“The Hyundai Kona isn’t in the same class as the Skoda Kamiq or Ford Puma, but it’s still a good buy. The most recent updates have made it more competitive, but it’s still not the most practical option or the one with the greatest drive.”
In recent years, the compact vehicle industry has been completely transformed. A new compact SUV could get away with being average as recently as 2017 when the Hyundai Kona was introduced. It simply had to outperform the inexpensive (but uninspiring) Vauxhall Crossland X and the popular (but subpar) Nissan Juke back then.
But there have been some genuinely nice new arrivals in the past year or two, and our review of the Hyundai Kona will look at how it compares to the competition. Our favourites are the Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq, but there’s also a new Renault Captur and a (much better) Nissan Juke.
As a result, the Hyundai Kona has lately received a significant update. Very literally, with a completely revamped front end to set it out from the pack. We’ll let you judge how effective it was.
As is the current trend, the lineup of engines has been reworked with electric vehicles in mind. The current lineup comprises 1.0-litre petrol with mild-hybrid technology, a 1.6 hybrid with a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and the Kona Electric with 39 kWh and 64 kWh battery choices.
If you buy a used Hyundai Kona, you’ll get the same 1.0- and 1.6-litre petrol engines but no hybrid technology. There was also a 1.6-litre diesel available briefly, but it sold in minimal numbers, so don’t count on finding one.
None of the regular engines is very exciting (if you want a car that can pass, get the Hyundai Kona Electric), and the Kona has never been as easy to drive as the SEAT Arona. In 2021, the suspension was updated, and it now handles rough road conditions better than before.
Of course, being a Hyundai, the Kona offers good value for money. A new one will cost you about £21,000, with top-spec hybrid variants costing over £30,000 when you add a few options. A budget of roughly £10,000 will buy you an early model on the secondhand market.
Read our review of the 2023 Honda Accord
Quick Overview
Base price/as tested $35,495/$35,895
Pros
- Levels of equipment are generously provided.
- Excellent entertainment hardware
- Five-year-warranty
Cons
- Drab interior design
- Firm ride and uninspiring handling on early models
- Hybrid models are expensive
Is the Hyundai Kona 2022 perfect for you?
The Hyundai Kona’s striking look is one of its main selling points. Some purchasers may adore it, while others will dislike it, but the colourful appearance, high driving position, and smooth driving characteristics are all pros. It will appeal to shoppers looking for something with more personality than a tiny family hatchback.
It’s not very useful because other cars in this price range have more space for cargo and people, so if you need to transport many adults, there are better options. The hybrid is inexpensive to operate but costly to purchase.
Which Hyundai Kona model and engine should I get?
For most customers seeking a pre-facelift model, the front-wheel-drive 1.0-litre petrol turbo will be the best choice. It’s not the smoothest, but it’s quick enough to keep up with highway traffic, and it has a big sixth gear for further refinement while cruising. It’s also good for your pocketbook, with an official economy of 45.6 mpg and a CO2 emissions level of 121 g/km.
At all costs, avoid the entry-level Hyundai Kona S variant. The SE model provides the greatest blend of features and affordability, and its smaller alloys help to minimize the Kona’s other big fault, a jiggly and hard ride that never completely settles, even as a secondhand bargain. You’ll be gritting your teeth over bumps on a bigger wheel.
What other vehicles are comparable to the Hyundai Kona?
The Hyundai Kona belongs to the market’s fastest-growing segment: compact SUVs. A market that erupted in popularity with the introduction of the first Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, and Peugeot 2008. All three vehicles have now been replaced by a whole new generation that is more refined, better to drive, and offers an increasing degree of technology and luxury gear on board, with costs rising to reflect their new status.
Yet, if you need a high driving position on a limited budget, you may go for a jacked-up version of a tiny hatchback. Vehicles like the Ford Fiesta and Hyundai’s own i20 Active provide a mini-SUV experience for less money. For a more grown-up driving experience, the Ford Puma is a lot of fun to turn, while the Volkswagen T-Roc is calm and stylish. Both have snappy 150 PS engines that offer a surprisingly quick speed.
Corporate vehicle drivers interested in the Kona hybrid should look into Toyota’s C-HR, which is even more fuel-efficient and handles the transition between gasoline and electricity more smoothly than the Hyundai.
Hyundai Kona interior design and comfort
“We wish Hyundai had been as daring with the inside of the Kona as it was with the appearance, since this is an interior that scores well for its uncomplicated utility but falls short in terms of aesthetic flare and excitement.”
The controls on the Hyundai Kona are quite sensibly set out, and the standard 7-inch screen is located right in the driver’s eyeliner and within easy reach of the steering wheel, but it’s a very boring place to spend time.
This counts a lot in a class that includes sophisticated rivals with attractive and premium interiors that show a little more personality, such as the ultra-modern Peugeot 2008 or the flawlessly polished Audi Q2. There’s little room for error, and adjusting the temperature or radio station is a piece of cake.
Still, many compact SUV buyers will be more concerned with comfort than aesthetics, and the Hyundai Kona excels in this department. The elevated driving position is properly judged, but if you want to modify it to your particular shape and size, there’s a broad range of manual changes to the seat and steering wheel placement.
Electric lumbar support is also available on the premium versions, which is a welcome surprise. The seats are already cushioned and pleasant, but being able to relieve back pain after hours of driving is a huge plus.
Vision is good in all directions except over the shoulder, where the bulky design means the back window is small and there are a lot of blind spots. However, the rear parking sensors make it easier to back up around obstacles.
Finishing and quality
When it comes to fit and quality, the Hyundai Kona has many similarities with many of Hyundai’s other vehicles. It’s well-made and seems strong enough to last for many years. The materials used are also strong.
The dash and the majority of the interior are covered with a mishmash of harsh, scratchy plastics in varied shades of dismal grey. Odd parts receive a soft-touch feel, but not enough, and it might need a dash of colour to liven things up. Only the more expensive versions have the option of contrasting trim.
On the bright side, all models save the entry-level have soft leather upholstery on the two most crucial points of contact, the steering wheel and gearstick, while top-spec models feature faux-leather trim throughout.
Flick an indicator stalk, swirl the temperature controls, or crank up the volume with the wheel buttons, and you’ll be thrilled with their tactile accuracy, but the fragile gearbox and armrest covers let you down.
Although many competitors have harsh finishes and plain designs, vehicles like the Skoda Kamiq lead the way in this class, demonstrating that with the correct technique, you can make a small SUV seem comfortable.
Hyundai Kona infotainment has a touchscreen, a USB port, navigation, and a radio.
Although every Kona model has an infotainment screen, the lowest basic variants have a modest 5-inch monochrome touchscreen that isn’t very appealing or sleek.
Fortunately, you just need to upgrade to the SE to get a dazzling 7-inch colour touchscreen, although both offer Bluetooth, DAB, and six speakers. But only the latter offers complete smartphone compatibility for both Apple and Android phones, as well as the necessary software to enable you to use your favourite streaming and navigation applications while driving safely.
The infotainment system is pretty basic, with actual shortcut buttons flanking the display that is easy to tap while driving, and scrolling through radio stations or connecting a new device is extremely simple.
Upgrading to the Hyundai Kona Premium SE or above gets you a bigger 8-inch touchscreen with built-in navigation and a more powerful audio system. It’s clearer aesthetically and responds faster than the conventional unit, plus you get extras like a wireless phone charger and a head-up display to make the Kona seem high-tech.
But it is not the last word in technology. This new system receives a widescreen 10.25-inch display on hybrid vehicles, which looks very smooth and is one of the most remarkable we’ve seen on a car this large.
Hyundai Kona boot space and functionality
The premise behind compact SUVs like the Hyundai Kona is that they are more practical than the tiny hatchbacks on which they are often based, but the Hyundai falls short of its roomiest rivals in terms of either passenger or cargo capacity.
In front, this seems more like a little car than an SUV. Although you can stretch out without infringing on anyone’s personal space, the cabin seems a bit more intimate than you would think. With a sizable glovebox, large door pockets, and a broad phone tray nearby, keeping the vehicle neat is a breeze.
Taller passengers in the rear seats may feel their heads brushing against the roof lining as they sit farther back in the Hyundai. If they are unfortunate enough to be seated behind a tall driver, their kneecaps will also be squeezed against the front seat backs—hardly ideal on a long journey anywhere.
Hyundai does include short rear door pockets and a narrow armrest in each back door, but on a lengthy ride, you’ll hear more complaints from your passengers than in competitors like the VW T-Roc. Unlike the Renault Captur and Citroen C3 Aircross, the rear seats can’t be moved forward or back. This makes it harder for families to choose between the number of seats and the size of the trunk.
In terms of capacity, the boot space is below average for the class at 334 litres. Nonetheless, the entrance is big enough to accommodate large objects, and when the split-folding seats are folded down, they provide a level loading bay. The Kona can carry up to 1116 litres of cargo in this mode, which is less than its competitors.
The boot of the entry-level Kona S has some additional storage space beneath the boot floor (where the spare wheel goes on later trims), but even without it, the boot is dwarfed by comparable compact SUVs. It can hold carry-on luggage and shopping bags, but purchasers who often need to transport bigger things may struggle to fit them all.
If you have a small driveway, keep in mind that the Hyundai Kona is 4165 mm long, 1800 mm wide, and 1565 mm tall.
What’s the Hyundai Kona like to drive in terms of handling and ride quality?
“Taller automobiles, by definition, handle less smoothly than lower ones. Because of the mechanics involved, a taller automobile frequently rolls more in bends, necessitating firmer suspension to keep its body motions under control.”
These downsides apply to all raised-up SUVs, but with light vehicles like the Kona, finding the correct mix between comfort and composure is more difficult since there’s less weight to help smooth out the ride.
Hyundai chose a firm configuration, which makes the car easier to control and less likely to lean than rivals like the Citroen C3 Aircross and Renault Captur. Even though the heavy hybrid car leans over a bit more than the light gasoline car, it stays straight in corners, has a surprising grip, and changes directions well.
However, this means it is quite sensitive to uneven surfaces. Go over a large pothole and you’ll feel a violent shock, and the wheels will patter across bad roads, picking up every scar and wrinkle. As a result, we recommend avoiding versions with 18-inch alloy wheels; you’ll be much more comfortable in a Kona with smaller rims.
The ride settles pleasantly on smoother Tarmac, although it’s not as soft as a Ford Puma or Volkswagen T-Roc. The 1.6-litre hybrid variant has a more complex rear suspension arrangement than the ordinary vehicle, although this is more to fit the four-wheel drive system and battery pack than to enhance handling.
Buyers will love the light steering throughout town. It scarcely needs any effort to whirl the wheel back and forth while you’re parking or performing a three-point turn, but doesn’t gather substantial weight for quicker driving. As a result, it lacks the precision and accuracy seen in other competitors, particularly SEAT’s Arona, which is more enjoyable.
What engines and transmissions are available for the Hyundai Kona?
The Kona was first offered with a 1.6-litre CRDi diesel engine and a pair of more popular petrol turbos. The first is a 1.0-litre with three cylinders and 120 PS, which will be more than enough for most purchasers, but those looking for more power may choose a 1.6-litre with 177 PS, four-wheel drive, and automated transmission.
In 2019, the diesel was replaced with a gasoline-electric hybrid based on the Toyota CH-R. A 1.6-litre engine is also used, together with a tiny battery and a 43 PS electric motor. It does not need plugging in, but it considerably improves the economy and lowers pollutants, as well as making the Kona seem more responsive in the city.
A 1.0-litre engine may not seem like much in a big SUV, but it’s our favourite in the lineup. To begin with, it is the most economical and least expensive to insure. It’s also no slouch, feeling ready and pleased to revise. It might need some encouragement to overtake, but the six-speed manual transmission is easy to use and has a lovely light shift.
But comparably sized units like the SEAT Arona and Ford Puma are more powerful. Both of these competitors are almost two seconds faster in a 0-62mph benchmark sprint, and you will feel the difference in regular driving.
We would resist the urge to go with the 1.6-litre engine. It’s only available with a dual-clutch gearbox that can smoothly shift through its seven gears, but it’s exceedingly costly to purchase and operate. It is undeniably faster, but the consequences of the increased speed are just too steep. We’d rather have a mid-range choice with roughly 150 PS and front-wheel drive, like the Volkswagen T-Roc or Mazda CX-30.
Noise levels and refinement
The Kona offers adequate accident protection. All versions have six airbags that will deploy if the worst occurs. If the vehicle detects that you are driving more erratically than normal, a driver attention warning will appear to advise you to take a break, and there is lane-keeping assistance that may gently pull you back straight.
When it was evaluated by Euro NCAP in 2017, it received the maximum five-star rating overall, but when you examine the individual grades, you’ll see that it only received 87% for adult safety, whereas most competitors received over 90%.
It also produced mediocre scores in the pedestrian and safety aid areas. That’s because automated emergency braking (AEB) is available on all but the most costly model levels. This essential gear is designed to assist drivers in avoiding accidents in the first place. It uses a camera to scan the road ahead, and if it detects a possible accident with a bike, pedestrian, or automobile on your route, it will notify the driver and begin braking if necessary.
AEB is currently standard on many compact SUVs. Although it is available on all trim levels of the Hyundai (as part of the larger SmartSense active safety pack), it is such a beneficial feature that it should be standard. On the bright side, it’s a low-cost alternative, and we’d say it’s a checkbox worth checking for peace of mind.
If you choose this package for the hybrid, you’ll also get radar-guided cruise control. The Premium trim adds blind-spot monitors and a system that alerts you to passing traffic when you’re backing out of a parking space. Rear sensors and a reversing camera are now standard on most trims, taking the worry out of parking.
MPG and fuel costs: How much does it cost to operate a Hyundai Kona?
“Although the Kona has the same footprint and engine as the i20 hatch, its higher ride height and bulkier appearance mean it’ll be somewhat less efficient in day-to-day driving.”
The popular 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo’s official WLTP ratings are 45.6 mpg in S trim, dropping further if you add equipment and wider wheels. Nonetheless, our Real MPG customers averaged somewhat more than 40 mpg with this engine, which may give you an idea of what to anticipate in regular traffic or with multiple people and their bags on board.
If your main goal is to save money on gas, the newer hybrid version is the clear winner. Its official stats indicate that it will return well over 55 mpg, and our personal experience with the vehicle confirms this.
Unlike other competitors, it does not need installation. While you travel, the little onboard battery regenerates itself. One thing to keep in mind is that the hybrid’s gas tank reduces by a quarter, so there is no change in the cruising range.
How dependable is the Hyundai Kona?
Hyundai is one of the most dependable new vehicle manufacturers, scoring 9.38 out of 10 in the 2018 HonestJohn.co.uk Satisfaction Index. A five-year, unlimited mileage guarantee should put your mind at ease, and maintenance shouldn’t be too expensive.
Costs and insurance groups
The good news for teens who want to borrow a car from their parents is that the Kona is so cheap to insure that you may be able to add yourself as a named driver to the comprehensive coverage.
Choose the 1.0-litre GD-i engine, and it will be classified as Group 9 in either S or SE trim, the same as certain city vehicles. Only the less powerful Renault Captur is less powerful, with most competitors’ base models averaging about 13 horsepower or so.
This is the same group as the far more powerful and costly hybrid model, which falls as low as group 11 if you choose the most expensive Premium SE version, which includes active safety systems.
Trim levels and standard features
Hyundai is recognized for providing a lot of standard equipment. The brand often includes a broad range of features, particularly on its more expensive models, and you can frequently find a decent balance between price and kit.
In Kona, this is true. Older versions came in six trim levels, but we’d skip the bookends (S and Premium GT) and focus on the middle four instead. The basic features of entry-level automobiles include alloy wheels, cruise control, and Bluetooth, but you’ll want to upgrade to SE trim for the seven-inch touchscreen and rear parking sensors.
Hyundai Kona Play variants come standard with 18-inch wheels and metallic paint, but only the Premium trim level adds features like temperature control, keyless entry, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Some models also include an eight-inch touchscreen with navigation, twice the amount of speakers (including a subwoofer), and a punchier music system, as well as fancy features like wireless charging.
The Hyundai Kona Premium GT is at the top of the tree and comes fully equipped with LED headlights, leather seats that can be heated or cooled to your preference, and even a head-up display, but it was outrageously pricey when new and isn’t much cheaper on the used market.
The Hyundai Kona SE Connect will be available in 2021. 17-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door mirrors, roof rails, and a rear spoiler are standard. Manual air conditioning is standard, as are a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and an eight-inch media display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Passenger seat height adjustment is a desired feature that was introduced to the Kona in 2021.
The sporty new Kona N Line trim adds a significant amount of equipment for the price. The entire front bumper and wheel-arch claddings are body colour, as are the distinctive front and back designs and 18-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels. LED lights are installed at the back. The new Kona N Line has unique interior decor, such as distinctive red stitching, metal pedals, and N branding on the gear lever and seats. Climate control, an automatic dimming rearview mirror, automatic windscreen wipers, USB ports for backseat passengers, rear parking sensors, and interior ambient lighting are all included. With the press of a button, the driver may also fold the door mirrors.
The centre console display expands from eight to 10.25 inches and includes navigation. A superb sound system is also included as standard.
The Hyundai Kona Premium has anthracite body garnish and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. Internally, heated front seats, an electronic parking brake, and front parking sensors are standard, and Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW) is an addition to the active safety features.
The Hyundai Kona Ultimate adds LED lighting, adjustable front seat adjustment, and an electric tilt and slide sunroof to all of the Premium’s standard equipment. Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW), Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW), and the new Safe Exit Warning (SEW) system, which prevents passengers from departing the car if it is not yet safe to do so, have been added to the active safety systems.
