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Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda32020 Hyundai Kona: A Versatile and Well Balanced SUV
What do our experts think of the 2020 Hyundai Kona? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2020 Hyundai Kona?
Hyundai adds adaptive cruise to the Kona Ultimate for 2020. In addition, the 4.2-inch driver information display is now standard on the SEL Plus.
2020 Hyundai Kona – hyundainews.com | Shop 2020 Hyundai Kona on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Lots of advanced technology
Excellent turbocharged engine option
Unbeatable warranty
Sluggish base engine
A tad less cargo space than rivals
Cheap materials
2020 Kona Specs
- 147 horsepower from base engine
- 132 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 19.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 45.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Top Safety Pick+ according to IIHS
- 10-year warranty coverage
2020 Hyundai Kona Powertrain
All but the top trims of the Kona come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s factory-rated at 147-hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic it’s not particularly engaging but it’s good enough that city dwellers especially won’t notice any deficiency.
Steering feedback is a little on the numb side as well but thankfully the Kona reacts sharply when turning. While it’s by no means a sports-oriented SUV, the way it reduces body roll and hugs corners are admirable.
The Limited and Ultimate trims both come with a 175-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that develops some 195 lb-ft of torque. In such a small SUV it feels downright fast and makes much better use of the excellent suspension found on the Kona. It’s not as sharp as the Mazda CX-30 but it’s close.
We really like the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that comes with the turbo engine. It’s fast and adds an additional layer of engagement for those who want to select their gears while driving.
2020 Hyundai Kona Fuel Economy & MPG
Across the Kona range, fuel economy is a solid quality. The worst-rated trim according to the EPA is the base motor with AWD. That combination will net drivers an estimated 26 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. The best combination features the turbo engine with front-wheel drive which achieves 28 mpg in the city and 32 on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Hyundai offers quite a lot of value for money with regard to the Kona but they save some cash on the interior. Hard plastics and foams are littered throughout a cabin that’s otherwise very impressive. Pushing on the other side of that coin are nicer materials like leather, high-quality stitching, and outstanding switchgear that feels far more expensive to use than we expect it actually is.
Seating is comfortable in both the front and the rear and we really appreciate the excellent visibility from the driver’s seat. Buttons and controls are well laid out and easy to navigate in everyday practice. The cabin also features little colorful touches that match the body color which is something few cars in this segment even attempt.
Cargo space might be a little limited in the 2020 Hyundai Kona compared to other vehicles in this class but thankfully it opens up to more than 45 cubic feet once the rear seats are lowered and stowed out of place. Those who need more might consider the Kia Seltos.
Entertainment & Technology
Every Kona comes with a touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The base model along with the first few trims all come with a seven-inch unit but the top trims get an eight-inch version equipped with navigation. We also love the bevy of charging ports including two 12v and a USB-C plug-in along with a wireless charging pad.
An optional Infinity audio package is also available and it punches above its weight in terms of clarity and bass. Advanced safety features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep warning, and forward-collision mitigation. Automatic high-beam headlights are also available.
Safety Features
Along with the bevy of advanced driver assistance features available and standard on the Kona, it has passed safety tests with excellent results. The NHTSA has awarded it five stars in crash testing and the IIHS gave it a Top Safety Pick+ award for 2020.
2020 Hyundai Kona Trims & Pricing
SE – $21,440
The base Kona comes with the 2.0-liter engine mentioned above along with 16-inch alloy wheels, two USB ports, manually-adjustable front seats, cloth upholstery, and air conditioning.
SEL – $23,240
The SEL trim adds 17-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated side mirrors, heated seats, lane change assist, blind-spot monitoring, and an external temperature display.
SEL Plus – $25,090
Fog lights and shark fin antenna get added to the SEL Plus along with a sunroof, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system, and a wireless charging pad.
Limited – $27,240
Starting at the Limited trim, the Kona is fitted with the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, LED tail lights, leather upholstery, and automatic climate control.
Ultimate – $29,090
At the top of the lineup, the Ultimate gets an 8-inch infotainment system, a heads-up display, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and automatic high beams.
Warranties
No brand beats Hyundai and its 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty that comes with every Kona. In case that’s not enough, the Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles. In addition, the first three years or 36,000 miles of the Kona’s is covered with complimentary maintenance.
What we think
2020 Hyundai Kona – hyundainews.com | Shop 2020 Hyundai Kona on Carsforsale.com
The Hyundai Kona is unquestionably one of our favorite small SUVs. Not only is it practical and well-priced, but it features an excellent combination of technology, comfort, and driving dynamics. It’s also equipped with the best warranty in the business and outstanding safety scores.
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