Hyundai Kona

Car Review: Hyundai Kona (2018-Present)

Sleek and on-trend, the Hyundai Kona doesn’t disappoint when it comes to reliability, options, and safety. With marketing brilliance (the theme music is still on repeat in my head as I write this), let’s probe further into why it is one of the best SUV Crossovers on the market.

Hyundai Kona

The Good

1. Huge range of colors (even a two-tone option), trim levels, and specs

2. Big range of petrol options including turbo, as well as electric models

3. Popular meaning plenty on the roads, therefore plenty of new and used parts available

4. Reliable, handles well and is a comfortable ride

5. Top of the range safety features

6. Electric Kona’s can travel up to 189 miles on a single charge for the 39kWh base model, and up to 300 miles on the 64kWh battery model

7. Slick good looks

8. Performs well in snowy conditions

9. Easily seats a person of 6 foot 3 inches in height behind the driving wheel or in the passenger seat

10. Economical on fuel

11. You should have a couple years left on a new warranty (they usually last for 5 years)

12. Elevated driving position

Hyundai Kona

The Bad

1. No manual gearbox version if that’s the transmission option you are after

2. Wind and road noise increases when traveling at higher speeds

3. Limited trunk space

4. Restricted leg room in the rear seats

The Essentials

There was a software issue with some Kona Electric models made between May and December 2018 which could prevent one or more of the airbags from deploying should you find yourself in a collision. Find out if the model you’re looking at purchasing is affected by this because it will need to have an update uploaded at a Hyundai dealership to solve the problem.

With electric models, there are varying charging times depending on which cable you use to charge with. Besides the domestic home charging cable, Hyundai issued a ‘Type 2 Cable’ with each electric Kona, so check to make sure this also comes with the car, as it can be used to access and charge at most public rapid charging stations. Public charging stations also use a ‘CCS Cable’ which can be used to charge a Kona. Do your own research as to times and locations for charging.

Ensure all service records so far have been kept up, that the steering is smooth and doesn’t pull, and that you test drive both the 2.0 liter and the turbo versions (if you are looking at a petrol model) to find the one that’s right for you and your driving style before pinning one down. The 2.0 liter will also be a cheaper option.  

The Alternatives

Nissan Juke (2015-2019), Toyota C-HR (2018-Present), Mazda CX-3 (2016-Present), Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (ASX) (2017-2020), Kia e-Niro (2020-Present)

The Verdict

9 out of 10

As you can see, there aren’t many faults (and really, are they?). You’d be hard pushed to find a better fuel-efficient, reliant, and reasonably priced Crossover on the market. It equals the Fiat 500 in stylish features and array of options only to prove that Hyundai has produced a solid, fashionable, sustainable model moving into the future.

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