2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 BMW X7

The 2023 BMW X7 underwent a significant design update, drawing inspiration from the redesigned BMW 7 Series sedan. The most noticeable change was at the front, where LED accent lights replaced the previous headlights, which were now tucked underneath. The oversized kidney grille remained a polarizing feature, and the new styling was expected to be equally controversial. While BMW aimed for a bolder design, the new X7's presence came at the expense of grace and cohesiveness. The interior received a refresh with a curved glass housing for the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen, along with a more elemental dashboard design. Interior materials were of high quality, with supple leather upholstery and a new Sensafin synthetic substitute. The X7's interior revisions gave it a modern and elegant appearance, despite the divisive front-end styling.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed as an electric vehicle first, and its appearance reflected this focus. The grille resembled that of the Ioniq 5, with a single-piece look that signaled an electric powertrain. The Kona featured the "seamless horizon" styling seen on the new Sonata, with a single skinny LED headlight dominating the front end. Despite its larger size, the Kona retained a recognizable silhouette, with new creased "parametric surface" doors and more substantial black body cladding. The Kona lineup came standard with LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights, and the rear featured a single taillight spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the Kona's cabin was updated with a driver-oriented center stack, a relocated gear shift, and a curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens.

The 2023 BMW X7 lineup began with the base xDrive40i model, featuring a new 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. This setup produced 375 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 40 hp and 52 lb-ft over the previous year's base engine. BMW claimed this powertrain could propel the X7 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The X7 M60i model upgraded to a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a similar hybrid system, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 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 handled well on the road, with potent acceleration from the V8 and adequate performance from the base six-cylinder. The X7 offered a good blend of performance and comfort, with a slightly firmer ride compared to other luxury SUVs.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powering the SE and SEL trims, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The N-Line and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was replaced with an eight-speed automatic transmission for 2024. Paddle shifters were available on the N-Line and Limited trims, and the SEL Convenience Package added paddles for the CVT. The Kona offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional fee. The AWD option reduced EPA fuel economy estimates slightly. During a test drive, the Kona Limited and N-Line demonstrated intuitive steering and nimble handling, though pickup was a bit slow even with the turbo engine.

The 2023 BMW X7 offered ample space, with second-row seats accommodating taller passengers and a large sunroof enhancing the airy feel. Accessing the third row required some time as the power-operated middle row moved, but it provided a large opening once adjusted. The third row could hold average-sized adults, though the seat cushion was lower, reducing thigh support. Behind the third row, there was 12.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable 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 a button to lower the suspension for easier loading. Front-seat passengers had adequate storage space, including a large covered bin in the center console.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length was evident in the rear seat and cargo area. Rear-seat legroom measured 38.2 inches, three inches longer than the 2023 Kona and six more than the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. Headroom increased to 38.3 inches with the sunroof, and cargo capacity expanded to 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded down. The Kona Limited featured a power hands-free liftgate for easy access. Inside, the cabin offered a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash and a "guardrail" on the wireless charging pad. The Kona's seating options included cloth seats for SE and SEL trims, a leather/suede combination for N-Line, and H-Tex leatherette for Limited. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on the Limited trim.

The 2023 BMW X7 featured the latest iDrive infotainment system, which was a step backward in some ways. While basic functions like temperature adjustments and audio controls were easy to use, many physical buttons were eliminated, and their functions moved to the infotainment screen. Voice commands were available but took time to process and execute, interrupting music or podcasts. The system's complexity made it less intuitive, and more physical buttons for frequently used features would have been appreciated.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona received several technological upgrades, including a standard 12.3-inch infotainment system touchscreen display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on the lower trims, with an over-the-air update promised for the top trims. N-Line and Limited trims featured wireless device charging and a new Wi-Fi hotspot. The Kona's upgraded stereo system was provided by Bose, and every model included USB-C ports for front and rear passengers. Dual 12.3-inch screens were optional with the Convenience Package and standard on N-Line and Limited trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were standard across the lineup, with a subscription included for the vehicle's life.

The 2023 BMW X7 did not have crash test results from the NHTSA or IIHS, but it offered a long list of standard safety features, including frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The M60i trim added a surround-view camera system, and options included adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The highway driving assist feature reduced driver fatigue on long trips, and all safety features performed as expected without false alarms.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona came with standard Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was standard, and adaptive cruise control was included on N-Line and Limited trims. The Limited trim also featured a Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist suite of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features impressed with smooth lane-keep assist and intuitive operation. The system was slightly resistant to cancellation, but overall, it provided a confident driving experience.