Hyundai Kona 2024 Review: A Small SUV with Big Appeal

The Hyundai Kona is one of the most popular small SUVs in the market, and for good reason. It offers a stylish design, a spacious interior, a high-tech infotainment system, and a range of engine options to suit different needs and preferences.

The second-generation Kona, which went on sale in June 2023, has improved on many aspects of the previous model, making it even more attractive and competitive. In this review, we will take a closer look at the new Hyundai Kona 2024, focusing on the base model with the 2.0-liter petrol engine.

How Does It Look and What Does It Have?

The new Kona has a modern and stylish look that looks like a smaller version of the bigger Tucson. It has thin LED lights in the front and back, a nice grille with a design like an electric car, and curved metal and plastic parts around the wheels.

The basic model has 17-inch wheels, bars on the roof, a small wing in the back, and parts that match the color of the car. It also has a key that lets you open the car without taking it out of your pocket or bag, and mirrors that fold by themselves.

Because the new Kona is a larger vehicle than the previous generation, the interior is spacious and comfy. There is more room for your legs and head in both the front and back seats thanks to its 145mm longer overall length and 60mm longer distance between wheels than the previous model.

Although you can alter the cloth-covered chairs on your own, they are comfortable and offer decent support. To make it look nicer and different from the hard plastic, the same cloth is utilized on the doors and dash. The components are robust and well-built, and the often touched items are protected in a leather-like substance.

The standard petrol model features a standard gear changer in the center of the vehicle, while the other types have a dial on the steering wheel that provides extra room for your belongings. There are several storage compartments in the car, including a large center compartment, a wireless charging area, an open area above the glovebox, and cupholder locations.

The new Kona also has a nice and easy-to-use system that has a 12.3-inch screen and a digital dashboard. The screen has fast speed, simple menus, and clear pictures. It works with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as Bluetooth, USB-C ports, and a camera for parking.

The digital dashboard displays trip information, driving modes, speed, and rpm. Depending on the mode you select—Eco (green), Normal (blue), or Sport (red)—it changes colors. To handle various features including lane assist, radar cruise control, sound, and voice commands, the steering wheel contains buttons and knobs.

The ability of the new Kona to update itself without visiting a workshop is one of its best features. It may download new updates for crucial systems over the air. As a result, the Kona is current with technology and prepared for the future.

By scanning a code, you can also connect your phone to the Hyundai Bluelink app, enabling you to control your car from a distance. You can start your car, lock it, check its position and status, and adjust the temperature inside. Additionally, the app provides you with helpful data such as driving statistics, tire pressure, service reminders, parking history, and fuel level.

How Does It Drive and How Much Fuel Does It Use?

The base model of the new Kona has a 2.0-liter petrol engine that is more fuel-efficient and uses less fuel. For a small SUV, its 110kW of power and 180Nm of torque are adequate but not spectacular.

The engine includes a continuously variable gearbox (CVT) for smoother driving that appears to have eight speeds. In addition, the CVT offers a manual mode that lets you manually change gears by using the steering-wheel paddles.

The engine's performance is adequate for everyday driving, but it may seem sluggish and noisy when you need more power or speed. The CVT has a propensity to maintain high rpm when under a lot of pressure before settling at regular speed.

The average fuel consumption for the entry-level petrol model is 6.6L/100km. This is not terrible, but it's also not terrific for a petrol SUV. When driving in cities or lifting large objects, your fuel consumption will increase.

If you want more power or efficiency from your Kona, you can choose one of the other engine options: a 1.6-litre hybrid that uses only 3.9L/100km; or a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol that gives you 146kW and 265Nm.

How Safe and Reliable Is It?

The new Kona has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on the testing done in 2023. It has many features that protect you and help you drive better, such as:

Six airbags

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Electronic stability control (ESC)

Traction control system (TCS)

Hill-start assist control (HAC)

Downhill brake control (DBC)

Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)

Rear parking sensors

Rearview camera

Forward collision avoidance assist (FCA) with car, pedestrian, and cyclist detection

Lane-keeping assist (LKA)

Lane following assist (LFA)

Driver attention warning (DAW)

Leading vehicle departure alert (LVDA)

Smart cruise control with stop-and-go (SCC)

Blind spot collision warning (BCW)

Rear cross-traffic collision warning (RCCW)

The new Kona also comes with one of the best warranties in the business: a five-year, unlimited-mile warranty. Additionally, it comes with lifetime capped-price servicing and roadside assistance for 10 years.

Every 12 months or 15,000 kilometers, whichever comes first, must be serviced. Depending on the engine type, service costs vary, but for the first five years, they range from $259 to $375 per service.

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