MotorwayAmerica.com

By Jim Meachen
Editor, MotorwayAmerica.com

(April 21, 2024) The second-generation Hyundai Kona compact crossover is here and I found it improved in almost every aspect from the first generation including technology, interior size, and styling. The styling part is, of course, in the eye the beholder and it has garnered some negative reviews. There wasn't much — other than interior space — to gripe about with the first-generation Kona. Don't forget it was named North American Utility of the Year in 2019.

As to size, the new Kona is 5.7 inches longer, an inch wider, and with a 2.3-inch longer wheelbase. This growth spurt addresses one of the biggest complaints I had with the otherwise excellent first-gen vehicle — its rear quarters were too tight for adult passengers and its cargo space trailed most competitors in the compact segment.


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I discovered the difference first-hand when we carried two adults in the second row on to separate occasions. No complaints from the passengers who also discovered that the usually confounding rear seatbelts were a breeze to fasten with belt respectables not buried in the seat, but sitting up high for easy access. At the same time, air flow through the rear vents was nothing short of excellent, a feature appreciated on a warm day.

As to styling, up front the new Kona sports an unbroken slit of LED running lights high on its snub nose with headlights slotted neatly into the front fender flares, a look unique even to other uniquely styled Hyundai products. Side styling is somewhat reminiscent of Hyundai's IONIQ 5 EV but there the similarities end.

Out back, the design language continues to plow new ground with an unbroken slit of a taillamp running across the entire rear lift gate and into the rear fenders. Taillamps and backup lights are located low and into and around the fenders. The 19-inch wheels look fantastic as does the big spoiler mounted atop the lift gate.

Inside, the Kona has a sleek, modern look with a trimmed down center console allowing a lot of storage area including a storage shelf on the dash. The display touchscreen features Hyundai's newest infotainment system, which supports over-the-air (OTA) updates to keep the software current. Controls are straight forward, and something I very much like — "old-fashioned" knobs for audio volume and radio turning. What a novel idea!

The Kona's new size yields more storage with 25.5 cubic feet behind the seats and 63.7 cubic feet with the second-row seatbacks folded.

The Kona comes in four trim levels — SE, SEL, N Line and Limited. Hyundai also offers an electric version of the Kona. The SE and SEL trims come with a rather lack-luster 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) making 147 horsepower. I strongly recommend either the N Line or the Limited, which both get a rewarding 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to a proper 8-speed automatic transmission. An all-wheel drive system is optional with all trims.

For comparison purposes, the 147-horsepower engine has been measured from 0-to-60 in around 9.5 seconds, while the larger 1.6-liter turbo can finish off the run in just north of 7 seconds. If mileage is a concern, the 2.0-liter is EPA-rated at 29 mpg city, 34 highway and 31 combined for front-drive and 27/29/29 for all-wheel drive. The turbocharged 190-hp engine is rated at 27/29/28 front-wheel, and 24/29/26 AWD. Both engines run on the less-expensive regular gas.

I think the sweet spot is the N Line such as my test vehicle. In addition to the bigger engine the N Line features everything included in the SEL's optional Convenience package, which includes a 12.3-inch infotainment display, a separate 12.3-inch digital gauge display, heated front seats,
wireless smartphone charging pad, on-board Wi-Fi, adaptive cruise control with a lane-center feature, a sunroof, an eight-speaker Bose premium sound system, microsuede seat trim, and a sunroof.

The Kona starts at $25,625 for the SE and works through the trim levels at $26,975 for the SEL, $32,175 for the N Line and $33,175 for the Limited. My N Line AWD test vehicle carried a bottom line of $33,695  including destination charge.

And when shopping a new compact SUV don't forget that all Hyundai products carry a five-year, 60,000-mile comprehensive warranty and a 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2024 Hyundai Kona

Essentials
Base price: $25,624; as driven, $33,695
Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 190 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 195 pound-feet @ 1,700 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Drive: all-wheel
Wheelbase: 104.7 inches
Length: 172.6 inches
Curb weight: 3,483 pounds
Turning circle: 34.8 feet
Luggage capacity: 25.5 cubic feet
Cargo capacity: 63.7 cubic feet
Fuel capacity: 13.2 gallons (regular)
EPA rating: 24 city, 29 highway, 26 combined
0-60: mid-7-seconds
Also consider: Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30, Buick Encore GX

The Good
• Roomy interior
• A large amount of standard technology
• Full slate of safety features

The Bad
• Polarizing exterior styling

The Ugly
• Underwhelming acceleration from base engine