2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Toyota C-HR at Spinelli Toyota!

When it arrived on Quebec roads in 2018, this Toyota SUV surprised many with its completely unconventional look, which is the antithesis of what the Japanese manufacturer had accustomed us to for years. So much so, in fact, that some people thought the designers at Toyota had probably used illegal substances in its creation. You've probably guessed that we’re talking of the 2021 Toyota C-HR, measuring itself here to the 2021 Hyundai Kona, which also arrived in 2018.

Part of the increasingly popular subcompact sport utility vehicles class, our two rivals are perfect for city dwellers and/or Laval or South Shore commuters, with their small size, energetic driving dynamics and tight turning radius, allowing us to become parallel parking champions, and still roomy enough to go lose ourselves far from the city. For this new chapter, the 2021 C-HR gains a few new features, like the Nightshade Edition, as well as new body colours.

The different versions of both SUVs: there's something for everyone

Available in 3 trim levels, the LE, XLE Premium and Limited, the C-HR relies on a single powertrain, a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with 144 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque, which has been paired with a CVT. The 2021 Kona has 5 gas-engined variants, including the Essential, Preferred, Trend, Luxury and Ultimate. The first three feature a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with 146 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, while the others rely on a 1.6-litre turbo engine with 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

2021 Toyota C-HR: more for less

Comparing the respective base versions of the Kona vs C-HR, let's see what else the Toyota offers on top; LED headlights, 6-way adjustable passenger seat as opposed to 4-way, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, adaptive cruise control with heavy traffic mode, 8-inch touchscreen vs. 7-inch display, real-time traffic and weather display, 17-inch wheels vs. 16-inch, predictive brake assist, intelligent brake assist, more headroom and legroom for passengers. So that's a good point in favour of the Toyota.

Although they are known for their generous equipment, the 2021 Hyundai Kona, like the others, cannot boast of their reliability, exceptional resale value, durability or component quality. It's a fact that the C-HR is part of a family of which the remarkably well-crafted genetics have given us and continue to give us vehicles that stand the test of time without a scratch. And if perfection were a brand of vehicle, it would unequivocally be Toyota.

Beyond the wonderful attributes of the C-HR, the Hyundai Kona is also a very nice-looking vehicle, so let's give credit where credit is due.

All things considered, the 2021 Toyota C-HR dominates the 2021 Kona

Nevertheless, for most people, its good looks alone will hardly be enough to choose it, and the C-HR, let's face it, is pretty well dressed too, thanks to the audacity and imagination of Toyota's designers on this one.

A fun feature is certainly the two-tone colour choices such as Hot Lava with Black Roof or Blue Eclipse Metallic with Black Roof. The interior of the C-HR is just as original as the exterior, with a blue stripe that contrasts nicely with the black and gives the impression of a tiered dashboard. Also for this year, the limited Nightshade Edition features 18-inch black alloy wheels as well as black side skirts, mirrors and door handles. The Black Sand Pearl, Blizzard Pearl, Supersonic Red and Magnetic Grey exterior shades are available.

So if quality and reliability are part of your buying criteria, come see us at your Spinelli Toyota dealer located in Pointe-Claire, on Montreal's West Island, and try out the little C-HR, an SUV with immense qualities that, unlike other Toyota models, will never go unnoticed, guaranteed.