2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2022 Jeep Wrangler

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 design was aimed at younger buyers, offering a fun and funky aesthetic. Inside, the Kona maintained a balance between whimsy and practicality, with neat seat patterns and standard cloth upholstery, while higher trims offered leather upgrades. The interior was well-organized, featuring a high-mounted infotainment touchscreen and intuitive physical climate controls, making it user-friendly despite its compact size.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a rugged and adventurous look, with a choice between two-door and four-door body styles. Buyers could select from a variety of engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline V6, turbodiesel V6, gas V8, or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Wrangler came in four core trim levels, with numerous special editions offering different roof and top configurations. Our test vehicle, the High Tide model, was based on the four-door Sport S trim and included options like LED exterior lighting, a body-colour hardtop, and a Gorilla Glass windshield. The Wrangler's design emphasized off-road capability and customization, appealing to those seeking a unique and immersive driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two powertrain options. The base model featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivered 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard on lower trims, with all-wheel drive available as an option, while higher trims came with AWD as standard. The Kona's engines provided sufficient power for city and highway driving, and its handling was surprisingly agile and engaging. Fuel consumption ratings for the Kona varied, with the base engine and FWD achieving 8.6/7.0/7.9 L/100 km city/highway/combined, while the turbo engine with AWD returned 9.0/8.0/8.6 L/100 km.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, on the other hand, was equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine featuring eTorque mild-hybrid electrification, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and the optional Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher, with a combined rating of 11.2 L/100 km according to Natural Resources Canada, though our test vehicle averaged 14.0 L/100 km over a week of driving. The Wrangler's driving experience was unique, characterized by its off-road capabilities and open-air design, but it also came with compromises in terms of ride comfort, steering precision, and fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent headroom and legroom for front-seat passengers, with a simple and intuitive layout for controls and displays. The front seats were wide and well-padded, though they could benefit from more support. Rear-seat passengers found good headroom but limited legroom, and the large rear door openings facilitated loading and unloading. However, the Kona's cargo space was limited compared to competitors, though small-item storage was generous and well-placed.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit, especially with a raised suspension. The seats were comfortable, with durable cloth upholstery, but the driving position was close to the steering wheel and dashboard. Visibility varied, with some areas offering excellent views and others being compromised. Rear-seat passengers faced similar entry difficulties but found agreeable accommodations once inside. Cargo space was generous, with 898 litres available behind the rear seat and 2,050 litres with the rear seat folded, though loading required swinging the tailgate open.

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

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, featured a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While it lacked the optional Uconnect 8.4-inch system with additional features, the basic setup provided essential connectivity. The Wrangler also included options like remote engine starting, satellite radio, and a passive keyless entry system. The Cold Weather Group added heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort during open-air driving.

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 Wrangler, equipped with the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, offered features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. However, the Wrangler's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings from the IIHS. Safety features were optional rather than standard, and the Wrangler's design required extra care when driving.