2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 BMW X3

The 2021 Hyundai Kona was a funky small SUV that blended mild and wild styling. Up front, the grille was flanked by lighting features, with additional lights above and fog lights beneath on some trim levels. This busy look leaned more toward playful than business, appealing to younger buyers. The rear styling was more subdued, featuring a standard crossover shape and lighting configuration. Inside, the Kona maintained a fun attitude without being too whimsical. The seats had neat patterns and standard cloth upholstery, with higher trims offering leather upgrades. The interior layout was simple and intuitive, featuring a high-mounted infotainment touchscreen and physical climate controls, making it user-friendly despite its compact size.

The 2021 BMW X3, introduced in its third generation in 2018, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The 2018 redesign refined the X3 formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's outward appearance resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the same cold, mechanical styling found across the BMW lineup. Though not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dash was more functional. Trims for the 2021 X3 included sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid, with the high-performance X3 M covered separately. Standard features included 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, heated-and-ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging. The M40i trim added 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two powertrain options. The base model featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional turbocharged 1.6-liter engine delivered 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,400. While neither engine was particularly powerful, both provided ample power for city and highway driving. The dual-clutch transmission, though not graceful at low speeds, smoothed out at higher speeds. The Kona handled with confidence, offering a fun and engaging driving experience while maintaining comfort and composure on curvy roads. Fuel economy for the base engine with FWD was 27/33/30 mpg city/highway/combined, and 25/30/27 mpg with AWD. The turbo engine with FWD achieved 28/32/30 mpg, and 26/29/27 mpg with AWD.

The 2021 BMW X3's sDrive30i and xDrive30i trims came equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i featured rear-wheel drive, while the xDrive30i had all-wheel drive. This engine provided solid pickup for city and highway driving. The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 288 horsepower and brisk acceleration, with a 17-mile electric-only range and a recharge time of about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger, or nearly 12 hours with a 120-volt outlet. For a true performance experience, the M40i trim featured a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. The high-performance X3 M model boasted a 473-horsepower engine, catering to those needing speed and space for the family.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, with an optional sunroof that didn't significantly reduce headroom. Controls and displays were easily accessible for both front passengers. The front seats were wide and well-padded but lacked sufficient support for spirited driving. Back-seat passengers had good headroom but limited legroom. The large rear door openings facilitated loading and unloading children, though large rear-facing car seats could be problematic for taller front passengers. The Kona's cargo space was limited, ranking near the bottom of its segment, but the rear seats folded to expand the space. Small-item storage was generous, with large door pockets and a spacious center console area.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, among the best in the small luxury SUV segment. With the rear seats in use, it provided 28.7 cubic feet. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available. The X3 was spacious for all passengers, with ample headroom and legroom in the front row and adult-friendly rear seats. The driver and front passenger benefited from real buttons and dials complementing the main touchscreen, reducing the learning curve for new users.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came equipped with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, six speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB inputs. Available tech included SiriusXM radio, navigation, wireless device charging, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Hyundai's infotainment software was simple, colorful, and responsive, making it easy to navigate without requiring multiple clicks to change settings or access features. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were significant benefits, especially for lower trims, providing navigation, streaming audio, and voice controls.

The 2021 BMW X3 featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, known for its ease of use compared to other luxury systems. The combination of touch operation and the iDrive dial in the center console catered to both touch and dial preferences. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto as an option. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. The optional gesture control allowed basic controls through hand movements, though it could result in false positives for those who talk with their hands.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with "Good" scores in all crash test areas. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded it five stars overall. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a driver attention warning system, and rear occupant alert. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a head-up display, and parking sensors.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, and lane departure warning. It also included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.