2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with a longer body, revised grille, and new LED lighting. The sporty character lines and alloy wheel designs added to its appeal, while the interior featured a more spacious look with a horizontal layout and ambient lighting. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and exclusive interior features, making the Kona look more athletic and racy. The Kona N Line in Blue Wave was particularly striking, with its streamlined proportions and sporty accents, offering a fit and finish appropriate for its price point.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler offered a rugged and adventurous aesthetic, with options for two-door or four-door body styles and a variety of engine choices, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, gasoline-powered V6, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Wrangler's design emphasized off-road capability, with features like a removable roof and doors, and a range of trim levels and special editions. The High Tide model, based on the Sport S trim, added options like LED lighting and a body-colour hardtop, enhancing its rugged appeal. Despite its higher price point, the Wrangler's interior remained basic, focusing on durability and functionality rather than luxury.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The base trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower, while the N Line trim boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivering 195 horsepower. The standout Kona N trim offered a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 276 horsepower, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT, providing an exhilarating driving experience. The Kona's handling was composed and agile, with a low centre of gravity and AWD enhancing its stability. Despite its compact size, the Kona delivered a quiet and comfortable ride, making it a pleasure to drive in various settings.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, equipped with a 3.6-litre V6 engine and eTorque mild-hybrid system, produced 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system enhanced its off-road capabilities. However, the Wrangler's fuel consumption was higher, averaging 14.0 L/100 km during testing. The driving experience was unique, with a focus on off-road adventures and open-air freedom. The Wrangler's handling was less refined, with vague steering and a rough ride, but it offered a sense of excitement and exploration that appealed to off-road enthusiasts.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its small size, provided ample comfort for front-seat occupants, with generous headroom and legroom. The rear seats, however, were less accommodating, with limited space and small door openings. Cargo space was tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. The Kona's compact dimensions made it less suitable for carrying larger loads or towing.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler posed challenges for entry and exit, especially with a raised suspension. The interior featured durable materials, with comfortable seats and practical storage options. Visibility varied, with some areas requiring adjustments for a clear view. The Wrangler Unlimited offered 898 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 2,050 litres with the seats folded. The tailgate design required careful handling, especially on inclines or when parallel parked.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an upgraded infotainment system, with an 8-inch display standard on lower trims and a 10.25-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The system included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with additional features like navigation and a premium audio system on higher trims. Hyundai BlueLink offered connected services, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler, based on the Sport S trim, had a basic 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The optional Uconnect 8.4 system offered additional features like satellite radio and a premium audio system. The Wrangler included options like remote engine start and heated seats, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional technologies included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though its child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler included optional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, its safety ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rating for rollover resistance from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS. The Wrangler's safety features were optional, and its design required careful driving.