2024 Hyundai Kona
Hyundai has a few design languages. They all speak to each other with ease, yet each one has a distinct look that attracts their particular audiences.
When the 2024 Kona arrived recently, we knew that it simply wanted to be just different than any SUV in its size class. They followed a new style and made it accessible. But, is it attractive to you?
The design used to form the Kona began with a minivan back in Korea. This is the first vehicle to arrive in our country with this new style. You have LED light strips defining the base line of the Kona. It may seem like a dividing line, but it also puts it altogether.
Your main lighting units are below the LED “line.” The front LEDs may seem to be attached the front fenders instead of the front clip. They are as discreet as the rear taillight units placed the same way. A grille is prominent in the lower part of the front end.
The side profile is more “normal” than below the glass line. Door glass is quite large, and visibility is good until you get the C-pillar. There, the glass is triangular and defines a satin chrome strip that frames the glasshouse and the spoiler on top of the liftgate. The rest of the body offers muscular features that pop out from the rest of the exterior.
Our Limited tester wears a set of 19-inch alloy wheels and a few brighter details, including a satin-finished lower front shield.
Evidence shows that the IONIQ 5 influenced the interior of the Kona. A flat panel is placed a cross the dashboard housing a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster and an equal sized infotainment touchscreen. Shifting the transmission is done by a knob on the end of the lower stalk on the right of the steering column, along with paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. Other controls are similar to those found throughout the rest of the Hyundai lineup.
The seats are upholstered in H-Tex simulated leather. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, providing plenty of bolstering. Rear seat room is best for children and average-sized adults, although there is plenty of headroom to spare. There is 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. When those seats are folded down, you have a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet available.
There are three power options available on the Kona. Our Limited tester came with the 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, putting down 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine is connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels.
Power comes on decently. A little nudge will get the turbocharged Kona up to speed and making passing maneuvers. It can cruise nicely at highway speeds. As for fuel economy, we observed an average of 26.0 MPG.
The ride quality was quite good. Yet, you will feel some feedback on rougher patches of road. Handling was on the soft side. We experienced some lean and roll when pushed to the limit through evasive maneuvers and taking some turns.
The steering system yielded a good turning radius and decent response to the wheels. On-center feel was fine, though a bit on the soft side. Brake pedal feel was fine with solid response to the wheels. The Kona turned in decent stops in normal and panic situations.
The new 2024 Hyundai Kona comes in four trim levels, plus three battery-electric models. Pricing starts at $24,250. Our Limited AWD tester came with a sticker price of $34,695.
With many SUV consumers looking for a smaller vehicle to fit their lifestyle, Hyundai’s Kona is normally compared to a number of offerings in its size class. For example, the Kona competes with the Kia Seltos, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-30, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Honda HR-V, Volkswagen Taos, Chevrolet Trax and TrailBlazer, Buick Envista and Encore GX, Ford Bronco Sport, Jeep Compass, and Dodge Hornet.
We can certainly say that the 2024 Hyundai Kona stands out in a crowded and growing size class. It is also a livable vehicle that is easy to own. If you’re looking for something looks differently than everyone else, check the Kona out.
Credits: CarSoup Editors
