Two SUVS Driven – The 2022 Hyundai Kona N And 2022 Chevy Equinox

For this overview, we carry you two SUVs, the 2022 Hyundai Kona N and the 2022 Chevy Equinox. Why pair these two rides, every of which couldn’t be extra completely different than the opposite besides they’ve 4 tires and a steering wheel and are categorized as “SUV?” We had them each on the similar time. They’re additionally across the similar worth. Let’s have a look.

2022 Hyundai Kona N

Who’da thunk? Hyundai, maker of sedans, SUVs and peanut automobiles of various enchantment and success, has now thrown its lot in with all of the nervous little “sizzling hatches” and birthed the Kona N, a delicious, angry firecracker of a car. It’s not a hatch, although – it’s a subcompact SUV.

This is among the first Hyundais I’ve ever checked out and thought “Wow, that’s a great-looking journey.”

With its blacked-out grille, gulpy, giant air intakes, twin exhaust, creased hood with punched holes and crimson trim line underneath the entrance bumper, the spoiler and aspect skirts, the Kona N is a good-looking satan certainly.

From the entrance, the crimson trim underneath the entrance bumper jogged my memory of 1928’s “The Man Who Laughs” as if the automotive was smiling each time I approached. I had the Kona N for seven days and each day I discovered some motive to get behind its wheel whether or not essential or frivolous.

Inside, you are feeling cleared for takeoff, and your “suedelike” seat coverings are comfortable and classy. There’s a crimson button on the steering wheel which, when pressed, rockets you into overboost and bangs the 276-hp journey to 286 for 20 seconds. Additionally, bless them, Hyundai has offered precise knobs, buttons, levers and good old style buttons everywhere – none of this “Every part from quantity management to warmth is buried in a fingerprint-stained display screen and even for those who simply wish to decrease the amount on the tunes, we’ll make you are taking your eyes off the street and search for it.”

The car is obtainable at only one fully-equipped worth of $35,425,

Engine

You roll through a turbocharged, 2.0 litre 4 cylinder engine with an computerized transmission. There’s an 8-speed, twin clutch sending your torque to entrance wheels, which means you’ve acquired a lovely quantity of street really feel in your steering wheel round corners at pace, one of many funnest facets of the automotive. It’s noisy once you rise up over 30 MPH. Mileage is someplace round 23 MPG mixed metropolis/freeway.

Cockpit:

It’s black via and thru however the shifter, buttons, distinction stitching and Efficiency Blue right here and there ship an awesome distinction – one other candy contact.

The nav/sound/local weather system labored properly, no points with connection or operation. A digital gauge cluster delivers 10.3 inches of show, as does the infotainment display screen. A Harmon/Kardon sound system with eight audio system, delivered good however not nice sound.

The Experience:

It’s exhausting to not be in a rush within the Kona N, even when going to the submit workplace, so watch your pace. On curvy roads, you’ll lean into the corners along with your front-wheel drive like a masseuse digs into the knots in your again. The one factor I want it had was a selection of a guide shift – it doesn’t – however because it was, the Kona N delivered precisely the whole lot it says it is going to ship – enjoyable, pace and a pricetag that gained’t break the financial institution.

What a thrill, and what an awesome new addition to the world of cute, indignant little automobiles.

Security

The Kona N comes with commonplace lane-keeping help and blind-spot monitoring, commonplace computerized high-beams, commonplace adaptive cruise management and extra. A Restricted guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles, and a powertrain guarantee covers 10 years or 100,000 miles. You get complimentary upkeep for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Sure!

2022 Chevy Equinox

There they each have been, two SUVs side-by-side in my driveway, comparable in worth – the 2022 Hyundai Kona N and Chevy’s 2022 Equinox.

The distinction is that one was enjoyable, fashionable, fast and modern, and the opposite was drab, boring and unremarkable.

Searching and seeing the Equinox was like seeing a man in a gray three-piece go well with within the driveway holding a briefcase who’s about to knock on the door with an awesome new supply for all times insurance coverage.

The Equinox impressed nobody throughout its check, turned no heads, and is principally indistinguishable from some other bland SUV on the market. There was nothing screaming “Oooh! New automotive!” Was this a 2022 mannequin? 2015? 2010? Unattainable to inform. The within is equally ehh, with the exception being a smart-looking, simple to make use of nav/local weather/sound system, a cool shifter, and a nice if not exhilarating drive.

That stated, it’s not all drab information. Let’s have a look.

What’s new this yr:

Consumers get a refreshed entrance finish highlights, a brand new grille design, and up to date entrance and rear bumpers. There’s additionally an RS mannequin (our tester) delivering some “sporty” styling cues akin to 19-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim. I did benefit from the fats shift knob and crimson stitching.

Go for the Premier and also you’ll get “French stitching” and glossy black trim on the console.

You’ve acquired only one engine accessible, a 4-cylinder turbo 1.5-liter making 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. It’s first rate however the automotive ought to include a whip to induce it on whereas it complains about having to go up a hill. Trims embrace the bottom LS at $26,995, LT at $28,095, the RS at $31,295 and the Premier at $32,195.

Upon examination of the trims, LT delivers probably the most bang for the buck, delivering some decent-looking exterior trim, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, high-intensity discharge headlights, SiriusXM satellite tv for pc radio, and different goodies.

A Confidence and Comfort package deal delivers blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone local weather management, heated entrance seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an influence liftgate, rear cross-traffic alert, and distant begin.

The Drive

It’s nice. A six-speed computerized adjustments gears properly, however takes a bit to downshift even once you mash the pedal to the ground. The journey is satisfactory, the street manners acceptable.

Particularly within the rear, huge and/or tall passengers will be capable to stretch. It’s additionally acquired a wee extra head and legroom up entrance. Mileage is someplace round 28 MPG metropolis/freeway mixed, relying in your proper foot.

Nav/local weather/sound system

Chevy delivers a 7.0-inch touchscreen, with an elective 8.0-inch unit. You’ll see their MyLink infotainment interface on prime of your dashboard. Fortunately, the system is simple to grasp and use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto include, as do Bluetooth cellphone and audio streaming, Customary 4G LTE onboard Wi-Fi is a pleasant contact.

Security tools contains commonplace automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, commonplace lane-keeping help with lane-departure warning, accessible adaptive cruise management and extra.

Guarantee/Upkeep

A Restricted guarantee covers 3 years or 36,000 miles, a powertrain guarantee covers 5 years or 60,000 miles, and complimentary upkeep is roofed for the primary go to.

Conclusion:

Regardless of my harsh criticism of the Equinox, and its plunge in sales since 2018 partly because of the pandemic, it’s under no circumstances a canine. It’s simply not very glamorous or thrilling. For some individuals, there’s nothing flawed with that, and the 18,769 individuals who purchased one in March 2022 will agree.