Since its introduction for the 2018 model year, the Hyundai Kona has been one of our favorite subcompact SUVs, offering a generous list of features wrapped up in a practical package for relatively little money. A redesign for 2024 has upped the ante, adding a more nicely finished and roomier cabin, along with more features and a more stylish, sophisticated look.
Related: 2024 Hyundai Kona Review: Bigger, Bolder, Better
The Kona’s new platform makes a big difference, adding about 2 inches to the wheelbase and 6 inches overall. That puts the Kona’s dimensions more in line with competing subcompact SUVs, such as the Chevrolet Trax, Honda HR-V, and Kia Seltos. The result is a substantial increase in room for rear-seat passengers and a more spacious cargo compartment in back.
Already a value-packed and worthy subcompact SUV, the redesigned Kona is better still. Cars.com Senior Research Editor Damon Bell recently sampled the 2024 Kona in both the sporty N Line and range-topping Limited trims. Tap the link above for his expert review, or for a quicker look, read on for six things we like about the 2024 Hyundai Kona and three things we don’t.
Things We Like
1. Smoother Shifting
Both of the Kona’s engines carry over from the 2023 model with minor updates, but the more powerful 190-horsepower, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder in the N Line and Limited trims is now paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission instead of the old seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The result is a big improvement in refinement, with quick and seamless upshifts and downshifts. Lower trims continue with a 147-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
2. Power Player
Opting for an N Line or Limited variant with the turbo 1.6-liter makes the Kona one of the more powerful subcompact SUVs on sale; only the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo and the considerably more expensive Mini Countryman in the John Cooper Works trim are significantly zippier. Acceleration won’t give you whiplash, but the Kona feels lively around town and on the highway, with more than adequate power in reserve for smooth highway merging and passing.
3. Easy Handler
N Line and Limited trims use the same suspension found in other Konas, but they get larger tires mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels. While the feel is not exactly sporty, the Kona avails itself competently in corners, with a nice balance of ride comfort and capable handling. The steering is nicely weighted, and the Kona’s tidy dimensions make it easy to maneuver and park.
4. Bigger Inside
An additional 3 inches of rear-seat legroom and 6.3 inches of added cargo space go a long way, making the Kona one of the roomiest subcompact SUVs available. There’s also plenty of room up front for taller occupants. What’s more impressive is that even with the added room, the Kona retains relatively tidy dimensions and easy maneuverability, with a smaller footprint than the HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross.
5. Interior Upgrades
A clean and modern dashboard design gets a big 12.3-inch center touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display on upper trims. The high-tech look is complemented by welcome physical controls for audio and climate functions. The Limited trim gets soft-touch surfaces for a more upscale feel, along with available features not often found in the category like a heated steering wheel, ventilated and heated seats, a 360-degree camera system and remote automatic parking assist.
6. Clever Storage
The rigid rear cargo cover gets its own storage spot behind the rear seat, eliminating the need to leave it behind when carrying larger items. Another clever storage idea is retractable cupholders that maximize center console room. The center console space can be made larger still by removing a panel that divides the open bin under the armrest from the rest of the console.
More From Cars.com:
- Redesigned 2024 Hyundai Kona Starts at $24,435
- Auto Show Faceoff: 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Vs. 2023 Kia Niro EV
- How Do Car Seats Fit in a 2024 Hyundai Kona?
- Refreshed 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Starts at $34,010
- Hyundai Pay In-Vehicle Payment Service Debuts in 2024 Kona
Things We Don’t Like
1. N Line Needs More
For all of its aggressive styling tweaks, the N Line could use a more aggressive suspension for handling to match its looks. A bit more horsepower wouldn’t hurt, either. Most buyers may not care, but we’d like to see a bit more performance to go with the N Line’s added body cladding, rear spoiler and other sporty bits; it would help distinguish it from the rest of the lineup, too. The void is made greater by the shelving — at least temporarily — of the previous-generation Kona’s racetrack-ready N version.
2. Upsize Pricing
All of the Kona’s upgrades come at a cost, which has increased by about $1,500-$2,800 depending on trim. That’s a noteworthy bump, particularly in this value-focused price range. For 2024, the Kona’s starting prices range from $25,435 for the base SE trim to $32,985 for a Limited (all prices include destination). All-wheel drive adds another $1,500. Still, the Kona remains an excellent choice in the category, and the 2024 upgrades add to its value.
3. Minor Nits
Even with the added rear-seat room, taller passengers will likely wish for a bit more space on longer trips. In its defense, the Kona is still a subcompact, after all. In addition, the rear-seat cushion is somewhat low, resulting in a knees-up seating position. Another minor gripe is with the rotary shift knob used on upper trims: It takes a bit of getting used to, but shouldn’t be a deal breaker and does free up console room.
Related Video:
We cannot generate a video preview.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
Latch
Infant
Rear-facing Convertible
Front-facing Convertible
Booster
