2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2023 Dodge Durango

The 2023 Dodge Durango, entering its 12th model year without a redesign, maintained a familiar yet attractive appearance. Dodge opted for clean, car-like styling, avoiding the trend of oversized grilles. The Durango's slim design, complemented by forward-leaning headlights and a large lower air intake, demonstrated that SUVs could have a commanding presence without resorting to massive grilles. At the rear, Dodge's signature "racetrack" taillights provided a distinctive look. The SRT 392 and SRT Hellcat models featured unique styling elements, such as a Viper-like hood with a functional air inlet and heat extractors, along with unique wheels and a different front fascia. The interior, while not as distinctive as the exterior, offered a pleasant environment with materials suited to various price points. Higher trims like the Citadel added luxurious features such as Nappa leather upholstery and heated seats.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona showcased a design that emphasized its electric vehicle roots, with a grille resembling the Ioniq 5's and a single-piece appearance. The Kona adopted the "seamless horizon" styling seen on the new Sonata, featuring a single skinny LED headlight dominating the front end. Despite its increased size, the Kona retained a recognizable silhouette, with new creased "parametric surface" doors and substantial black body cladding on lower trims. The sporty N-Line trim featured body-colored wheel arches. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights were part of the package, with a single taillight spanning the rear. Inside, the Kona's cabin was noticeably updated, with a driver-oriented center stack and a gear shift moved to a stalk on the steering column. The most significant update was the curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered a range of powertrains, starting with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, standard on the SXT, GT, and Citadel trims, producing 293 horsepower (295 hp with dual exhaust) and 260 lb-ft of torque. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive optional on most trims. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, standard on the R/T and optional on the Citadel, delivered 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. The SRT 392 model boasted a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 475 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The SRT Hellcat took performance to another level with a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 710 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, reaching 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Durango's size didn't hinder its acceleration, providing a thrilling experience, though it felt somewhat awkward on twisty roads.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder powering the SE and SEL trims, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The N-Line and Limited trims featured a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, now mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters were included with the N-Line and Limited trims. During a test drive, the Kona Limited exhibited intuitive steering and nimble handling, though pickup felt slightly slow even with the turbo. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,500, affecting fuel economy estimates.

The 2023 Dodge Durango offered seven-seat or six-seat configurations, with front bucket seats, a second-row bench, and a third-row bench standard on SXT, GT, and R/T models. The Citadel, SRT 392, and SRT Hellcat models featured second-row captain's chairs. Interior space was competitive with other three-row midsize SUVs, though cargo space was less than some rivals, with 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 85.1 cubic feet behind the first row. Small-item storage was generous, with a large wireless charging pad and well-placed USB ports. The Durango excelled in towing capacity, with V6 models towing up to 6,200 pounds and V8 models up to 8,700 pounds.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length enhanced rear-seat legroom to 38.2 inches, three inches longer than the previous model. 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. The Kona Limited featured a power hands-free liftgate. Interior storage was improved with a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash and a "guardrail" on the wireless charging pad. The Kona offered cloth seats on 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 Dodge Durango featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on SXT and GT models, while the Citadel and SRT models received a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity. Both used the Uconnect infotainment system, with the larger screen getting the current Uconnect 5 version. The SRT models included the Performance Pages app, providing performance information on the touchscreen. A 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system was available with the Premium Package on the SRT Hellcat model.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona introduced a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen standard across the lineup, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on lower trims and an OTA update promised for higher trims. N-Line and Limited trims included wireless device charging and a new Wi-Fi hotspot. Six speakers were standard, with an upgraded Bose stereo system available. Dual 12.3-inch screens created a panoramic view in the curved housing, optional with the Convenience Package and included with N-Line and Limited trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were standard, with a subscription included for the vehicle's life.

The 2023 Dodge Durango received mixed results in IIHS crash tests, with top "Good" marks in some tests but a "Marginal" score in the driver-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating, with five stars in the side crash test and four stars in the frontal crash test. Standard driver-assist tech was limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all trims, but other features like forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control were only standard on the Citadel.

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, with adaptive cruise control on N-Line and Limited trims. The Limited trim also included 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.