2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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 array of lighting elements, including a grille flanked by lights, additional lights above, and fog lights on certain trims. This quirky design appealed to younger buyers. Inside, the Kona maintained its fun vibe with neat seat patterns and standard cloth upholstery, while higher trims offered leather upgrades. The interior was well-organized, with an intuitive infotainment system and physical climate controls, making it user-friendly despite its compact size.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a new model that retained traditional Jeep design elements while offering a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L. It was available in various trims, from the basic Laredo to the luxurious Summit Reserve, each offering distinct features. The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, with a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, it mirrored the Grand Cherokee L, with options ranging from basic cloth seats to premium leather and high-end audio systems. The interior was spacious and luxurious, with a focus on comfort and quality.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two powertrain options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 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, and standard on higher trims. The Kona's performance was agile and engaging, with a focus on comfort and composure on curvy roads. Fuel consumption ratings 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre V6 engine with 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.7-litre V8 engine producing 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The V6 had a towing capacity of 2,812 kg, while the V8 could tow up to 3,265 kg. Three different 4WD systems were available, catering to various off-roading needs. The Grand Cherokee's fuel consumption ranged from 14.1 L/100 km with the V8 to 11.3 L/100 km with the V6. The Trailhawk trim excelled in off-roading, with features like Quadra-Drive II, air suspension, and all-terrain tires. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with or without the adaptive damping Quadra-Lift air suspension.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, with a simple and intuitive layout. The front seats were wide and well-padded but lacked support for spirited driving. Rear-seat passengers had good headroom but limited legroom, and the large rear door openings facilitated child seat installation. The Kona's cargo space was limited compared to competitors, but small-item storage was generous and conveniently located.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a comfortable interior for the driver and front passenger, with heated seats and steering wheel as standard in Canada. Higher trims added features like ventilated seats and massagers. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence. Rear-seat room was tight for adults with long legs, but the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom. The two-row Grand Cherokee provided 1,067 litres of cargo space behind the back seat, expanding to 2,004 litres with the seats folded.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came equipped with an eight-inch infotainment system touchscreen, Bluetooth, six speakers, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available tech included SiriusXM radio, navigation, a Harman Kardon audio system, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with a simple interface and responsive software.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, camera-based rearview mirror, and multiple interior touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Amazon Alexa integration and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. The optional front passenger interactive display provided additional entertainment options.

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, automatic emergency braking, and cruise control. Optional upgrades included lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an impressive collection of advanced driver assistance systems, with a structure composed of aluminum and high-strength steel. Standard safety features included blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance, with a hands-free version expected in 2022.