2023 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 boasted 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, elevating the Kona's sporty aesthetic. The Kona N, in particular, stood out with its aggressive design and performance-oriented features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a racy look.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler maintained its rugged, no-nonsense design with a boxy exterior and iconic features like the seven-slot grille and round headlights. The Wrangler offered versatility with options for two or four doors, removable tops, and half doors for an open-air experience. The limited-edition "Reign" purple paint added a touch of flair to the otherwise functional design. Inside, the Wrangler focused on practicality with easy-to-clean materials and straightforward controls, though storage space was limited. The Wrangler's design emphasized functionality and off-road capability, appealing to adventure enthusiasts.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance needs. 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 high-performance Kona N took it further with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 276 horsepower, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N's performance features, such as launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced its driving dynamics, making it a fun and agile option for city and highway driving.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler excelled in off-road performance with its solid axles and optional differential lockers. It offered a range of engine options, including the standard Pentastar V6 with 285 horsepower and a turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower. The Wrangler Rubicon 392, with its 6.4-litre V8 engine producing 470 horsepower, provided exhilarating performance for off-road enthusiasts. The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered a more eco-friendly option with 35 kilometres of all-electric range. While the Wrangler's off-road capabilities were impressive, the 392 model's on-road performance was hindered by inadequate brakes and vague steering.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, despite its compact size, provided ample comfort for front-seat occupants with generous headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat space was limited, and accessing the back seats required some maneuvering. 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 interior was well-suited for front passengers but less accommodating for those in the back.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered comfortable front seats, with heated options available on higher trims. Rear-seat space was tight, especially in the two-door models, and storage for small items was limited. The Wrangler's cargo space measured 2,050 litres with the rear seats folded, slightly less than its competitor, the Bronco. The Wrangler's removable tops and various configurations provided versatility for open-air driving, while charging points were plentiful throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an 8-inch display on the base trim, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The Kona N Line and Kona N included additional tech features like a Harman Kardon audio system and a digital instrument cluster. Hyundai BlueLink provided connected services for added convenience.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler came with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8.4-inch option available. The Uconnect system, while initially complex, offered comprehensive off-road pages and connectivity features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Wrangler focused on practical tech features, such as a forward-facing camera and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, without overloading on unnecessary technology.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a basic suite of driver aids, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received high safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with top marks in crash protection and crash avoidance.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler's standard safety features were limited to a rearview camera and stability control. Advanced safety features were available only on higher trims or as part of an option package. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with some trims receiving poor headlight ratings and a lower rollover rating.