2022 Hyundai Kona vs 2022 Toyota Sequoia

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its overall sophistication. The vehicle was 4 centimetres longer than its predecessor, featuring a revised grille, updated front and rear fascias, and enhanced LED lighting. New character lines and alloy wheel designs contributed to its sporty appearance. Inside, the Kona's instrument panel and centre console were separated to create a more spacious look, complemented by ambient lighting in the front cupholders and footwells. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and rocker panels, exclusive black seats with red stitching, and alloy sport pedals. The Kona N further elevated its sporty appeal with wide fenders, 19-inch alloy wheels, and N sport bucket seats.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia maintained its mature design, having not undergone a complete makeover since 2008. Despite its age, the Sequoia's exterior remained tasteful, with a modestly sized grille and elegant wheel arches. Its dimensions were substantial, standing at 1,956 millimetres tall, 2,030 mm wide, and 5,210 mm long, with a 3,099 mm wheelbase. The interior, however, appeared dated compared to modern SUVs, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a 4.2-inch TFT driver information screen. Nevertheless, the Sequoia's interior was well-constructed, with high-quality materials and tight seams. The Nightshade Special Edition model showcased Toyota's efforts to keep the Sequoia relevant, offering a stylish option based on the Limited model.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to various performance preferences. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line trim boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque through a seven-speed DCT. The Kona N took performance to the next level with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, coupled with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona's handling was agile, with a curb weight of around 1,500 kilograms, and its AWD system provided stability and control.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, on the other hand, relied on a single powertrain option: the 5.7-litre i-Force V8 engine, generating 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering durability and reliability. The Sequoia's truck roots contributed to its impressive payload capacity of up to 608 kilograms and a towing capacity of 3,221 kilograms. Despite its weight of approximately 2,721.5 kilograms, the Sequoia delivered a smooth and stable ride, with excellent off-road capabilities thanks to its body-on-frame construction and four-wheel independent double-wishbone suspension.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, provided ample comfort for front-seat occupants, with generous headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat passengers faced challenges due to small door openings and limited space. The Kona's cargo capacity was modest, with 544 litres available with all seats up and 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended for the Kona.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia excelled in passenger comfort, offering spacious seating across all three rows. The SUV featured three-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and heated front seats. The Sequoia's cargo space was impressive, with 535 litres behind the third row, 1,886 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,401 litres with both the second and third rows flat. The Sequoia also included practical storage solutions and a 12-volt outlet in the cargo area.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech features, starting with an 8-inch display on the base trim and a 10.25-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Kona offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with Hyundai BlueLink for connected services. The infotainment system was user-friendly, and the Kona N Line and Kona N trims included premium audio options.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, however, lagged in technology, with a 7-inch touchscreen and a dated operating system. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the Sequoia's infotainment system felt outdated compared to competitors. The Platinum and TRD Pro trims added navigation and a JBL premium audio system. Despite its technological shortcomings, the Sequoia featured LED lighting and essential safety technologies.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a range of safety features, including 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.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia, while lacking crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included pre-collision systems, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Sequoia also featured the STAR safety system, with stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags.