2023 Acura RDX vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its overall sophistication. It was 4 centimetres longer than its predecessor, featuring a revised grille, updated front and rear fascias, and enhanced LED lighting. The sporty new character lines, contrasted by lower body cladding, gave the Kona a more refined appearance. Inside, the instrument panel and centre console were separated, creating a wider, more spacious look. The addition of ambient lighting in the front cupholders and footwells added a touch of elegance. The introduction of the sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and exclusive wheel designs, further enhancing the Kona's athletic appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura RDX maintained its sharp, angular style, though its signature grille seemed to be showing its age. The sleek wraparound headlights and deep creases in the bodywork gave the RDX a sporty and aggressive look. The side profile was accentuated by a distinctive character line, while the rear styling was more conventional. Inside, the RDX featured a vertical cockpit layout, with a centre stack of controls flowing into the centre console. The focus on performance was evident with the gear-selector buttons and drive-mode dial. The interior, while not as modern as some rivals, offered a familiar layout for those averse to the latest digital trends.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of powertrains, catering to different performance needs. The base 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, paired with a seven-speed DCT. The high-performance Kona N was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona's handling was composed, with a low centre of gravity contributing to its surefootedness.

The 2023 Acura RDX was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 272 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The standard SH-AWD system provided excellent traction, and the RDX accelerated to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. The adaptive dampers on the Platinum Elite A-Spec trim enhanced cornering prowess without compromising ride comfort. The RDX's handling inspired confidence, with well-managed body roll and a smooth ride over road imperfections.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered ample front-seat comfort with generous headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges with limited head- and legroom, exacerbated by small rear door openings. Cargo space was tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended for the Kona.

The 2023 Acura RDX provided generous front-seat space, with additional power adjustments in the top trim. The rear seats accommodated average-sized adults comfortably, though taller passengers might find headroom lacking. Cargo space was more generous, with 835 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,668 litres with the seats folded. The RDX also featured a deep bin under the cargo floor with a centre drain plug, adding versatility.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an 8-inch display as standard, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The infotainment system was intuitive, with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Kona N Line and Kona N offered additional tech features, such as a Harman Kardon audio system and a digital instrument cluster. Hyundai BlueLink provided connected services for three years.

The 2023 Acura RDX's infotainment system was controlled via a touchpad, which proved challenging to use. The system improved with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing for easier operation. Standard features included Bluetooth, SiriusXM, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a 16-speaker ELS Studio audio system. Despite the sharp graphics and quick responses, the touchpad interface remained a drawback.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though it did not achieve Top Safety Pick status due to child-seat anchor issues.

The 2023 Acura RDX received five stars from the NHTSA for overall and side crash protection and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. The Platinum Elite A-Spec package added a surround-view camera system and a head-up display. The safety systems performed well, with smooth adaptive cruise control and effective lane-keep assist.