.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options: a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and an optional turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard on Essential and Preferred trims, with AWD available as an option, while higher trims came with AWD as standard. The Kona's engines provided sufficient power for city and highway driving, though the dual-clutch transmission was less smooth at low speeds. The Kona impressed with its agile handling and engaging driving experience, offering a balance of comfort and composure. Fuel consumption ratings for the Kona were 8.6/7.0/7.9 litres per 100 kilometres city/highway/combined for FWD models with the base engine, 9.2/7.8/8.6 L/100 km for AWD models with the base engine, and 9.0/8.0/8.6 L/100 km for AWD models with the turbo engine.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious front seats and a padded centre console lid for a sense of togetherness. Storage space was ample, with a handy under-stack area for items like purses or muddy shoes. Standard features included rear power-sliding doors, three-zone climate control, power windows, a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and Stow 'n Go seating for the second and third rows. The Pacifica's under-console storage for second-row passengers was a practical addition, providing space for charging cords, tissues, and more. The second and third rows offered plenty of legroom, though taller adults might prefer the middle row. The Pacifica's cargo area was spacious, with best-in-class total storage of 3,979 litres.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, with controls and displays within easy reach. The front seats were wide and well-padded but could benefit from more support. Back-seat passengers enjoyed good headroom, though legroom was limited. The Kona's large rear door openings facilitated loading and unloading, but large rear-facing car seats could pose challenges for taller front passengers. The Kona's cargo space was limited compared to competitors, though the rear seats folded to expand the area. Small-item storage was generous, with large door pockets and a spacious centre console area.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering a modern and customizable experience. The system was graphically appealing, responsive, and easy to navigate, though it lacked a head-up display. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The second row's in-seat entertainment system remained an option, with additional games available. Audio options ranged from a standard six-speaker system to a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system, providing a high-quality listening experience. The Pinnacle model included FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came equipped with an eight-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Bluetooth, six speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB inputs. Available upgrades included SiriusXM radio, navigation, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen system. Hyundai's infotainment software was simple, colourful, and responsive, making it easy to navigate. Wireless smartphone connectivity was a significant advantage for Kona buyers, though the larger touchscreen system did not support this feature.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered up to 116 standard or available safety features, with many being electronic and mechanical. In Canada, most safety features were available from the Touring-L grade, including automatic pedestrian emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and forward collision warning with active braking. Additional features like adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, and a surround-view camera were available on higher trims. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision avoidance assist, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and cruise control. AWD grades came with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional upgrades included lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors.