Text by Tom Appel
2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Color: Mirage Green
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 194
Real-world fuel economy: 27.8 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B+ |
| Power and Performance | B |
| Fit and Finish | B |
| Fuel Economy | B |
| Value | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | B+ |
| Tall Guy | B+ |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 190-horsepower 1.6-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged four |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 24/29/26 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Regular
Base price: $33,160 (not including $1335 destination charge),
Options on test vehicle: Floor mats ($200)
Price as tested: $34,695
Pros and Cons
The great: Roomy and modern cabin, simple control layout
The good: Fun to drive, refined on the road, plenty of power
The not so good: Significant price bump for 2024
Overview
Kids are growing up too quickly these days. No longer can America’s youngster be lured by the mystery of a chemistry set, the delightful convenience of Saturday-morning cartoons, or the room-filling sound of a high-end component sound systems. Sadly, today there’s YouTube, streaming everything, and Bluetooth speakers. The latter of which, I add, are a poor substitute for a real, killer stereo.
But just as kids seem to grow up too quickly these days, Hyundai’s once spunky Kona subcompact crossover seems to have skipped adolescence and has begun applying for serious adult work. Introduced in the U.S. for the 2018 model year, the frisky, functional, and affordable Kona went some distance towards redefining what budget-friendly motoring meant.
Changes
Redesigned for 2024, Kona now rides on a wheelbase that is almost 2.5 inches long than before, and has grown in mass by 100-200 pounds. depending on trim level. This growth spurt comes with a new, more refined personality. The new Kona is a little less fun to drive, but a lot more refined, especially with AWD. More on that in a minute…
Changes to the 2024 Kona include:
- A 6-inch stretch in overall length
- Improved rear-seat legroom
- Upgrade cabin trim
- Unique front-end treatment for Limited model
- Improve aerodynamics
Prices and Trim Levels
For 2024, the Kona returns in four trim levels: base SE ($25,645), popular SEL ($26,995), sporty N Line ($32,195), and premium Limited ($33,195). All are front-wheel drive, with AWD available for a reasonable $1500.
Engines
A 147-horsepower 2.0-liter engine is the base powerplant for SE and SEL models. N Line and Limited models are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter four rated at 190 horsepower. All 2.0-liter engines mate to a CVT-style automatic transmission, while 1.6-liter units come with a conventional 8-speed automatic.
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited with AWD in Mirage Green. All told, our test car came to $34,695.
Room and Comfort
While we never quibbled about the front-seat space in the Kona, we’re happy to report that, though technically a subcompact, the Kona boasts plenty of up-front space, and easy cabin access via large door openings. Additionally, thanks to a generous amount of glass, Kona’s cabin feels bright and airy. As noted above, there’s more space in the second row, though we still think trying to squeeze three people in the back should be act of last resort.
Controls
Kona’s instrument panel and center-console touchscreen are essentially a single construct, and the effect is one of tidy efficiency. We found using the touch screen to be a simple affair. All of the Icons are large and easy to pick out, and the system itself functions intuitively.
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First seen in the brand’s Ioniq 5 EV, the Kona’s gear selector is mounted to the steering column, and functions via a simple rotation of the stalks tip. While this may initially seem odd, it starts to feel normal after only a short period of time, and we appreciate the lack of clutter on the center console.
Also, for those who care, the Bose-brand audio system, standard on the Limited, punches above its weight class. This author especially appreciates the system’s faithful reproduction of classic-mid-century jazz.
Rear-seat accommodations are also friendly, with easy entry and exiting, and plenty of knee and headroom. Cabin materials quality is decent, and appropriate for the class, but maybe not quite as premium as that found in other Hyundai products. That said, the Kona cabin comes off as clean and modern. And, we appreciate a little automotive interior minimalism.
Ride and Handling
On the road, Kona continues to impress. Interesting bit of tech: AWD models are fitted with a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, this in place of the sold-beam system found on front-wheel drive examples. While we have not, yet, evaluated a front-drive Kona, we came away very impressed by the ride and handling our AWD test car. Credit the suspension, quiet cabin, and comfortable seats, for this small Hyundai’s long-trip friendly attitude.
Power and Performance
And while the Kona is no ball of power in a straight line, the little turbocharged engine, and alert-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission, pair well to deliver useful power at any speed. Throttle response at low speed was very good, and power away from a stop sufficient to pull away from traffic. Likewise, the Kona offers up sufficient power for fuss-free passing and merging activities.
Note: We have not sampled the updated Kona with the 2.0-liter engine and its CVT automatic transmission, but caution that serious shoppers evaluate the vehicle for extended test drive. Be sure you find adequate power and drivetrain refinement.
Review
We rather miss the smaller, somewhat spunkier Kona of old, but the updated-for-2024 example makes for an excellent step-up vehicle for folks already in a Kona, and a very nice starter/commuter vehicle for newcomers to the brand. That said, Kona is plenty refined enough for long-trim comfort. Yeah, the kid grew up kind of fast, but we’re proud of what she’s become.
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2024 Hyundai Kona Limited Pictures
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