2020 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Volvo XC90

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 shorter than many of its rivals, the Kona's design cleverly masked its compact dimensions, offering a premium vibe with features like tiered lighting, slim LED running lamps, and two-tone alloy wheels. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal, with hard plastics and lackluster finishes. While the layout was functional, the tactile quality fell short compared to competitors like the Mazda CX-30 and Honda HR-V.

In contrast, the 2021 Volvo XC90 successfully reshaped Volvo's image with its blend of traditional styling and modern touches. The XC90 maintained Volvo's boxy profile and rectangular grille but added softer lines and distinctive LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" daytime running lights. The Inscription trim, with its extra chrome and optional 21-inch wheels, was the flashiest, while the interior embraced Swedish minimalism with high-quality materials and thoughtful design. The XC90's interior offered a restrained elegance, with options like wool upholstery and an Orrefors crystal shifter adding to its luxury appeal.

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. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission provided quick responses, and the Kona's handling was agile, with a tight suspension and direct steering. However, the ride was stiffer, and the cabin was noisier compared to more refined rivals. Fuel efficiency was average, with the 1.6T AWD model rated at 9.0 L/100 km city and 8.0 highway.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered three powertrains, all based on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The T5 produced 250 horsepower, while the T6 added supercharging for 316 hp. The T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid combined the T6 engine with electric motors for a total of 400 hp. Despite the power, the small engine struggled with flexibility, and the XC90 often required the gasoline engine to assist at low speeds. The XC90 excelled in ride quality, with an optional air-suspension system providing a smooth experience. However, the XC90's towing capacity was respectable at 2,250 kilograms, though less than some competitors.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona's interior space was limited, with seating for four and average rear legroom. Cargo space was one of the smallest in its class, offering 544 litres with seats up and 1,296 litres with seats folded. This made the Kona less practical for carrying larger loads compared to rivals like the Honda HR-V and Kia Soul. Despite its user-friendly controls and infotainment system, the Kona's utility was compromised by its cramped interior.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 offered a more spacious interior with six or seven-seat configurations. While headroom and legroom were average, the third row was tight for adults. The interior felt spacious due to the upright roof profile and optional power sunroof. The XC90's cargo space was near the bottom of the segment, with 317 litres with all seats in place and 1,815 litres with seats folded. Storage options were limited, but the hands-free power tailgate added convenience.

The 2020 Hyundai Kona came with a solid list of standard features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and heated front seats. Higher trims added a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The Kona's infotainment system was simple and fast, though it lacked some advanced features found in more expensive models.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 featured the Sensus infotainment system, known for its simplicity and functionality. The standard 9-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility provided a seamless user experience. The portrait-oriented touchscreen was intuitive, though some text was difficult to read while driving. The XC90 also offered a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system and a head-up display, enhancing its tech appeal.

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, pedestrian detection was only available on the Ultimate trim, and the Kona lacked some airbags found in competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC90 earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for non-hybrid models and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. The XC90 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The XC90's safety features and ratings reinforced Volvo's reputation for prioritizing safety.