2023 Genesis GV70 vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a notable makeover, extending its length by 4 centimetres and introducing a revised grille, enhanced LED lighting, and new character lines that added sophistication to its appearance. The exterior was further refined with new alloy wheel designs and lower body cladding, essential for a crossover SUV. 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 sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and exclusive wheel designs, enhancing the vehicle's athletic appeal. The Kona N, in particular, featured wide fenders, a front lip spoiler, and N sport bucket seats, emphasizing its sporty nature.

In contrast, the 2023 Genesis GV70 shared styling cues with the G70 compact luxury sedan, particularly above the belt-line, with split-bar headlights and a strong chrome line that visually connected it to its sedan counterpart. The GV70's interior was a testament to luxury, featuring top-notch materials and a contemporary yet classic design. The climate controls were integrated into a curving bezel, and the touchscreen rose organically from the dash. The GV70's dash included a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, offering a user-friendly experience. The GV70 was available in multiple trims, with the gas-powered versions offering two powertrains, while the Electrified GV70 provided a single trim level with a comprehensive feature set.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a CVT. The N Line trim featured a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a seven-speed DCT. The Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N's performance was enhanced by features like launch control, a variable exhaust system, and high-performance brakes and tires. The Kona N Line, with its turbocharged engine and AWD, provided a spirited driving experience, with agile handling and a composed ride.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The Electrified GV70 featured a 77.4-kWh battery powering two electric motors, delivering a combined 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. The GV70's handling was refined, blending comfort and sharpness, while the electric version offered a range of 383 kilometres and fast charging capabilities.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its compact size, provided ample headroom and legroom for front-seat occupants, even with the optional sunroof. The N Line's front seats offered excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat passengers faced limited headroom and legroom, with small rear door openings complicating entry. The Kona's cargo space was tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up and 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. Towing was not recommended for the Kona.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 offered 1,611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 818 litres with the seats in use, making it above average in its class. The GV70 featured a hands-free power liftgate and a well-designed interior with large cupholders and a centre console tray. Front-seat occupants enjoyed comfortable seating, while rear-seat legroom was tighter, requiring front-row adjustments for comfort. The rear bench's reclining feature added some flexibility for rear passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech features, starting with an 8-inch display on the base trim, offering Bluetooth connectivity and a six-speaker audio system. The N Line and Kona N featured a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and an optional Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The Kona's infotainment system was intuitive, with Hyundai BlueLink available on most trims, providing remote services and voice-controlled destination search.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 came standard with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus, complemented by a rotary dial and helpful buttons. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system. Optional features included ambient lighting, a digital instrument panel, and an 18-speaker Lexicon audio system.

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, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kona received a five-star overall crash protection rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all IIHS crashworthiness tests. However, it did not achieve Top Safety Pick status due to "Marginal" child-seat anchor ratings.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The GV70 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, the highest honour, reflecting its strong safety credentials.