2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Volvo XC40

The 2020 Hyundai Kona was a standout in its segment, boasting a sleek, sporty, and dramatic exterior that set it apart from its competitors. Despite being several millimetres shorter than rivals like the Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR, the Kona's design cleverly masked its compact dimensions. The tiered lighting, tall grille, and matte plastic trim gave it a taller and wider appearance, while the slim LED running lamps and optional fog lights added to its visual appeal. The Kona's exterior was further enhanced by two-tone alloy wheels, a gently sloping roof, and a ground-hugging stance, creating a premium vibe from every angle. However, the interior did not match the exterior's excitement, with hard plastics and lacklustre finishes detracting from the overall experience.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a more traditional SUV styling with a tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, fitting seamlessly into the Volvo lineup. The XC40 featured signature design elements like "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille, with gasoline models available in a retro white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge distinguished itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels. The interior was minimalist yet luxurious, with high-quality materials and a coherent design that melded elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents into a pleasing whole. The XC40's interior design did not compromise on quality, offering a premium feel that was consistent with Volvo's reputation.

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 when merging onto highways. The Kona's handling was commendable, with fast and direct steering, a tight suspension, and minimal body roll. However, the ride was stiffer, and the cabin was noisier compared to more refined competitors. Fuel efficiency was average, with the Kona 1.6T AWD rated at 9.0 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 187 hp and 221 lb-ft in the T4, and 248 hp and 258 lb-ft in the T5. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. The XC40 emphasized comfort and quietness, with excellent ride quality even on rough roads. The Recharge model offered one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 900 kilograms. The XC40's performance was characterized by a balance of power and luxury, appealing to those seeking a refined driving experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona struggled with interior space, offering seating for four and average rear legroom. Its cargo space was limited, with 544 litres available and 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded. This was significantly less than competitors like the Honda HR-V and Buick Encore GX, which offered more versatile cargo solutions. The Kona's interior was more akin to a small hatchback than a true crossover, limiting its utility.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, while not particularly spacious, offered clever storage solutions to compensate for its limited interior space. The centre console featured a removable trash bin, and the glovebox door included a bag hook. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were moved to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. The XC40's storage cubby was designed to hold a phone securely, with a wireless charging pad optional. Despite its compact size, the XC40's interior was thoughtfully designed to maximize functionality.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona came with a good list of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and proximity entry. Heated front seats and side mirrors were also standard. Higher trims offered a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Kona's infotainment system was simple and fast, with good lane-centring abilities on the highway.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, with top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model also offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The XC40's technology suite was comprehensive, with a focus on integration and user experience.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and was named a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS. It came standard with forward emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. However, it lacked front knee airbags and rear side airbags, and pedestrian detection was only available on the Ultimate trim.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for more advanced driver aids.