2022 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was an extended version of the standard Escalade, featuring a complete redesign for that model year. It was notably longer than the regular Escalade, measuring 226.9 inches compared to 211.9 inches, with a slightly lower height. This additional length was primarily at the rear, enhancing cargo space and providing a more stable ride due to the extended wheelbase of 134.1 inches. The Escalade ESV's design was characterized by its luxurious appearance, with chrome styling on certain trims and blacked-out accents on others. All versions rode on 22-inch wheels, with variations in finishes and spoke designs depending on the trim. The exterior was further enhanced by features like LED headlights, roof rails, and power-extending assist steps, contributing to its luxurious appeal.

Inside, the Escalade ESV offered a mix of luxury and practicality, though it fell short in some areas. While the vehicle boasted features like a panoramic moonroof and heated mirrors, the interior materials, especially in lighter color schemes, highlighted some shortcomings. The dashboard and controls were criticized for their lack of uniqueness, especially given the vehicle's high price point. Despite these issues, the Escalade ESV remained a popular choice for those seeking a spacious and stylish SUV.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its appeal with a more sophisticated look. The vehicle was 1.6 inches longer than its predecessor, featuring revised front and rear fascias, enhanced LED lighting, and sporty character lines. The new alloy wheel designs complemented the exterior changes, giving the Kona a more athletic appearance. Inside, the Kona's instrument panel and center console were redesigned for a more spacious look, with new ambient lighting adding a touch of sophistication. The addition of two new trim levels, the N Line and Kona N, brought unique styling elements and performance enhancements, making the Kona more appealing to sporty SUV enthusiasts.

The Kona's interior was designed to maximize comfort for front-seat occupants, with ample headroom and legroom. However, rear-seat passengers faced challenges due to the compact dimensions, with limited head- and legroom. Cargo space was also limited, with 19.2 cubic feet available with all seats up, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Despite these limitations, the Kona's fit and finish were commendable for its price point, and the sporty design elements in the N Line trim added to its overall appeal.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV offered two engine options: a standard 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel inline-six engine producing 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD). The Escalade ESV's performance was robust, though the V8 engine could have benefited from more low-end torque for better passing power at higher speeds. The vehicle's weight, ranging from 5,785 to 6,182 pounds, contributed to its stable ride but also posed challenges for the engine when towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA for the ESV, but the traditional Escalade achieved an estimated 17 to 23 mpg combined, with RWD versions being more efficient.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains, catering to different performance preferences. The base SE and SEL trims featured a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). For those seeking more power, the N Line and Kona Limited trims came with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). The new Kona N trim boasted a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque, paired with an N eight-speed wet DCT. The Kona N featured performance enhancements like launch control, a variable exhaust system, and high-performance brakes and tires. The Kona's handling was agile and composed, with the AWD system providing stability and confidence on the road.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was designed for comfort and practicality, offering a spacious interior with leatherette seating surfaces and available leather upholstery. Standard features included 12-way power-adjustable front seats, heated first- and second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel. The ESV provided ample legroom in the first two rows, with the third row offering decent space for adults on short trips. Cargo capacity was a highlight, with 126.6 cubic feet of space behind the first row, 81.5 cubic feet behind the second row, and 42.9 cubic feet behind the third row. The power-adjustable third row could be folded using a switch in the cargo area, though it required careful adjustment to avoid getting stuck on the second-row seats. The hands-free power liftgate was a convenient feature, though it sometimes required multiple attempts to operate. The Escalade ESV also offered upscale features like an adaptive air suspension and a center console cooler.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered a comfortable front-seat experience with ample headroom and legroom. The rear seats, however, were less accommodating, with limited space due to the vehicle's compact dimensions. Cargo space was also limited, with 19.2 cubic feet available with all seats up, expanding to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Kona's interior was well-designed, with a focus on maximizing space and comfort for front-seat occupants. Despite its compact size, the Kona offered a practical and functional interior for everyday use.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV was a technology powerhouse, featuring a standard 19-speaker AKG sound system with an optional 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference audio system. The vehicle came equipped with a curved 38-inch OLED screen, housing three displays for driver information and infotainment. The OLED technology provided deep blacks and crisp graphics, enhancing the cabin's ambiance. The Escalade ESV also offered wireless charging, NFC phone pairing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and seven USB ports. Cadillac's Super Cruise advanced driving assist system was available, allowing for hands-free driving on certain highways. While Super Cruise was generally reliable, it occasionally struggled in certain conditions, such as bright sunlight or recent road construction. Despite these challenges, Super Cruise was a valuable feature for highway driving.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona received a tech upgrade for the model year, with an 8-inch display standard on the base SE trim and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system available on higher trims. The Kona offered wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. The vehicle also featured Hyundai Blue Link, a suite of connected services, and a digital key for remote access. The Kona's infotainment system was user-friendly and intuitive, providing a seamless experience for drivers and passengers. The availability of advanced tech features in an entry-level model made the Kona an attractive option for tech-savvy buyers.

The 2021 Cadillac Escalade ESV came standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front automatic braking, front and rear park assist, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. Additional technologies were available, such as adaptive park assist, a head-up display, and advanced adaptive cruise control. The Escalade ESV received a four-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with a three-star rating in the rollover test due to its top-heavy design.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a range of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention warning. Available technologies included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Kona received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings in all crashworthiness tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Kona's forward collision-avoidance system received high marks for its effectiveness, though the child-seat anchors were rated "Marginal" due to their placement.