2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Hyundai Kona was a small SUV with a unique and playful design. Its front featured a busy arrangement of lights and a distinctive grille, appealing to younger buyers. The rear was more subdued, resembling a standard crossover. Inside, the Kona maintained its fun vibe with neat seat patterns and an intuitive layout. The infotainment system was prominently placed, and the interior was well-organized, offering a balance of simplicity and style.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid had a bold and distinctive appearance, with a blunt nose and floating roof design. Its styling was polarizing, with swollen haunches and flared panels. Over time, its look might have become more familiar. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid offered upscale features like leather upholstery and a large touchscreen, but some elements, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap. The cabin's two-tone design was appealing, though reflections on the screen could be an issue.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 195 horsepower. The base engine came with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the turbo engine had a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The Kona was agile and fun to drive, with fuel economy ranging from 25 to 33 mpg depending on the configuration.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid switched to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 243 horsepower. It offered improved fuel efficiency, with up to 36 mpg combined. The hybrid used an "E-CVT" transmission, and all-wheel drive was optional. While efficient, the Highlander Hybrid lacked driving excitement, with a strained engine sound during acceleration and lifeless steering. It handled well on smooth roads but struggled with body movement on uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent front-seat space, though rear legroom was limited. Its cargo space was smaller than competitors, but small-item storage was generous. The rear seats folded to expand cargo capacity, and the large rear door openings facilitated child seat installation.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered roomy front seats with power adjustments and heating/ventilation options. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow. The third row was uncomfortable for adults, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was generous, with up to 84.3 cubic feet available. However, storage solutions were less accommodating than previous models, and the wireless charger blocked access to the storage bin.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came with an eight-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch screen, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly and responsive, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The top infotainment system included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio, and navigation. The system was well-designed, with easy-to-use controls and a voice recognition system. Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror added convenience, though the sound system's quality varied.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. It included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and a head-up display.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering advanced driver-assist features. It included intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Highlander received a five-star rating from the NHTSA and was expected to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.