For this review, we’re bringing you two SUVs, the 2022 Hyundai Kona N and the 2022 Chevy Equinox. Why pair these two vehicles, which couldn’t be more different than each other, except they have four tires and a steering wheel and that they are classified as “SUV?” We had both at the same time. They are also roughly the same price. We’ll take a look.

2022 Hyundai Kona N

Who thinks ? Hyundai, maker of sedans, SUVs and peanut cars of varying appeal and success, has now set its sights with all the edgy little “hot hatches” and gave birth to the Kona N, a delicious angry car firecracker. It’s no hatch, though – it’s a subcompact SUV.

It’s one of the first Hyundais I’ve ever looked at and I thought “Wow, that’s a great car.”

With its blacked-out grille, gulpy, large air intakes, dual exhaust, pleated hood with punched holes, and red trim line under the front bumper, spoiler, and side skirts, the Kona N is really a handsome devil.

From the front, the red trim under the front bumper reminded me “The Laughing Man” from 1928 as if the car smiled every time I approached. I had the Kona N for seven days and every day I found a reason to get behind the wheel, whether important or frivolous.

Inside, you feel ready to take off, and your “suede” seat coverings are comfortable and stylish. There’s a red button on the steering wheel that, when pressed, kicks you into a boost and takes the ride from 276 horsepower to 286 for 20 seconds. Plus, bless them, Hyundai provided real good old-fashioned knobs, knobs, levers and knobs throughout – none of that “Everything from the volume control to the heat is buried in a fingerprint-stained screen digital and even if you just want to turn the volume down, we’ll have you take your eyes off the road and look for it.

The vehicle is offered at a single fully equipped price of $35,425,

Engine

You drive via a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an automatic transmission. There’s an 8-speed dual-clutch that sends your torque to the front wheels, meaning you’ve got great road feel in your steering wheel through high-speed corners, one of the most fun aspects of the car. It’s noisy when you get up over 30 MPH. Mileage is about 23 MPG combined city/highway.

Interior:

It’s black through and through, but the shifter, buttons, contrast stitching and performance blue here and there provide great contrast – another sweet touch.

The navigation/sound/air conditioning system worked well, no problems with connection or operation. A digital gauge cluster offers a 10.3-inch display, as does the infotainment screen. A Harmon/Kardon audio system with eight speakers, delivering good but not great sound.

The path:

It’s hard not to be rushed in the Kona N, even going to the post office, so watch your speed. On twisty roads, you’ll lean into those curves with your front-wheel drive like a masseuse digs out the knots in your back. The only thing I wish it had was the choice of manual shifting which it doesn’t – but as it was, the Kona N delivered exactly what it says it does. it will deliver – fun, speed and a price that won’t break the bank.

What a thrill and what a new addition to the world of cute and angry little cars.

Security

The Kona N comes with standard lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring, standard automatic high beams, standard adaptive cruise control and more. A limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles. You get free maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. Yes!

2022 Chevy Equinox

There they were, two side-by-side SUVs in my driveway, similarly priced — the 2022 Hyundai Kona N and the 2022 Chevy Equinox.

The difference is that one was fun, stylish, fast and innovative, and the other was dull, boring and unremarkable.

Looking out and seeing the Equinox was like seeing a guy in a gray three-piece suit in the driveway holding a briefcase that’s about to knock on the door with an exciting new life insurance offer.

The Equinox impressed no one in its test, turned no heads, and is basically indistinguishable from any other bland SUV. There was nothing that screamed “Oooh!” New car!” Was it a 2022 model? 2015? 2010? Impossible to tell. cool shifter and a fun, even exhilarating drive.

That said, it’s not all lackluster news. We’ll take a look.

What’s new this year:

Buyers get a refreshed front end, new grille design and updated front and rear bumpers. There’s also an RS model (our tester) offering “sporty” styling cues like 19-inch wheels and blacked-out exterior trim. I liked the big shift knob and the red stitching.

Go for the Premier and you’ll get “French seams” and gloss black trim on the console.

You only have one engine available, a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo developing 170 horsepower and 203 lb-ft of torque. That’s okay, but the car should have a whip to push it around while it complains about having to climb a hill. Trims include the base LS at $26,995, LT at $28,095, RS at $31,295 and Premier at $32,195.

After reviewing the trim, LT offers the best bang for the buck, offering decent-looking exterior trim, an eight-way power driver’s seat, high-intensity discharge headlights, SiriusXM satellite radio, and other goodies.

A Confidence and Convenience package offers blind-spot monitoring, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, power liftgate, rear cross-traffic alert and remote start.

The reader

It’s nice. A six-speed automatic shifts well, but takes a little time to downshift even when you smash the pedal to the floor. The route is passable, the road behavior acceptable.

Especially in the rear, tall and/or tall passengers will be able to stretch out. It also has a little more headroom and legroom up front. The mileage is around 28 MPG city/highway combined, depending on your right foot.

Navigation/air conditioning/sound system

Chevy offers a 7.0-inch touchscreen, with an 8.0-inch unit optional. You’ll see their MyLink infotainment interface at the top of your dashboard. Fortunately, the system is easy to understand and use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come with it, as does Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, standard 4G LTE built-in Wi-Fi is a nice touch.

Safety equipment includes standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, standard lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, available adaptive cruise control and more.

Warranty/Maintenance

A limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles, a powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles, and free maintenance is covered for the first visit.

Conclusion:

Despite my acerbic criticism of the Equinox, and its drop in sales since 2018 partly due to the pandemic, it is in no way a dog. It’s just not very glamorous or exciting. For some people, there’s nothing wrong with that, and the 18,769 people who bought one in March 2022 will agree.