2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Toyota 4Runner

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner, particularly the 40th Anniversary Special Edition (40 ASE), was a nostalgic nod to the past with its retro body stripes and heritage grille design. This special edition, based on the SR5 trim, added a unique flair with bronze 17-inch wheels and badges, and a numbered plaque on the dashboard. Available in black, white, or red paint, the 40 ASE maintained the rugged, truck-based SUV aesthetic that appealed to those who appreciated a solid, quality feel. The interior, while featuring plenty of plastic, was purposeful and user-friendly, with controls that were easy to locate and operate, even with gloves on.

In contrast, the 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle (EV) aesthetic in mind, showcasing a modern, seamless horizon design with a single skinny LED headlight. The new Kona retained its recognizable silhouette but introduced new design elements like the creased "parametric surface" of the doors and more substantial black body cladding. The interior was updated with a driver-oriented centre stack and a curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens. The Kona's cabin was more spacious, thanks to its increased length, and offered a more comfortable experience with its redesigned seats and enhanced storage options.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with a 4.0-litre V6 engine, delivering 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. It featured a five-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive (4WD), with a towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner offered two 4WD systems: a part-time system and a full-time system available on the Limited trim. Despite its off-road prowess, the 4Runner's fuel economy was rated at 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The SUV excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Active Traction Control, a locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select. However, its on-road performance was less impressive, with leisurely acceleration, heavy steering, and a lack of tire grip on dry roads.

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 trims. The base engine produced 147 horsepower, while the turbocharged version offered 190 horsepower. The Kona's new 8-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional fee. The Kona's fuel economy varied depending on the drivetrain, with the N Line AWD consuming 9.7 L/100 km in the city. The Kona's handling was nimble, and its steering was intuitive, making it well-suited for city driving.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner offered a unique feature with its rear window that powered down into the tailgate, providing excellent ventilation. The interior was spacious, with comfortable seats and dual-zone climate control. The second-row seating area was roomy, with good legroom and USB charging ports. However, the optional third-row seat was cramped and reduced cargo space. Without the third-row seat, the 4Runner provided 1,337 litres of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and adventurers.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona benefited from its increased length, offering 970 millimetres of rear-seat legroom and 723 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up. The cabin 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's seating options included cloth, leatherette, and a leather/suede combination, with ventilated front seats available on the N Line with the Ultimate package. The Kona's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with thoughtful storage solutions and ample space for passengers and cargo.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner featured traditional analog gauges and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio, with optional upgrades like a navigation system and a JBL premium sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with real knobs and buttons that were easy to operate. Voice recognition performed well, handling most commands accurately.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona boasted a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display as standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims except the N Line with the Ultimate package. The Kona's upgraded stereo system was provided by Bose, and the vehicle featured dual 12.3-inch displays for a panoramic view. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services and a digital key feature were standard, enhancing the Kona's technological appeal.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard on all trims. However, the 4Runner's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal rating from the IIHS for driver protection in the small overlap frontal-impact test.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona offered a comprehensive suite of safety 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 Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features, enhancing the Kona's safety credentials.