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Do You Remember These Automotive Collabs?2024 Hyundai Kona Review
The Hyundai Kona is new for 2024 and comes with upgrades galore. We look interior quality, trim levels and more in our review.
What’s New for the 2024 Hyundai Kona?
2024 marks a big year for the Hyundai Kona as it enters its second generation with two engines, two drive types, and four trims to pick from. Compared to the original Kona, this one is bigger and features new technology too. Just about everything about the Kona is new for 2024. It features an all-new body, an all-new interior, and some technological refinements too.
2024 Hyundai Kona – hyundainews.com | Shop 2024 Hyundai Kona on Carsforsale.com
Carsforsale.com Score
8.5/10
Powertrain
Score
7.5/10
Interior
Score
9/10
Technology
Score
8.75/10
Value
Score
9/10
The Breakdown
Great interior tech
Fun 1.6-liter engine
Available AWD
No 2024 Kona N trim
Weak base engine
Getting a bit pricey
A good value overall
2024 Hyundai Kona Specs
- 147 horsepower from base engine
- 132 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 25.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 63.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats folded
- 12.3-inch infotainment screen
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 10-year warranty
2024 Hyundai Kona Powertrain 7.5/10
While the 2024 Kona is touted as all-new, the reality is that Hyundai did nothing to improve the engine lineup for this new generation. Base Kona trims still get the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from last year and again, it makes 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. It sends that power to the front or all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission. Notably, AWD is a $1,500 option on all trims regardless of engine.
Last year, we called it out for being the least enjoyable to drive since it’s somewhat weak compared to others in the segment. This year, the story is even worse since this new and larger Kona weighs more. That means that it gets worse fuel economy. Last year it scored 32 mpg combined, this year the Kona dropped to 31 mpg.
Standard on the N-Line and Limited trims is the same turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that was also available last year. Somehow, it makes five fewer horsepower for a total of 190. It still makes 195 lb-ft of torque so at least that figure didn’t drop off too. It uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that we love. Just like the 2.0-liter, this engine also gets a 1 mpg loss in overall economy compared to last year. Instead of getting 29 mpg combined, it gets 28. That doesn’t sound like progress to us.
Finally, Hyundai hasn’t brought the N trim back for 2024 so the lovely 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that threw fuel economy to the wind isn’t back for an encore. Overall, that leaves the Kona as a slight shadow of its former self in the driving dynamics department. It’s not as quick, not as eager, and just not as fun to drive. We applaud the availability of AWD across the lineup though and still prefer the N-Line or Limited over most of the competition in this segment.
2024 Hyundai Kona Interior 9/10
Where the Kona begins to shine in 2024 is in the cabin. Very few cars that start at this price and end at around $35,000 can look and feel this nice inside. The dash, steering wheel, and door cards feature a cohesive and upscale design. The cabin is available with ambient interior lighting, faux leather upholstery, and ventilated front seats.
Hyundai did a lot to make the new Kona more spacious inside for customers too. The overall length and width of the car are larger and the front seat backs are thinner to add even more rear-seat legroom. We also like the clever new storage spaces like the shelf in the dashboard and the center console space with its flip-out cup holders and configurable layout.
Storage in the rear is improved over the previous generation and now offers 26 cubic feet behind the second row. Fold those seats down and storage space increases to 64 cubic feet. Those are big improvements over last year. Notably, the rear seats don’t fold down perfectly flat with the rear cargo area. A small bump remains between the two spaces. A small cargo area lies beneath the rear cargo space for the spare tire and other things.
2024 Hyundai Kona Technology 8.75/10
The Kona has dramatically improved in terms of technology. Standard across the lineup is a 12.3-inch infotainment system found in various other models. It’s quick, featureful, and easy to use. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard too though as of this writing, they’re the wired type. It’s plausible that Hyundai will push a software update to enable wireless versions soon.
On top of that, Hyundai continues to incorporate physical buttons and switches where they’re needed most. No need to hunt through the infotainment system for climate controls. They’re all available at the push of a button or the flick of a switch. Hyundai also offers a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that is incorporated into the main infotainment system for a futuristic look.
Available features include a clever blind-spot camera system that shows a live blind-spot view in the gauge cluster when a turn signal is engaged. We wish every car had it. The Kona is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+, the firm’s highest award, and comes with a lot of top-notch safety tech too. That includes standard automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist. At the same time, we’d love to see Hyundai go even further by offering lane-following and adaptive cruise control as standard features.
2024 Hyundai Kona Trims & Pricing
SE – $25,625
The base Kona comes with 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, four USB ports, and automatic high beams.
SEL – $26,975
This trim has 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, rear-seat climate vents, and roof rails.
N Line – $32,175
This sporty-focused trim adds 19-inch wheels, a digital instrument cluster, a sunroof, heated front seats, ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, microsuede seat trim, an eight-speaker Bose sound system, integrated navigation, adaptive cruise control, and integrated voice recognition.
Limited – $33,175
The top trim includes faux leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a surround-view camera system, a blind-spot camera system, parking sensors, and an automated parking system.
2024 Hyundai Kona Overall Value 9/10
The Kona is an above-average value in this segment thanks to excellent interior quality, awesome technology, and an industry-leading warranty. It’s not as fun to drive as the previous generation but it’ll still beat the pants off anything this side of a Mazda CX-30. That said, it’s worth noting that for budget-focused shoppers, cars like the Chevy Trax and Buick Envista offer a better balance of value for money.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score 8.5/10
2024 Hyundai Kona – hyundainews.com | Shop 2024 Hyundai Kona on Carsforsale.com
Hyundai has lost a little of its magic in this generation, but it’s matured a bit too. It could benefit from adding additional safety features and a hybrid powertrain. That could help it stand out even more in a crowded segment. Oh, and we’d really love a new Kona N but this time with AWD. Please and thank you.
2024 Hyundai Kona FAQ
Is the Hyundai Kona a Hybrid?
No. The Kona is not but the Kona Electric is available as a battery electric vehicle.
Is the Hyundai Kona AWD?
The Kona comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available across the lineup.
How much is the Hyundai Kona?
The Kona starts at $25,625 but can cost up to $33,175 based on options and trim.
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