Vehicle Type: Subcompact SUV
Price Range: $25,435 - $35,160
Powertrain: The 2024 Hyundai Kona features two different powertrains.
These include a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 147 horsepower through a continuously variable transmission and a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic.
Both options come with front-wheel drive as standard, but all-wheel drive can be added as an option.
The lower-powered base engine comes with the Kona SE and SEL variants, while the turbo powertrain is available with the Hyundai Kona N-Line and Kona Limited trim levels.
What’s New for 2024?
The Hyundai Kona has been completely redesigned for 2024. The exterior is inspired by the EV model and features a sleek, modern profile and it has also six inches longer and one inch wider than the previous model. The wheelbase has grown by two inches, which improves stability. These larger proportions mean the cabin is more spacious, while a newly-designed, reclinable rear seat has been added in the back. There have also been a number of tech upgrades including the ability to get over-the-air updates, Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 system for remote locking and starting, and the new SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance System. The latter includes a wide range of driver assistance features, such as blind-spot monitoring and Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist.
What’s Good?
- The bigger interior makes for a more comfortable experience, especially in the back seats, and improves the cargo space
- The improved technology and safety package brings the 2024 Hyundai Kona up to date with comparable small SUVs
- The new exterior styling sets the Kona apart from its rivals and puts it in line with some of the bold style choices that Hyundai has been making with its electric vehicles
- Alongside the bigger interior, there is also a range of amenities and convenience features as standard and optional equipment, such as heated seats and better soundproofing
What’s Bad?
- The increased weight of the new Kona has resulted in a slower acceleration time compared to the previous generation
- This weight gain also decreased fuel economy from the last model with an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the smaller FWD engine and 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway with the turbo and AWD
- The larger wheelbase and interior amenities resulted in a higher price point by over $2,000, although the MSRP of the new Hyundai Kona is still relatively low
Would we buy one? Yes! The second-generation Hyundai Kona is an affordable, practical SUV with plenty of premium amenities and sleek exterior styling as well as ample space in the cabin.
More Photos:
See more 2024 Hyundai Kona Photos.
Overview:
The Hyundai Kona has been completely redesigned for the 2024 model year. The external changes are immediately apparent, with a styling update that takes inspiration from the already updated Hyundai Kona Electric. With an exterior that is both rugged and modern, the 2024 Hyundai Kona is a great option for those who want something a little different from the average compact SUV.
The new Kona is available with two powertrains: a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that puts out 190 horsepower. The less-powerful engine runs through a CVT transmission, while the higher-powered one is paired with an eight-speed automatic with a torque converter. This is a massive upgrade from the previous generation’s dual-clutch seven-speed automatic, which was known for being rough and loud. The 2.0-liter engine comes with the SE and the Hyundai Kona SEL trim levels and the turbo engine is standard with the higher N-Line and Limited trims. Both engines come with front-wheel drive as standard but all-wheel drive is an option.
One of the big changes for the Hyundai Kona is an increase in size – which has made it slower. The base engine has a 0-60 time of 9.2 seconds, while the turbo does the same in 7.5 seconds. Fuel economy has also suffered slightly, with the FWD base engine getting 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highway, and the AWD turbo engine 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. However, these stats are certainly not dismal and should be more than sufficient for most drivers.
The interior is where the redesigns become even more apparent. The whole cabin is incredibly spacious and this new version also has a slimmer front seat-back, which creates more legroom for rear-seat passengers. The dashboard features two 12.3-inch touchscreen displays with one right behind the steering wheel for a customizable digital gauge display and another toward the center as an infotainment system, which runs both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
All versions of the new Kona include a suite of safety and driver assistance equipment, including lane-keeping assist, automated emergency braking, and forward-collision warning. Adaptive cruise control is optional. Each new Kona also comes with Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 system, which allows for keyless entry and remote starting. It also includes Hyundai’s famous 10-year powertrain warranty and a five-year, 60,000-mile limited warranty as well as complimentary scheduled maintenance.
The new Kona is an excellent alternative to other subcompact SUVs such as the Nissan Kicks, the Chevrolet Trax, the Kia Niro, and the Subaru Crosstrek. With more cargo and passenger space than any of its rivals, the Kona makes for a versatile and practical vehicle. While it doesn’t have the fuel efficiency of a smaller SUV such as the Volkswagen Taos, it more than makes up for it with unique styling and a wide range of safety and driver-assistance features. Plus, it is more powerful than the Honda HR-V if you crave a little more sporty excitement from your daily driver.
Overall Score: 4/5 stars
Driving Experience: 4/5 stars
The steering and handling are designed to be as firm and responsive as possible without feeling squirrely or too rough on the road.
With a longer wheelbase and a wider stance than the outgoing model, this new Kona has a much stabler ride than its predecessor.
The cabin noise incredibly low, with a reduction of up to three decibels when compared to the outgoing model.
While the whole vehicle feels fairly agile, the base engine is somewhat underpowered, with a 0-60 time of 9.2 seconds.
Safety Features: 5/5 stars
The 2024 Kona comes with a large suite of safety and driver-assistance features.
These features include automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, a blind-spot monitor, and a self-parking system.
At the time of writing, the 2024 version of the Kona had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or the NHTSA, but the 2023 version received five stars in nearly every category, so it is expected that the 2024 model will yield similar results.
With a longer wheelbase and a wider stance than the previous generation, the new Kona also has a more stable, controlled ride, making it a safe car, even on windy roads.
Value: 4/5 stars
With a low starting price of less than $30,000, the 2024 Kona is a fantastic entry-level vehicle and be upgraded without spending too much money.
The new Kona is more expensive than the outgoing model by almost $2,000, so it is important to weigh that up against the extra features.
The N-Line and Limited models break the $30,000 mark, but with more powerful engines and rugged exterior touches, they could be well worth it.
Tech Features: 5/5 stars
The new Kona is packed with tech features, including two 12.3-inch screens accessible from the driver’s seat. Opt for the high-level Limited trim, you get a Blind-Spot View Monitor and Surround View Monitor for extra eyes on the road.
Every version of the 2024 Kona comes with Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 system, which gives you remote access to features such as keyless entry and self-parking.
The Kona’s infotainment system is now equipped to get over-the-air updates so you never have to worry about your system expiring.
The infotainment system also comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as well as USB-C connections in both the front and the rear seats.
Practicality: 5/5 stars
With Hyundai’s reputation for reliability and extensive warranties, you can count on the 2024 Kona to give you many trouble-free miles.
The extended wheelbase and extra room in the back seat make it an excellent choice for families and anyone else who needs a lot of space.
While fuel economy has gone down slightly from the previous model year, the Kona is still comparable with other gas SUVs in its category.
Styling & Design: 5/5 stars
The exterior of the 2024 Kona is sleek and modern with nods to the Kona EV and the broader direction Hyundai has taken its vehicles in the last few years.
The interior is handsomely styled with good quality materials throughout.
Upgrade to the N-Line trim level, and you get even more exterior styling touches, such as cladding, a rear spoiler, and new bumpers and wheels.
Fuel Efficiency: 3/5 stars
The 2024 Kona returns mid-range fuel efficiency with a slight dip from the previous model year.
With the base engine and standard FWD, the Kona has an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Go for the higher-powered turbocharged engine, and you can expect those ratings to fall to 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
While this is almost five miles per gallon less than the equivalent outgoing Kona, it is average for an SUV of this class and size.
What’s it Going to Cost Me?
Opt for the most basic 2024 model – the Kona SE – with no extra features, and the starting price is $25,435. This includes the destination charge of $1,335 that is added to every Kona sold in the US.
The next step up is the Kona SEL. This version comes with extra features such as 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, roof side rails, and a power driver seat with lumbar support. It starts at $26,785.
The N-Line is the sporty version of the 2024 Kona and comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, exterior accents such as body-colored cladding and a rear spoiler, sporty seats, and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof. It also comes with the 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. This version of the Kona starts at $31,985 including the destination charge.
The high-level Limited trim includes a range of extra features such as a hands-free liftgate, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, and leather-trimmed seats. This variant starts at $32,985.
Add Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system to any of the trim levels, and you can expect to pay an additional $1,500. There are also several available accessories, such as a cargo tray for $120, carpeted floor mats for $210, and mudguards for $120.