2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented itself as a luxury SUV with a range of trim packages, including the standard and Type S versions. In Canada, the MDX was available with Tech, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite packages, while the Type S offered a standard spec or an Ultra package. Prices ranged from $59,300 to $84,400, excluding a destination charge. The Type S Ultra trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set high expectations for quality and luxury, though it occasionally fell short. The MDX Type S featured subtle design elements, such as chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels, contributing to its understated yet appealing appearance. Inside, the Type S Ultra boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package, though some design choices, like the gloss black plastic, were less user-friendly.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed as an electric vehicle first, evident in its sleek, modern appearance. The new Kona featured a grille reminiscent of the Ioniq 5 and a "seamless horizon" LED headlight. Despite its increased size, the Kona retained a recognizable silhouette, with new design elements like the "parametric surface" doors and substantial black body cladding. The Kona lineup came standard with LED lights and offered 17-inch to 19-inch wheels, depending on the trim. Inside, the Kona's cabin was updated with a driver-oriented centre stack and a curved display housing the driver-information and infotainment screens. The gear shift moved to a stalk on the steering column, creating more space for storage, and the interior was refined with new vents, controls, and dash design.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6. However, the Type S was heavier by 130 kilograms than the lightest standard MDX with AWD. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. Despite these enhancements, the MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive performance, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The turbocharged V6 offered quick acceleration but at the cost of poor fuel economy, averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for the Essential and Preferred trims and a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder for the N Line trims. The base engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT, while the turbo engine delivered 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During the test drive, the Kona N Line with the Ultimate package demonstrated intuitive steering and nimble handling, though pickup was slightly slow even with the turbo. The Kona offered FWD as standard, with AWD available for an additional fee. Fuel economy varied by trim and drivetrain, with the N Line AWD consuming 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 8.3 on the highway, and 9.1 combined.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered a functional interior with three rows of seats and a spacious cargo area. The Type S Ultra trim featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather. However, the seats were firm and didn't provide the expected support during enthusiastic driving. The MDX accommodated seven passengers, with a removable centre section in the second row for easier access to the third row. The cargo area provided 461 litres of space behind the third row, expanding to 1,107 litres with the third row folded and 2,021 litres with both rear rows down. The MDX's interior design prioritized style over storage, with limited space in the centre console.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona benefited from its increased length, offering improved rear-seat legroom at 970 mm and enhanced cargo capacity. The cargo area expanded from 544 to 723 litres with the rear seats up and 1,803 litres with them folded down. Inside, the Kona featured a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash and a "guardrail" on the wireless charging pad to keep items in place. The Kona offered cloth seats on Essential and Preferred trims, leatherette with the Preferred Trend package, and a leather/suede combination for N Line. Ventilated front seats were available on the N Line with the Ultimate package, a first for the Kona.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI design limited storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX offered Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system with 25 speakers provided excellent sound quality. The MDX also included a 10.5-inch head-up display with navigation instructions and driving assistance status.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona introduced a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display as standard across the lineup, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims except the N Line with the Ultimate package. The Kona featured a Bose stereo system with the N Line’s Ultimate package and dual 12.3-inch displays for a panoramic view. OTA update capability was standard, and Hyundai’s Bluelink connected services were included on all 2024 Konas. A digital key feature was offered in Canada for the first time, allowing users to transfer vehicle access via an app.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of driving assistance and collision avoidance systems, such as a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The MDX also featured rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona came equipped with advanced driver-assistance features, including Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist and adaptive cruise control were standard from the Preferred trim, and the N Line’s Ultimate package included Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist suite provided smooth lane-keep assist, though it was slightly resistant to cancellation on backroads.