2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Honda HR-V

The 2023 Honda HR-V underwent a significant styling transformation, shedding some of its quirky charm for a more sophisticated and modern appearance. The lowered beltline and simplified detailing contributed to a sleeker look, with cleaner lines and fewer interruptions. The windshield wipers were discreetly tucked under the hood, and the black molding strips on the roof were removed. The model tested was in a unique Nordic Forest Pearl colour, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Inside, the HR-V featured new black cloth seats with heated front seats and mirrors as standard. The EX-L trim offered perforated leather seats, adding to the cabin's comfort and premium feel, although the eight-way power driver's seat was unavailable in Canada due to supply shortages.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle focus, evident in its grille resembling the Ioniq 5. The Kona's design featured a "seamless horizon" LED headlight, giving it a modern edge. Despite its increased size, the Kona maintained a recognizable silhouette, with new creased "parametric surface" doors and substantial black body cladding. The N Line trim offered body-coloured wheel arches for a sportier look. Inside, the Kona's cabin was updated with a driver-oriented centre stack and a gear shift moved to the steering column, creating more space. The curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens was a standout feature, enhancing the interior's modernity.

The 2023 Honda HR-V was powered by a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque, an improvement over the previous model. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) included a Step-Shift function to mimic traditional automatic transmission sounds. Drivers could choose from Normal, Snow, or ECON drive modes, with Sport mode available for a more dynamic experience. The HR-V's new suspension and widened tracks improved its handling, making it enjoyable on winding roads, though it lacked the power of some competitors.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for the Essential and Preferred trims and a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine for the N Line. The base engine delivered 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, while the turbo offered 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was replaced with an 8-speed automatic. The Kona's handling was nimble, and the steering intuitive, though the turbo's pickup was slightly sluggish. AWD was available for an additional cost, enhancing fuel economy on certain trims.

The 2023 Honda HR-V, though compact, offered a well-thought-out interior. The centre console featured a shelf for storage, and the rear seats provided a higher seating position for easier access. Cargo space was 691 litres with seats up and 1,559 litres with them folded, slightly reduced from the previous model. Passenger volume varied slightly across trims, with front legroom improved to 1,064 mm.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona benefited from its increased length, offering 970 mm of rear-seat legroom and expanded cargo capacity of 723 litres with seats up and 1,803 litres with them folded. The cabin featured a handy dash shelf and a wireless charging pad with a guardrail. Seating options varied by trim, with ventilated front seats available on the N Line with the Ultimate package.

The 2023 Honda HR-V featured a tablet-style infotainment display, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across all trims. The EX-L trim offered a 9-inch display with wireless connectivity and a wireless charging pad. The HR-V included a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and various audio system options depending on the trim.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona introduced a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display standard across all trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto except for the N Line with the Ultimate package. The Kona featured a Bose audio system in the N Line's Ultimate package and dual 12.3-inch displays for a panoramic view. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services and a digital key feature were also standard.

The 2023 Honda HR-V included the Honda Sensing suite as standard, offering adaptive cruise control, collision-mitigation braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. The HR-V received a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona came with standard safety features like Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. Adaptive cruise control was standard from the Preferred trim, and the N Line's Ultimate package included advanced features like Surround View Monitor.