2023 BMW X7 vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with a 1.6-inch longer body, revised front and rear fascias, and sporty new character lines. The exterior updates included enhanced LED lighting and new alloy wheel designs, giving the Kona a more streamlined and athletic appearance. Inside, the instrument panel and center console were separated to create a wider, more spacious look, complemented by new ambient lighting and a rear USB port for added convenience. The introduction of the sporty N Line and Kona N trims brought unique styling elements and performance features, such as body-color cladding, exclusive black seats with red stitching, and N sport bucket seats, further elevating the Kona's sporty appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 BMW X7 underwent a mid-cycle makeover, adopting a bolder design inspired by the BMW 7 Series sedan. The front end featured LED accent lights and a controversial oversized kidney grille, while the sides and rear remained largely unchanged. The interior saw a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, along with a more elemental dashboard design. The X7's interior materials were of premium quality, with options for matte and open-pore wood trims to avoid harsh reflections. Despite its polarizing exterior, the X7's interior revisions provided a modern and elegant appearance, with a sturdy build and satisfying touchpoints.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a variety of powertrains, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque for the SE and SEL trims. The N Line and Kona Limited featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The performance-oriented Kona N boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivering 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, along with an N eight-speed wet DCT and exclusive driving features like N Grin Shift and launch control. The Kona's handling was composed and agile, with a low center of gravity and quiet cabin, making it a pleasure to drive.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the xDrive40i model, featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system, producing 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Despite its nearly 6,000-pound weight, the X7 offered potent acceleration and composed handling, with a slightly firmer ride compared to other luxury SUVs. The X7 balanced performance and comfort, appealing to a wide range of drivers.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, provided ample front-seat comfort with generous headroom and legroom, even for taller drivers. The N Line's front seats offered excellent support during spirited driving. However, rear-seat occupants faced challenges with small door openings and limited head- and legroom. Cargo space was tight at 19.2 cubic feet with all seats up, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, but towing was not recommended.

The 2023 BMW X7 excelled in interior space, with the second row accommodating taller passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some patience, but it offered adequate space for average-sized adults. Cargo capacity started at 12.8 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 48.6 cubic feet with the third row stowed and 90.4 cubic feet with the middle seats folded. The X7 featured a split tailgate and suspension-lowering button for easier loading, along with ample storage for front-seat passengers.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona introduced more tech features, including an 8-inch display with Bluetooth connectivity on the base SE trim. The SEL trim added SiriusXM, HD Radio, and Hyundai Blue Link, while the N Line and above offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation and an optional Harman Kardon audio system. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard with the base screen, and the Kona also featured a Digital Key and Hyundai Blue Link services.

The 2023 BMW X7 came with the latest iDrive infotainment system, which, despite its intuitive layout, had moved many functions to the touchscreen, complicating basic operations. Voice commands offered some relief, but the lack of physical buttons for frequently used features was a drawback. The system's complexity detracted from the overall user experience, despite its advanced capabilities.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning. The Kona received five stars from the NHTSA for overall crash protection and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crashworthiness tests, though it missed Top Safety Pick status due to child-seat anchor ratings.

The 2023 BMW X7 lacked crash test results from the NHTSA and IIHS, but it boasted a comprehensive list of safety features, including frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive headlights. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, with options for adaptive cruise control and highway driving assist. The X7's safety features performed reliably, enhancing driver confidence.