The 2024 Hyundai Kona, available with gasoline or electric powertrains, enters a competitive segment against models like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, and Kia Niro. It also contends with the Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, and Volkswagen Taos among others in the small SUV category.
DESIGN
Sporting a sleek design reminiscent of higher-end models, the 2024 Kona maintains its unique look while enhancing its interior aesthetics. With redesigned wheel arches and customizable colors, the Kona’s exterior draws inspiration from the Ioniq 5 electric car.
Featuring dual 12.3-inch digital displays, the new Kona’s interior showcases a modern, streamlined dashboard across all trim levels. Despite retaining some black plastic elements, the overall material quality represents an improvement over its predecessor.
With six paint choices available across all models, the Kona offers a diverse palette featuring white, silver, charcoal, black, green, and yellow. Particularly eye-catching is the exclusive Meta Blue color for electric versions, while gasoline models come in unique shades like Denim Blue, red, and orange.
PERFORMANCE
With 190 hp at 6000 rpm, the Kona’s 1.6 turbo engine showcases a delay in power delivery as the turbo spools up during transmission downshifts, favoring fuel efficiency at low revs while ensuring adequate acceleration for merging.
Sporting 19-inch alloy wheels for respectable cornering grip, the Kona’s handling exudes a composed rather than aggressive demeanor, though occasional road noise may arise on specific surfaces, offering a balanced road feel.
VERDICT
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD is listed at an MSRP of $33,150, with freight and handling fees adding up to $34,695.
Competition
In the compact crossover segment, the Kona, prioritizing style and features over ruggedness or sportiness, competes directly with models like the Honda HR-V, which may lack the Kona’s distinctiveness despite its larger size.
While the Kia Niro offers a standard hybrid option and an EV variant, it comes at a higher starting price compared to the Kona, whereas the Mazda CX-30 offers a more upscale feel and a sharper driving experience.
Off-road adventurers favor the Subaru Crosstrek for its capability over the Kona, despite its slightly reduced fuel efficiency. Conversely, the VW Taos surpasses the Kona in combined passenger and cargo space, particularly in its front-wheel-drive setup.
