2024 Hyundai Kona: Innovative, Exceptional, and Very Attractive.
In the crowded compact SUV market, few are as attractive or fun to drive as the 2024 Hyundai Kona. With prices starting as low as $24,100, two massive 12.3-inch infotainment screens, and a peppy 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine, it’s a wonder there aren’t more on the road today. Front-wheel drive is the standard option, but for an additional $1,500, you get Hyundai’s HTRAC all-wheel-drive system, turning your daily driver into an off-roading machine. You also get 5 leather seats, a spacious trunk, and great gas mileage. Hyundai is also well known for its world-class warranty, which covers a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 5-year or 60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, 7-year unlimited miles anti-perforation warranty, 5-year unlimited miles, and 24-hour roadside assistance.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The Kona has four different trim levels available, offering buyers a wide variety of features and price points. For the best value, we recommend the SEL with an MSRP of $25,450. It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, two large and stunning 12.3-inch screens, and the 147-hp 2.0-liter MPI 4-cylinder engine. If you want to have a little more fun, for $30,650, you can upgrade to the N-Line model. With the N-Line Model, you get a turbocharged 1.6-liter GDI 4-cylinder engine that boasts 190 brake horsepower, heated leather seats, and a premium navigation system.
We also recommend upgrading to the HTRAC all-wheel-drive system. It’s only $1,500 more and provides better handling, unlocking off-road paths for you. It also means that your car is much safer when it rains, snows, or ices over.
Exterior and Interior Design
With its unique styling, seamless horizon LED bar on the hood, and sleek tail light, it’s easy to stand out in the 2024 Hyundai Kona. There are plenty of fun exterior colors, including the mirage green, pictured above. Inside, there are 5 seats, and the rear seats will fold down 60/40 to provide more loading room. In the cockpit, the driver has two large and responsive 12.3-inch screens. One of the screens houses the digital instrument cluster, which shows speed limits, RPM, MPH, and fuel gauge. Hyundai also notifies you anytime you are about to drive through a traffic light that has a traffic camera, so you can know whether or not to run a yellow.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Safety and driver assistance are key to a good commuter car. According to the IIHS, the Kona has the best possible rating. Base models come standard with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning, Rear and Forward Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following and Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. For an additional fee, you can get the Convenience Package, which gives the SEL model features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Cyclist and Junction Turning Detection, and Direct Oncoming and Highway Driving Assist. Our favorite feature available on the Kona is the Rear Occupant Alert, which reminds the driver to check car seats to make sure kids in the second row are secure before the driver gets out of the car.
Fuel Efficiency
Compact SUVs won’t get the same gas mileage as a compact sedan or a hybrid, but in its class, the Kona stands out. With an average combined mpg of 29, you still get the benefits of an SUV like height, cabin space, and off-roading capabilities, but you still get similar fuel efficiency to a full-sized sedan.
Unfortunately, average combined mpg takes a hit if you upgrade to the all-wheel-drive HTRAC drivetrain. And if you don’t want to deal with MPG at all, there is an electrified Kona available which gets an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles.
Compact SUVs make great daily drivers, and while there are plenty on the market, the 2024 Hyundai Kona is a great option. It gets great gas mileage, a luxurious interior, great styling, and plenty of safety features. If you are in the market for a new commuter car, we would highly recommend the Hyundai Kona.
