Skip to main content

2021 Hyundai Kona

Change year or car
$20,500

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

SUV

Body style

30
Combined MPGe Combined MPGe

Miles per gallon-equivalent is how the EPA provides efficiency ratings for battery-electric vehicles in a way that can be used in comparison with gasoline-powered vehicles. Actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

Related: Top 10 Most Efficient Electric Cars
5

Seating capacity

164” x 61”

Dimensions

Front-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(50 reviews)

The good:

  • Carlike maneuverability
  • Highway poise
  • Nimble
  • Smooth six-speed automatic
  • Simple touchscreen multimedia system

The bad:

  • Driving position not high enough for some
  • Firm, busy ride
  • Gas-pedal lag in Normal drive mode
  • Base engine's limited power reserves
  • Extensive use of hard plastics in cabin

6 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2021 Hyundai Kona trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best SUVs for 2024

Notable features

  • New Night Edition available
  • Five-seat subcompact SUV
  • Front- or all-wheel drive
  • Choice of four-cylinder engines, including turbo
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
  • Kona Electric with 258-mile range available

2021 Hyundai Kona review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona?

The Hyundai Kona is a five-seat subcompact SUV, though from the outside, its proportions are more wagonlike in terms of height and size. This can be an advantage when driving in a crowded city center, but its driving position may not be high enough for some. 

Available with a choice of gas engines, the Kona is also offered with an all-electric drivetrain; the aptly named Kona Electric delivers a 258-mile EPA-estimated driving range. The Kona’s standard gas engine is a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that works with a six-speed automatic transmission; a 175-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that teams with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is also available. While gas Konas can have front- or all-wheel drive, the Kona Electric is front-drive only. Competitors include the Kia Soul, Nissan Rogue Sport and Honda HR-V

What’s New on the 2021 Hyundai Kona?

A new Night Edition powered by the turbocharged four-cylinder features LED headlights and taillights, black 18-inch wheels and trim, black cloth upholstery and aluminum pedals. 

What Features in the 2021 Hyundai Kona Are Most Important?

Standard features include: 

  • 16-inch alloy wheels 
  • 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system 
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity 
  • Bluetooth 
  • Cruise control 
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Lane-keeping assist

Available features include: 

  • Power moonroof
  • Leather seating 
  • Heated front seats
  • Navigation with 8-inch touchscreen
  • Infinity premium stereo 
  • Wireless device charging
  • Blind spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert
  • Adaptive cruise control

Should I Buy the 2021 Hyundai Kona?

The Kona is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a smaller SUV with carlike driving manners. While the base engine’s power is modest, the turbo four-cylinder provides an extra measure of performance. The Kona Electric, meanwhile, has the range needed to make it a viable daily driver, but it’s only offered in certain regions of the country.  

Consumer reviews

(50 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.9
  • Performance 4.9
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.9
  • Reliability 5.0
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Kona Turbo

Good gas mileage. Turbo model is peppy & surprisingly responsive. All wheel drive great in upstate NY winters. Very comfortable interior, enjoyable to drive, especially long trips.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
8 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

Excellent Choice

This is an excellent mid-size car if you're looking for something that will get you around the city. It has get up and go without even being a turbo and the gas mileage that my wife and I have achieved in this car on the highway is close to 36 miles to the gallon 😊😊😊😊😊

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
10 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No

I have been very happy with all my Hyundai's

This car will meet all my needs and has a lot of options. Will be roomy for my toddler and has all the features I was looking for.(646

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
9 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
Yes No
See all 50 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Hyundai
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
60 months/60,000 miles
Corrosion
84 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
120 months/100,000 miles
Maintenance
36 months/36,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/unlimited distance
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Less than 80,000 miles; less than 7 years old (currently MY18- MY24)
Basic warranty terms
Remainder of the 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. From original in-service date and zero (0) miles.
Powertrain
10-Yr/100K-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. From original in-service date and zero (0) miles.
Dealer certification required
173-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

Compare the competitors

Latest 2021 Kona stories

See all 2021 Hyundai Kona articles