SPY vs. SPY: In Terms Of DESIGN, Which Vehicle Looks CHEAPER? Honda HR-V vs. Hyundai Kona

SPY vs. SPY: In Terms Of DESIGN, Which Vehicle Looks CHEAPER? Honda HR-V vs. Hyundai Kona
Today, Agent 001 and I were catching up. While discussing this morning's breaking news, 001 noted he had just seen a Kona on the street and he thought it looked good. It doesn't move the needle for me.

So, I made it known that I didn't feel that way. In fact, I think the Kona is a bit of a clunky design that is executed horribly. Then I praised Honda's latest design efforts, which I think are much stronger than Hyundai's latest work. 001 countered that the HR-V oozes a cheap vibe, especially when it comes to details.

Honda HR-V vs. Hyundai Kona

And that, Spies, is how World War 3 started.

All jokes aside, we decided that it may make for an interesting story tonight to get snaps of each and let you, the tastemakers, decide. After all, we know that the Spies typically boast a strong barometer as it relates to understanding the market.

So, Spies. We've got to ask: In terms of DESIGN, which vehicle looks CHEAPER to YOU? The Honda HR-V or the Hyundai Kona?

Special thanks to our friend Joe Murray [jmurray@northcountyhyundai.com]. Most dealers aren't too keen on the Agents popping in. On the other hand, Joe is a great ambassador for the Hyundai brand and knows how to treat a customer.

NOTE: This is not a sponsored post, merely an acknowledgement of a good salesperson who treats people right.


Honda HR-V vs. Hyundai Kona


















































TomMTomM - 8/14/2018 6:53:09 AM
+8 Boost
The interior looks newer in the Honda - but with that addition of the Black Cladding - the Kia looks a little more cartoonish than the Honda exterior wise. Still - they really look similar enough except from the front - that it would take a second glance to tell the make - its a toss up.


Dexter1Dexter1 - 8/14/2018 7:17:57 AM
-6 Boost
Two Asian eyesores and you ask which looks cheaper? Both are disgusting.


MDarringerMDarringer - 8/14/2018 8:23:09 AM
-4 Boost
The Honda looks horrible and dated. The Kona looks a lot better in person than in pictures.


MDarringerMDarringer - 8/18/2018 7:42:22 PM
+1 Boost
YUP


Agent00RAgent00R - 8/14/2018 11:08:20 AM
-2 Boost
Correct, the HR-V has been refreshed but THIS is what's on dealer lots right now.


vdivvdiv - 8/14/2018 12:06:32 PM
-2 Boost
They both look cartoonish and cheap because they are for young people.


cidflekkencidflekken - 8/14/2018 5:06:03 PM
+5 Boost
Neither is anything special but neither is unattractive. Perfect for the segment. The interior of the HR-V does look more refined and modern while the Kona's interior looks rental-car chic, so that's where the HR-V wins, easily.


MrEEMrEE - 8/18/2018 7:06:49 PM
+1 Boost
The Kona gets my vote as cheaper looking. The plastic cladding is poorly executed and the copy of Jeep front lights was bad choice. Putting rear lights in the bumper is also a bad idea.


senftsenft - 8/20/2018 6:01:26 AM
+1 Boost
Not design, styling is the issue.
Design-wise, at least on paper, the Kona has much more bang for the buck. Its (sadly) optional AWD system also fixes the flaw in most low-end systems. Most systems take their time kicking in; the delay in kicking in is what helped me do an unintended 360 across two lanes of traffic.
As for styling, the funny thing is that the size of the vehicle matters. I'd hate to see a 3-row-sized Kona, but in its present size, I find it attractive. (This is based on seeing one in the real world, not photos.)
So, for me, Kona.
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