2023 Land Rover Defender vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal. The vehicle was extended by 4 centimetres compared to the 2021 model, and featured a revised grille, updated front and rear fascias, and improved LED lighting. These changes, along with new sporty character lines and alloy wheel designs, gave the Kona a more sophisticated and athletic look. Inside, the instrument panel and centre console were separated to create a more spacious feel, complemented by new ambient lighting in the front cupholders and footwells. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims added unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and exclusive interior features, further enhancing the sporty appeal of the Kona.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Defender maintained its classic, boxy design reminiscent of the old LR4, which appealed to customers seeking a traditional Land Rover look. The Defender's design was characterized by its square-jawed face, rectangular hood and doors, and abruptly chopped tail, all contributing to its rugged, industrial aesthetic. Tasteful accents, like the dome and faux-metal step plates on the hood, paid homage to the original 1980s Defender. The vehicle offered various accessory packages and body styles, including the 90, 110, and 130, providing unmatched flexibility in seating configurations and cargo space. Despite its utilitarian interior, the Defender's build quality and fit were excellent, maintaining its hardcore character while offering a unique alternative to the more luxurious Range Rover models.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different 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. For those seeking more power, the N Line trim came with a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivering 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a seven-speed DCT. The Kona N, the most performance-oriented variant, boasted a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. This setup included exclusive driving features like N Grin Shift and N Track Sense Shift, enhancing the Kona's sporty driving experience. The Kona's handling was composed and agile, with a low centre of gravity contributing to its surefootedness.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender excelled in off-road performance, with its permanent 4WD and Terrain Response 2 system adapting the vehicle to various surfaces. The Defender's engine lineup included a turbocharged inline-six and a supercharged V8, with the latter producing 518 horsepower and 461 pound-feet of torque. The V8's power delivery was impressive, though the vehicle's top-heavy nature made it feel less refined on the road. The six-cylinder engine, part of a mild hybrid system, offered 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, providing ample performance without significant fuel economy penalties. The Defender's off-road prowess came at the cost of on-road comfort, with noticeable body roll and wind noise. However, its powerful engines and robust drivetrain made it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered a comfortable front-seat experience with ample headroom and legroom. The N Line's front seats provided excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges due to small door openings and limited head- and legroom. Cargo space was also tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up and 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. The Kona's compact dimensions limited its practicality for larger loads or towing.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, excelled in interior space and versatility. The Defender 90 could seat six with a jump seat, while the 110 and 130 offered optional third rows, accommodating up to eight passengers. The Defender's large glass areas and panoramic moonroof provided excellent visibility. Cargo space varied by model, with the 130 offering up to 2,180 litres with seats folded. The Defender's off-road capabilities were complemented by features like a metal roof rack, console refrigerator, and power-deployable side steps, enhancing its practicality for adventurous outings.

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 user-friendly, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the base screen. 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, enhancing convenience and safety.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender offered two touchscreen infotainment systems running Pivi Pro software. The standard 10-inch screen and optional 11.4-inch screen were both responsive and easy to use. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a voice assistant, and connected apps. Higher trims added luxury features like heated power seats, a Meridian sound system, and configurable ambient lighting. The Defender's tech offerings were comprehensive, catering to both comfort and convenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona came equipped with essential 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 in crashworthiness tests. However, its child-seat anchor rating was "Marginal," preventing it from achieving Top Safety Pick status.

The 2023 Land Rover Defender had not been rated by U.S. safety organizations but received five stars in Euro NCAP testing. Standard safety features included lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Defender also offered advanced features like a 360-degree camera system and a head-up display. Despite its solid structure, the Defender's airbag count was lower than expected, lacking front knee and rear side thorax airbags.