2024 Hyundai Kona: A Comprehensive Update in the Subcompact Crossover Segment
The 2024 Hyundai Kona brings a detailed evolution to the subcompact crossover segment. While the lineup reduces from three models to two, saying farewell to the Kona N, it gains more space, advanced technology, and diverse electric powertrain options.
Key Highlights
Pros:
- Advanced technology
- Enjoyable driving experience
- Turbo engine upgrades
- Electric models available
- Increased interior space
Cons:
- No wireless smartphone connectivity with upgraded system
- Ineligible for federal tax credits for electric vehicles
- Kona N discontinued (temporarily)
Overview
The 2024 Hyundai Kona continues to charm with the traits that made the original a favorite. It’s comfortable, offers a fun drive in its more powerful variants, and is filled with practical, well-designed technology. Despite growing slightly larger, it remains compact and maintains a significant value proposition lower in Hyundai’s lineup.
The reintroduced Kona Electric offers options between an extended range and a more affordable battery variant. Unfortunately, without federal tax credits, pricing isn’t as competitive. Yet, with rivals like the Chevy Bolt EUV pausing production, the Kona is poised for a successful relaunch.
Interior and Technology
The redesigned 2024 Kona boasts an upgraded interior with more advanced technology. The 12.3-inch infotainment system, now supporting over-the-air updates, includes front and rear USB-C ports. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay will be available in navigation-equipped models due to an update scheduled for late 2024.
The cabin, especially in the Limited and N-Line trims, feels brighter and more spacious. The column-mounted gear selector frees up space between the seats, and the multifunction center console borrowed from the Palisade can adapt to larger items.
Enhanced Space
The Kona’s redesign addresses roominess, previously a drawback. It now matches competitors like the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Kia Seltos in headroom and legroom. With an added 6.3 cubic feet of cargo space, it reaches 25.5 cubic feet, surpassing models like the HR-V and Crosstrek.
Powertrain Options and Efficiency
The Kona offers six powertrain options:
- 2.0-liter four-cylinder (SE, SEL): 147 HP, 132 lb-ft torque, paired with a CVT. FWD models offer 28/35/31 mpg, while AWD versions drop to 26/29/27 mpg.
- 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (N Line, Limited): 190 HP, 195 lb-ft torque, with an eight-speed automatic. FWD models achieve 26/32/28 mpg; AWD models are rated at 24/26/29 mpg.
- Kona Electric: Two variants, neither with AWD. The Electric SE has a 133-HP motor and a 48.6-kWh battery, offering a 197-mile range. The Electric SEL and Limited versions deliver 201 HP with a 64.8-kWh battery, providing a 260-mile range.
Driving Experience
Driving the Kona varies with its powertrain. AWD versions, featuring a multi-link rear suspension, offer a better driving experience. Generally, the Kona impresses with its enjoyable drive, decent body control, and well-tuned steering. However, it’s slightly less playful than the previous generation, possibly due to a 200-pound weight gain without a corresponding power increase.
Hyundai’s new eight-speed automatic transmission on the turbo model is functional but sometimes slow in downshifting. The updated Kona Electric, while less torquey than its predecessor, remains potent and stable, benefiting from a lower center of gravity due to its battery pack.
Pricing
The 2024 Kona SE starts at $25,435, including a 147-HP engine and a standard 12.3-inch infotainment unit with wireless smartphone integration. The SEL at $26,785 offers additional interior upgrades and second-row climate controls. Opting for all-wheel drive adds $1,500 across trims.
For the Kona Electric, pricing begins at $34,010 for the SE, $38,010 for the SEL, and $42,380 for the Limited.
Safety Ratings and Features
Standard safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and driver attention warning systems. The Limited trim adds adaptive cruise control. The 2024 Kona received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a “Good” rating in all crash tests, though it has yet to be rated by the NHTSA.
Conclusion
The 2024 Hyundai Kona stands out in the subcompact crossover market with its enhanced space, advanced tech, and diverse powertrain options. Its reintroduction, especially with the electric variants, marks an exciting chapter for Hyundai. While it loses some of the playful characteristics of its predecessor, it gains significant advancements, making it a strong contender in its segment.
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