The 2024 Hyundai Kona is a small crossover SUV with gasoline or electric powertrains. It competes with a raft of small SUVs, including the Chevrolet Trax and Trailblazer, Honda HR-V, Kia Niro, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Taos, and others.
With a style-forward look and more rear-seat and load-bay space, plus an EV option, the 2024 Kona does well in our scoring system. It earns a TCC Rating of 6.0 out of 10. (Read more about how we rate cars.)
Hyundai has redesigned the Kona for 2024, adding more rear legroom and cargo volume, more electronic safety systems, and a variety of standard and optional features. It’s still a two-box utility shape, but the Kona is more grown-up now, with sophisticated lines and a more elegant interior. Crucially, it still falls below the $30,000 threshold for low-end models.
A thin light bar runs from side to side across the front, as do the taillights in the rear. Some of the side surfacing alludes to the bigger, pricier Ioniq 5 electric car—and the characteristic outsize wheel arches in contrasting colors are toned down. Inside, twin 12.3-inch panels form a mostly or fully digital display in an otherwise uncluttered, horizontal dash.
Performance from the top-end 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo engine and 8-speed automatic transmission is adequate, though sudden acceleration results in a lag as the turbo spools up while the transmission shifts down a few gears—then you get the speed. We haven’t driven the standard 147-hp 2.0-liter engine with CVT. From a brief early drive, the Kona Electric is the best-driving of the bunch, with smooth, quiet, instantaneous power and a lower center of gravity, giving it the best roadholding and ride.
The real change for the second generation Kona is almost six inches more length than its predecessor, with a wheelbase that’s 2.4 inches longer, giving 3.0 inches more rear-seat legroom and 25.5 cubic feet of cargo volume (up more than six cubic feet). The Kona remains among the shortest of competitors—but close to the widest. The rear seat is now usable by adults, though small SUVs often become single-occupant commuter vehicles.
Hyundai has a large suite of standard active-safety features, with automatic emergency braking, active lane control, blind-spot monitors, and rear cross-traffic avoidance braking. The 2024 Kona has not yet been tested for crash safety by the NHTSA or IIHS.
How much does the 2024 Hyundai Kona cost?
The base Kona SE with front-wheel drive starts at $25,435, including destination, with a 2.0-liter engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, a 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, a 12.3-inch center touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, cloth upholstery, a 60/40-split rear seat that reclines, remote keyless entry, proximity key, and four USB-C ports.
The Kona SEL starts at $26,785, and adds 18-inch alloy wheels, power driver-seat adjustment, dual automatic temperature control, roof rails, rear air vents, and a cargo cover, among other features. A $2,200 Convenience Package adds numerous features, including heated seats, a 13.2-inch digital instrument cluster, adaptive cruise control, active lane control, wireless charging, and a WiFi hotspot, but Android Auto and Apple CarPlay requires a cord.
The N-Line, starting at $31,985, upgrades to a 1.6-liter turbo engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s otherwise a trim package, with unique 19-inch alloy wheels, body-color fender arches, Alcantara sport seats, and various appearance items.
The top-of-the-line Kona Limited with that powertrain also comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, a power sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery, an 8-speaker Bose premium audio system, heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, automatic tailgate, and more. It starts at $32,985.
All-wheel drive adds $1,500 to any Kona trim level (except the Electric, where it’s not offered). Pricing and final equipment and specifications haven’t yet been released for the Kona Electric, which goes on sale in late fall 2023.
Where is the 2024 Hyundai Kona made?
In South Korea, but the Kona Electric is made in the Czech Republic.
