2022 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Lincoln Aviator

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 separated instrument panel and centre console. The addition of ambient lighting further elevated the cabin's elegance. The introduction of the N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements, such as body-colour cladding and exclusive interior features, making the Kona look more athletic and racy.

In contrast, the 2023 Lincoln Aviator presented itself as a luxurious three-row midsize crossover with a modern Lincoln face and grille. Despite its appealing exterior, the wheel designs on the Grand Touring model were considered too plain. The Aviator's interior was undeniably fancy, with high-end materials and a panoramic glass sunroof. However, some chrome detailing appeared cheap, and the key fob felt too lightweight for a vehicle of its class. The Aviator's cabin was a mix of Art Deco and high-tech features, offering a comfortable yet somewhat overwhelming experience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of powertrains, including a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine delivering 195 horsepower. The Kona N featured a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine with 276 horsepower, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona's handling was composed, with a low centre of gravity and surefooted performance, making it a pleasure to drive in both city and highway settings.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring, a plug-in hybrid, boasted impressive power with 494 horsepower and 630 pound-feet of torque. It offered 34 kilometres of electric driving range and averaged 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in hybrid mode. The Aviator's driving modes allowed for efficient powertrain management, but the drivetrain was sometimes unpredictable. The Aviator's handling was commendable, with an adaptive-damping suspension, but it lacked the fun factor, focusing more on a smooth and quiet ride.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, provided ample front-seat comfort with good headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat space was limited, with small door openings and compromised head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight at 544 litres, expanding to 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded, but towing was not recommended.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator prioritized comfort with features like a four-zone climate control system and massaging front seats. The second-row captain's chairs were roomy, but the third row was cramped for adults. Cargo space was 519 litres with all seats up, expanding to 2,200 litres with the third row folded. The Aviator's interior was luxurious, but the third row was best suited for occasional use.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an 8-inch display with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and a premium audio system. The Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly, with wireless charging and Hyundai BlueLink available on select trims.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring came equipped with a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but it ran on the outdated Sync 3 software. The voice recognition system struggled with complex commands, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Aviator also featured a 28-speaker Revel Ultima 3D audio system and a digital key system, enhancing its tech offerings.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. It received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, though it missed Top Safety Pick status due to child-seat anchor issues.

The 2023 Lincoln Aviator included a comprehensive suite of driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, the steering wheel controls were unnecessarily complex. The standard Aviator received a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, but the Grand Touring model was not rated.