2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Nissan Rogue

The 2020 Hyundai Kona was a standout in its segment, offering a sleek, sporty, and dramatic exterior that set it apart from its competitors. Despite being shorter than many of its rivals, Hyundai managed to create a visually stimulating design with tiered lighting, a tall grille, and chunky matte plastic trim that made the Kona appear taller and wider. The car's design elements, such as slim LED running lamps and fender creases, contributed to its premium vibe, especially in the Trend and Ultimate models with larger wheels and additional trim. However, the interior did not match the exterior's excitement, with hard plastics and lackluster finishes, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Rogue underwent a complete redesign, giving it a muscular and imposing presence. The updated nose featured a squared-off design with a deeper V-Motion grille, flanked by standard LED headlamps and functional air vents. The exterior colour palette was simplified, with two-tone options available on the Platinum grade. Inside, the Rogue offered a more refined experience with options like leatherette upholstery and semi-aniline quilted Nappa leather on the Platinum model. The Rogue's interior updates, such as improved headroom and a quieter cabin, made it a more comfortable choice for families and long drives.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona surprised many with its impressive powertrain and chassis. The 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four engine delivered 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, outperforming most competitors in its segment. This engine, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, provided strong acceleration and confidence in various driving conditions. However, only the Trend and Ultimate trims featured this turbo engine, while the standard 2.0-litre engine offered 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The Kona's handling was commendable, with fast steering and a tight suspension, though it was noisier and stiffer compared to rivals like the HR-V and CX-30. Fuel efficiency was average, with the 1.6T AWD model rated at 9.0 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured a new 2.5-litre direct-injected engine, producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine was well-matched to the Rogue's weight, providing adequate performance across the lineup. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) was less droning than expected, and the Rogue's handling improved significantly with a 27% increase in torsional rigidity and a revamped suspension. Fuel efficiency was competitive, with the FWD model rated at 8.9 L/100 km city and 7.0 highway, while the AWD version was slightly higher. The Rogue's focus on stability and comfort made it a solid choice for everyday driving.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space, offering seating for four and limited cargo capacity. With 544 litres of cargo space and 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded, it lagged behind competitors like the Honda HR-V and Kia Soul. The Kona's controls were user-friendly, but its cramped interior made it less practical for families or those needing more storage.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue excelled in interior functionality, with a quieter cabin and a new shift-by-wire system that added storage space. The rear doors opened to 85 degrees, improving access, and the updated design increased headroom. Standard features included heated front seats and a steering wheel, while the SV trim added premium features like a panoramic sunroof and leatherette upholstery. The Platinum grade offered a redesigned cargo system with 1,028 litres of space, expandable to 2,064 litres with the seats folded, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona came with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth as standard. Higher trims included an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and adaptive cruise control. The Kona's infotainment system was straightforward, but it lacked some advanced features found in competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. The SV grade added a Wi-Fi hotspot and additional USB ports, while the Platinum grade offered a 9-inch screen, wireless phone charging, and a Bose audio system. The Rogue's technology package was comprehensive, with a user-friendly interface and significant upgrades in higher trims.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona received high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. However, it lacked some airbags found in competitors.

The 2021 Nissan Rogue boasted the Safety Shield 360 suite, including forward emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane departure warning. The SV model introduced ProPILOT Assist, enhancing highway driving assistance. The Rogue earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a four-star rating from the NHTSA, with improvements in later models.