2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Hyundai Kona

The 2021 Hyundai Kona was a small SUV that combined a playful and unique exterior with a more subdued rear design. Its front featured a busy grille flanked by multiple lighting elements, creating a youthful and funky appearance aimed at younger buyers. The interior mirrored this playful attitude with neat patterns and standard cloth upholstery, while higher trims offered leather upgrades. The well-organized cabin included an infotainment system touchscreen mounted high on the dash, complemented by intuitive physical climate controls, making it user-friendly despite its compact size.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 presented a more aggressive and sophisticated exterior design. The updated kidney grille, adaptive full LED headlights, and redesigned taillights gave it a modern and slightly menacing look. The X3's interior was clean and efficient, offering a variety of premium materials and features such as wood trim, power-adjustable seats, and a panoramic moonroof. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, with a focus on practicality and luxury, making it a suitable choice for those seeking a refined driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The base engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the turbocharged engine came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on lower trims, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Kona's handling was agile and engaging, providing a fun driving experience despite its modest power output. Fuel consumption ratings for the Kona varied depending on the drivetrain, with the turbo engine and AWD achieving 9.0/8.0/8.6 L/100 km city/highway/combined.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission across all models. The xDrive30i variant was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The M40i model boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The M40i's performance was enhanced by a sports exhaust system, adaptive suspension, and a rear-oriented torque split AWD system. While the mild-hybrid system offered additional power, it did not improve fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, with controls and displays easily accessible. The rear seats offered good headroom but limited legroom, making it less comfortable for taller passengers. The Kona's cargo space was limited compared to competitors, though the rear seats could be folded to increase storage capacity. Small-item storage was generous, with large door pockets and a spacious centre console.

The 2022 BMW X3 excelled in comfort and practicality, offering ample space for five passengers and their luggage. The rear seats featured a 40/20/40-split, providing flexibility for cargo storage. The X3's interior was well-appointed, with comfortable SensaTec faux-leather seats and an optional upgrade to Vernasca leather. The redesigned centre console and larger infotainment system improved accessibility and usability. The X3's power tailgate and optional hands-free opening added convenience for loading and unloading.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came equipped with an eight-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Bluetooth, six speakers, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered additional features such as SiriusXM radio, navigation, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen system. The infotainment software was user-friendly, with a colourful and responsive interface.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured BMW Live Cockpit Plus with iDrive 7 telematics, including a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, navigation, and smartphone compatibility. The system was customizable, with an optional upgrade to Live Cockpit Professional for a fully digital experience. The X3 offered a standard 12-speaker HiFi sound system, with an optional Harman Kardon surround sound system for M40i models. Additional tech options included comfort access keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision avoidance assist, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades included lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with adaptive LED headlights, a rearview camera, and a suite of driver-assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and active blind-spot monitoring. Optional safety features included parking assistance plus, traffic jam assistance, and active lane-keep assist.