The subcompact SUV segment has seen some changes in the past few years—namely, a trend toward increased size. The newly redesigned 2024 Kona is a prime example of how a small SUV can spread out and grow a bit without losing the compact character that made it a hit in the first place.
With two available gas-powered engines and an all-electric powertrain, the Kona is also one of the most versatile scooters on the market. Now that we’ve had plenty of time with it, here are some of our favorite things about the all-new Kona.
1. Tons of Space
The very first thing you’ll notice about the 2024 edition of the Kona is that it’s bigger. It’s gained a full inch of width and over two inches on its wheelbase, but the most significant difference is the fact that it’s nearly half a foot longer (apparently Hyundai is on a big body-lengthening kick; the 2024 Santa Fe got some added inches as well).
Despite having a larger profile in almost every way, the 2024 Kona still has the zippy, almost go-kart-like drive feel, so fans of the OG Kona’s mini proportions and fun handling needn’t worry.
Of course, extra inches on the outside usually translates to more space on the inside. Here are a few key interior dimensions in the 2024 Kona:
|
Head room (front/rear) |
39.9 in / 38.3 in |
|
Shoulder room (front/rear) |
56.8 in / 55.2 in |
|
Leg room (front/rear) |
41.7 in / 36.4 in |
|
Cargo volume (seats up/seats down) |
25.5 cu ft / 63.7 cu ft |
Side-to-side space is up across the board, and the rear leg room increases by over an inch thanks to thinner front seatbacks. Cargo space has also jumped up massively, with a grand total of about 18 extra cubic feet.
Oh, and if you decide to go green, the Kona Electric also has an extra front storage trunk where the engine would be.
2. Forward-Thinking Design
When designing vehicles with both gas and electric powertrains, most manufacturers start out with the internal combustion version, then they cram all of the EV components in after the fact. With the new Kona, that thinking is reversed—it was conceptualized as an electric SUV from the get-go.
The electric-to-ICE approach is most evident in the exterior design, which is decidedly EV-centric, boasting futuristic contours that one doesn’t normally find in gas-powered vehicles. Every square inch is calibrated to be as aerodynamic as possible, and Hyundai asserts a drag coefficient of just 0.27, which is basically car talk for “as little wind resistance as possible.”
A lowered drag coefficient doesn’t just help with EV performance, either. The regular Kona also benefits from its lithe body design, which allows it to achieve an EPA fuel economy estimate of 35 miles per gallon on the highway. That’s better than a lot of hybrids, folks.
3. Plenty of Power
The gas-motivated Kona has two engine options depending on the trim, and both are refined for maximum efficiency. The performance-oriented engine in the N-Line and Limited grades gets a 1.6-liter turbo engine that puts out 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, while the SE and SEL versions get a 2.0-liter deal for peak fuel economy. Both options are able to be paired with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The Kona Electric has the benefit of that near-instant torque that EV motors provide, and it’s a heck of a lot of fun to drive. The Kona Electric SE has a smaller electric motor that puts out 133 horsepower, but the SEL and Limited trims get a boosted setup that cranks 201 ponies. No matter which one you pick, they all get 188 pound-feet of torque to ensure prompt acceleration.
In terms of the Kona’s EV battery charging: with an at-home level two charger, it can recoup full battery in under five hours, and at a 100-kilowatt public charger, it can go from 10 to 80 percent in 45 minutes, which promises to return plenty of juice on an average grocery stop.
4. Impressive Tech
Another benefit of the Kona’s EV-first specs is that it’s loaded up with some of the best technology features that Hyundai has to offer.
No matter which trim level you choose, all Kona Electric and Kona models come with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that dominates in its class, putting the Kona solidly in the running for small SUVs with the best tech. HD Radio, Sirius XM, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto all come standard, and nearly all are optionable with Dynamic Voice Recognition. Dual USB outlets in the front and rear are also standard issue, and a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless device charging are available.
Now that Hyundai has rolled out Bluelink+, all 2024 Kona models come standard with the Basic Package, while the Advanced Package is available in higher trims.
As expected, the Kona and Kona Electric come with a healthy amount of standard driver assistance features through Hyundai SmartSense, including:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Lane Following Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- Safe Exit Warning
- High Beam Assist
In addition, optional features include Highway Driving Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Parking Distance Warning. All of these features add up to make the new Kona one of the safest compact SUVs on the road—the 2024 Kona has won the Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.
5. Unbeatable Value
Many subcompact SUVs are considered to be great starter or entry-level new cars because of their wallet-friendly pricing, and the Kona is no exception.
Here’s the current pricing for the all-new Kona and Kona Electric:
|
Kona SE Kona SEL Kona N-Line Kona Limited |
$24,250 MSRP $25,600 MSRP $30,800 MSRP $31,800 MSRP |
|
Kona Electric SE Kona Electric SEL Kona Electric Limited |
$32,675 MSRP $36,675 MSRP $41,045 MSRP |
While the Kona may not be the absolute cheapest compact, it presents the best value thanks to the cornucopia of standard upgrades, putting it worlds ahead of other SUVs with similar price tags. The Kona Electric is also one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market right now, bar none.
To top it off, a new Kona comes with the best warranty available—it boasts the longest powertrain coverage, 5 years of roadside assistance, and for the Kona Electric, 10 years or 100,000 miles of EV battery protection, all included.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona: On Sale in South Florida
Truth be told, there are plenty more reasons we love the Kona. We just ran out of room. If you’re looking for more reasons to try one out, give Braman Hyundai a call at (786) 623-4261 and be sure to ask us about our global incentives and finance specials on a new Hyundai Kona for sale in Miami.
