The 2024 Hyundai Kona marks the second era of Hyundai’s subcompact crossover, selecting up the place the unique mannequin left off with funky styling, a peppy powertrain (together with an all-electric variant that will likely be reviewed individually), and a shocking quantity of expertise inside. The adjustments might not appear in depth on paper, however the Kona’s options add as much as create probably the most compelling choices in its phase.
BuzzScore
Base MSRP $24,250
Exterior Design 8 / 10
Efficiency 7 / 10
Gasoline Effectivity 7 / 10
Inside & Cargo 8 / 10
Infotainment & Options 8 / 10
Reliability 9 / 10
Security 8 / 10
Worth For Cash 9 / 10
Base fashions function a four-cylinder engine producing simply 147 horsepower, whereas the N-Line and Restricted trims step it up considerably with a smaller turbocharged four-pot delivering 190 hp. CarBuzz spent per week driving the 2024 Kona Restricted, the highest-priced and most luxurious trim stage, to learn the way this second-generation mannequin stacks up in opposition to the competitors. The subcompact house already consists of sturdy choices, just like the Buick Envista, Chevrolet Trax, Ford Bronco Sport, Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, and Volkswagen Taos to call a number of. Must you think about the Kona on this crowded phase? We imagine it is best to, and because of this.
Exterior: Funky To The Max
Polarizing: that is one of the best ways to explain the Hyundai Kona’s design. The unique Kona divided opinions with its break up headlights and funky wheel arches, however this new mannequin takes these components to new extremes. We occur to be on the ‘love’ aspect, however we all know this design would not attraction to everybody. This new era is 5.7 inches longer than earlier than with a 2.3-inch improve in wheelbase.
2024 Hyundai Kona Exterior Dimensions vs. 2023 Kona Exterior Dimensions
Mannequin
Size
Wheelbase
Top
Width
2024 Hyundai Kona
171.3 in. | 172.6 in. N Line
104.7 inches
62.2 – 62.4 in. FWD | 63.4 in. AWD
71.9 inches
2023 Hyundai Kona
165.6 in. | 166 in. N Line
102.4 inches
61 – 62 inches
70.9 inches
Hyundai says the second-generation Kona’s design language was impressed by electrification, with the gas-powered mannequin wanting prefer it might be an EV. We love the linked headlight and taillight bars, each of which give the automobile a futuristic look. As earlier than, the principle headlights are hidden decrease on the automobile. 17-inch wheels make the SE seem like it belongs on a rental automobile lot, whereas the SEL is upgraded to nicer 18-inch wheels.
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The N Line is probably the most aggressive, with a novel entrance fascia, 19-inch wheels, and a reasonably substantial rear spoiler. If you wish to mix in a bit extra, the Restricted will get 19-inch wheels however with out the sporty flare of the N Line. Talking of mixing in, that will not actually be potential if you happen to go for our tester’s Neoteric Yellow paint. This neon yellow attracts stares wherever it goes, so select it with care.
![2024 Hyundai Kona N-Line](https://static0.carbuzzimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/_34a5773-edit.jpg)
Hyundai has another cool colours out there, akin to Denim Blue Pearl, Mirage Inexperienced, Soultronic Orange, and Final Crimson Metallic. The remainder of the hues are boring shades like black, white, grey, and silver. Choosing the N Line unlocks a two-tone black roof choice for $470.
Inside: Low cost Thrills
Regardless of which trim you select, the Kona’s cabin is hampered by some onerous plastic surfaces that each feel and appear low cost. Consumers can choose both a black or grey inside on most trims, and we really feel the grey choice exacerbates a budget really feel, particularly in locations just like the door playing cards. It is apparent that Hyundai wanted to chop prices someplace as a result of the Kona would not skimp on options. Even the bottom SE will get a 12.3-inch touchscreen, which lastly options wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto performance. That system is tied to 6 audio system on the SE and SEL trims or an upgraded eight-speaker Bose system on the N Line and Restricted. We had been shocked by how full the Bose system sounded in such an inexpensive automobile.
The SE and SE fashions use a easy gauge cluster with a 4.3-inch small helper display screen, whereas the N Line and Restricted trims (non-obligatory on the SEL with the Comfort Bundle) get a completely digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster. That cluster may even have Hyundai’s wonderful blind-spot view monitor on the Restricted trim.
Fabric seats come commonplace on the SE and SEL, whereas the N Line beneficial properties nicer leather-based/suede mixture seats with pink accents. Stepping as much as the Restricted rolls in H-Tex leatherette seats which are heated and ventilated up entrance. The Restricted boasts different facilities like a surround-view monitor and a wi-fi cellphone charger. Each the N Line and Restricted trims additionally borrow the column-mounted shift-by-wire from the Ioniq EVs, liberating up house within the middle console for extra storage. It is a small change that might be value upgrading if you happen to worth usable inside house.
Practicality: Maximizing Area
Because of an elevated size and wheelbase, the second-generation Kona has extra inside house than its predecessor. Legroom is beneficiant in each rows with rear occupants having access to rear air vents on all however the base mannequin and USB ports on each trim. Headroom can also be acceptable for entrance and rear occupants, although rear shoulder and hip room is tight, as is predicted for a subcompact crossover – one thing rivals additionally must take care of.
2024 Hyundai Kona Inside Dimensions vs. 2023 Hyundai Kona Inside Dimensions
Fashions
Legroom (Entrance | Rear)
Headroom (Entrance | Rear)
Hip Room(Entrance | Rear)
Cargo Area
2024 Hyundai Kona
41.7 | 38.2 inches
39.9 (sunroof: 38.3) | 38.3 inches
54.3 | 52.4 inches
25.5 – 63.7 ft³
2023 Hyundai Kona
41.5 | 35.2 inches
39.6 (sunroof: 38) | 37.8 inches
53.3 | 52.2 inches
19.2 – 45.8 ft³
The Kona can squeeze 25.5 cubic ft behind its second row or 63.7 cubes with the seats folded. Its platform stablemate, the Kia Seltos, boasts a dice extra behind the second row however much less house general (62.8 cubic ft). Each the Ford Bronco Sport and Volkswagen Taos are barely extra spacious. Choosing the Kona Restricted provides a hands-free liftgate that is not out there on different trims.
Efficiency: Buying and selling Enjoyable For Smoothness
SE and SEL trims use a carryover 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine with no turbocharging or supercharging, delivering a modest 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Entrance-wheel-drive is commonplace with non-obligatory all-wheel-drive, each going out by what Hyundai calls an clever variable transmission (or repeatedly variable transmission), which differs from final 12 months’s six-speed automated. This setup is not significantly sporty with no quoted 0-60 mph time from Hyundai, however we count on the dash to take someplace close to ten seconds.
![Large-57003-2024Kona](https://static0.carbuzzimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/large-57003-2024kona.jpg)
Base 4-Cylinder
Engine 2.0L Inline-4 Gasoline
Transmission Repeatedly Variable Automated (CVT)
Horsepower 147 hp
Torque 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
![Large-57041-2024KonaNLine](https://static0.carbuzzimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/large-57041-2024konanline.jpg)
Turbo 4-Cylinder
Engine 1.6L Turbo Inline-4 Gasoline
Transmission 8-Velocity Automated
Horsepower 190 hp
Torque 195 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Upgrading to the N Line or Restricted trims truly decreases the engine measurement to a 1.6-liter, although a turbocharger helps pump out 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. That is truly fewer horses than final 12 months’s Kona, which developed 195 hp. The turbo four-cylinder can also be paired with a brand new transmission, ditching the outgoing mannequin’s seven-speed dual-clutch in favor of a traditional torque converter eight-speed automated. This setup is noticeably extra sluggish than the earlier DCT, however what it trades off in sporty acceleration, it delivers with smoother gear adjustments, particularly in stop-and-go visitors. Sadly, you pay a worth in quickness, with the 2024 Kona taking an estimated high-seven to low-eight seconds hit 60 mph, in comparison with 7.2 seconds within the earlier mannequin. In our testing, turbo lag prevented the Kona from hitting its predicted time, taking 8.48 seconds to achieve 60 mph.
Effectivity-conscious patrons will want the bottom powertrain, which delivers 29/34/31 mpg on town/freeway/mixed, dropping barely with AWD. These numbers dip somewhat extra with the turbocharged engine to 26/32/28 mpg with FWD. We would like to see Hyundai introduce a hybrid powertrain, however the Kona Electrical is a good inexpensive choice for patrons who’re taking a look at their first EV.
2024 Hyundai Kona Gasoline Mileage
2.0L 4-Cyl. FWD
2.0L 4-Cyl. AWD
1.6L Turbo-4. FWD
1.6L Turbo-4. FWD
29/34/31 mpg
26/32/28 mpg
27/29/28 mpg
24/29/26 mpg
Driving Impressions: Begging For N Therapy
Although the straight line efficiency is lower than stellar, the Kona hasn’t misplaced any of its sporty dealing with. The steering is surprisingly sharp, particularly in Sport Mode the place it feels heavier. You get an ample quantity of suggestions by the wheel, making it straightforward to put the automobile by corners. The tires aren’t too sticky, however they hug on sufficient for the way most homeowners will push the Kona. Driving this automobile makes us yearn for a brand new model of the Kona N – a high-performance model that has a warmer engine, greater brakes, and suspension upgrades. The brand new styling and upgraded inside would translate completely to the N therapy, and we actually hope Hyundai brings this mannequin again.
As a day by day driver, the Kona excels with easy acceleration and ample journey consolation. The suspension by no means feels bouncy even over tough pavement and the cabin stays quiet even at freeway pace. Driver help expertise akin to Freeway Driving Help and adaptive cruise management make the Kona a wonderful commuter, whether or not that be metropolis or freeway driving.
Pricing & Verdict: Straightforward On Your Pockets
Pricing for the 2024 Kona ranges from very inexpensive to comparatively inexpensive. The SE trim, which continues to be well-equipped, begins at $24,250. We would advocate stepping up not less than to the SEL for $25,600 to get bigger wheels, a leather-based steering wheel, energy driver’s seat, and extra. The $2,200 SEL Comfort Bundle can also be value contemplating, because it provides a digital instrument cluster, digital key, adaptive cruise management, shift-by-wire, built-in navigation, LED inside lights, a wi-fi cellphone charger, HDA, Wi-Fi hotspot, paddle shifters, and heated entrance seats.
![N/A](https://static0.carbuzzimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/gallery-images/original/1209000/700/1209739.jpg)
Pricing for the sporty N Line begins at $30,800, and the luxurious Restricted trim is barely barely dearer at $31,800. Including AWD to any of those trims prices $1,500. Regardless of which trim you select, the Kona is among the many most feature-rich crossovers within the subcompact phase and its priced effectively regardless of its wealth of content material. In order for you nice bang on your buck, the 2024 Hyundai Kona is a value-laden choice.