2024 Hyundai Kona: First Spin

By Sue Mead

The 2024 Hyundai Kona has been completely redesigned outside and in. On a recent ride and drive that started in Baltimore’s Fells Point upscale, hip waterfront neighborhood and proceeded to a collection of highways and byways that took a group of automotive testers into the picturesque Maryland countryside for a day-long evaluation, I discovered that it’s also more refined, and has upgraded road manners. The Kona first came to market in 2018 and was named for the western district of the island of Hawaii and to “reflect the lifestyle of modern customers” that is in line with the “progressive design” it adopts, says Hyundai.

Taking a look at this South Korean automaker, it’s impressive to see that Hyundai has become increasingly popular with American buyers and has continued to grow and update its full SUV lineup. Hyundai has also posted all-time sales records with growth of over 12 percent this year, along with climbing to the top of the charts with J.D. Power’s highly-regarded surveys in the areas of initial quality, dependability and satisfaction numbers, as well as receiving recognition from the North American Car and Truck of the Year (NACTOY) jury for the Kona EV in 2019.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona is all-new and comes with a wide range of powertrains that include internal combustion (ICE) and electric (EV) versions, as well as a sports-minded N Line. Trims also include the SE, SEL and Limited models, with varying levels of standard and available equipment. Kona is available with front-drive and AWD, with bold color options and four different wheel choices that range from 17 inches to 19 inches. Kona competes with the Chevy Trax, Honda HRV, Mazda CX-30 Nissan Kicks and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, along with a number of other entries in this class. The 2024 Kona starts at $24,100 and is on sale now; the Kona Electric will be available late fall.

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“The all-new Kona and Kona Electric continue to build upon our extremely successful first-generation model, with outstanding efficiency, innovative technologies, distinctive styling, and comprehensive safety features,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “The new Kona Electric represents the next step forward in eco-friendly mobility solutions, a key model in Hyundai’s rapid transition to clean mobility and progress for humanity.”

The second-generation Kona has inherited the eye-catching aesthetic of the previous generation–it still looks like a Kona, but with added futuristic design overlays. It’s 6 inches longer overall and slightly wider, which opens up more room for people and luggage. It has been designed with an aerodynamic nose, a longish hood and with lines the draw the eye up and over the subcompact sport ute to the back, where it has a slightly nipped rear. Appealing are the standard LED projector headlights and the available ‘seamless horizon’ Daytime Running Lights.

The interior has been crafted for more functionality, clean space, visibility, and general calmness with large screens and simple controls. Among the upgrades are dual, 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, navigation system, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, digital key, over-the-air software updates, and Hyundai’s next-generation infotainment system.

Occupants will appreciate the additional front-row elbow space and rear legroom. Some notable features include a tilt sunroof, high-tech leather, front ventilated seats and heated steering wheel, and 25.5 cubic feet of truck space.

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I drove front-drive Limited and HTRAC (AWD) N Line versions of the new Kona. Of note is the high-tech design and the open feel of the driver-centric interior, with smart storage spaces and slightly roomier second row. I appreciated being connected throughout my drive day with in-cabin Wi-Fi, Wireless Charging, as well dual front and rear USB-C outlets. Other features I enjoyed were the Bose premium-audio system and the Proximity Key, which features remote starting. Also nice were the supportive seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and sporty twin-tipped exhaust pipes exclusive to the N Line.

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There was plenty of power-on-tap with Hyundai’s optional turbocharged 190-horsepower 1.6-liter engine that is shifted seamlessly through a new 8-speed automatic transmission A 147-horsepower 2.0-liter is standard on SE and SEL trims and shifts through a CVT automatic. Steering and braking are crisp, and Kona’s suspension gives it a refined feel over uneven terrain and in corners.

The Kona Electric is equipped with a large 65-kWh battery that is estimated to deliver up to 260 miles of range based on Hyundai’s preliminary internal testing. Hyundai says the battery can be charged from 10 percent capacity to 80 percent in approximately 43 minutes using available level-3 public chargers.

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Fast Facts:

Kona’s new proportions bring larger dimensions and interior volume for gasoline-powered models. The new Kona is 171 inches long (6 inches longer than the previous-generation car), rides on a 105-inch wheelbase (2 inches longer), and is 72 inches wide (1 inch greater). Kona Electric is similarly resized.

Safety Features