- Some previously optional advanced safety features are now standard
- A minor shuffling of standard and available features
- Part of the first Kona generation introduced for 2018
Pros
- Optional turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration
- Nimble handling makes it enjoyable to drive
- Lots of features for your money
Cons
- Weak base engine
- Gear shifts from the turbocharged engine's transmission are often unrefined
- Interior is trimmed with a lot of hard plastic panels
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| 2019 Hyundai Kona |
Which Hyundai Kona does rebelsnreader.blogspot.com recommend?
We approve Hyundai Kona Limited 2019, i.e. for 1.6 litre turbo charged engine. You will also get leather seats and some other extra features. We also recommend hyundai kona for all-wheel drive as it comes with an enhanced rear suspension that enhances the quality of handling and car rideRebelsnreaders.blogspot.com Expert Review
Overall rating
7.9 / 10Based on its bodywork alone, the 2019 Hyundai Kona can be hard to love. While evaluating styling is subjective, it's fair to say that the Kona tends to draw more criticism than praise. But the old saying about not judging a book by its cover applies here — the Kona is one of the best subcompact crossover SUVs on the market.
When equiped with its optional turbo-charged engine, it gets up to speed far quicker than anything else in the class. Its also fun to drive around turn thanks to its sporty handling. On top of that, you get a lot for your money. Even a base Kona comes with a decent set of features, including a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. For 2019, you get even more with the Kona. Many of the advanced safety features that were previously only available on the top trim levels are now standard on every Kona.
Overall, we think the Hyundai Kona is an excellent pick in a class that includes the versatile sporty Mazda CX-3, the Honda HR-V and the affordably priced Nissan Kicks. Factor in Hyundai's lengthy warranty coverage and the value proposition is undeniable. No matter what you may think of its styling, the Kona deserves a second look.
Notably, we picked the 2019 Kona as one of rebelsnreaders.blogspot.com' Best Small SUVs for this year.
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| 2019 Hyundai Kona |
Hyundai Kona models
The Hyundai Kona is a five passenger subcompact crossover SUV that is available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited and Ultimate. The SE and SEL models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 horsepower, 132 pound-feet of torque) that is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Limited and Ultimate trims get a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder (175 hp, 195 lb-ft) that's mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.Front-wheel drive is standard. All-wheel drive is available as an option for all Konas and comes bundled with a more sophisticated rear suspension design and a lockable center differential. The latter enhances traction at low sped in off road or snowy conditions.
Hyundai Kona SE
Standard features for the SE trim include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, remote keyless entry, air conditioning, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver's seat, and 60/40-split folding rear seats. Tech features include a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a six-speaker audio system. New for 2019, the base hyundai Kona also gets forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist and a driver attention monitor.
Hyundai Kona SEL
The SEL trim adds 17-inch wheels, roof rails, heated side mirrors, keyless entry and ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a split-level cargo area, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, voice recognition, and satellite and HD radio.
An optional SEL Tech package bundles foglights, a sunroof, a power-adjustable driver's seat, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system, and Hyundai's Blue Link communications system.
Hyundai Kona Limited
Stepping up to the Limited trim gets you all of the above plus the turbocharged engine, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights, upgraded exterior trim, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, universal garage door openeran and a auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Hyundai Kona Ultimate
The range-topping Ultimate trim comes loaded up with rear parking sensors, pedestrian detection for the forward collision mitigation system, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, a head-up display, an 8-inch touchscreen, a navigation system, and a wireless charging pad.
Trim tested Hyundai Kona
Each vehicle usually comes in several versions which are fundamentally the same. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Hyundai Kona Ultimate (Turbo 1.6 L inline-4 | 7-Speed dual-clutch automatic | AWD).
Note: Since the test was conducted in 2018, Kona currently has received several revisions (upgrades), including USB ports and some standard advanced safety features for all users. However, our findings remain broadly applicable to the Kona Hyundai this year.
Driving Hyundai Kona
8.0
Overall, Hyundai Kona is a sporty sub-compact SUV with acceleration and above average handling. However, the transmission of the charged turbo engine shows some bad behaviour at low speeds, and standard lower braking performance.
Comfort Hyundai Kona
7.5
This is not the most comfortable vehicle in its class, but the seat supports, easy-to-use climate control and higher noise isolation makes the Kona Hyundai a worthy place to spend time. Company seat cushions and rigid riding can make bumpy roads or long drive wear.
The comfort of Hyundai's chair Kona
7.5
The front seat is well-shaped and supportive. There are many adjustments but not a whole lot of lateral increases. Rigid perforated skin, and cushions that feel firmly. In the back, the seats are flat and spacious, but not too upright.
Comfort Drive Hyundai Kona
7.0
Smaller imperfections are ironed, and the suspension takes the edges of almost all bumps. But the quality of the trip can feel a bit too stiff and busy at times. A very wavy road can make the vehicle feel too nervous.
Noise & Vibration Hyundai Kona
6.5
When driving at the speed of the freeway, the sound should be raised considerably due to the annoying road noise and wind noise seen around the door. Overall, the noise is not worse than the average for a class, with a cabin that is often quieter than competitors in the driving city.
Hyundai Kona Climate Control
8.0
Climate control struggles a bit to cool the entire cabin when it's blistering outside, but the rest of the time is effective to keep you comfortable. The controls are clearly marked and easy to use, making it an easy-to-operate system.
Hyundai Kona Interior
8.0
Despite having many plastic materials, the interior of Kona gets high value. The controls are logically regulated, good outside visibility, and there is a decent amount of space. Higher drivers and passengers will experience some problems.
Ease of Use Hyundai Kona
9.0
Buttons are logically grouped and clearly labeled, and the Hyundai Infotainment interface is easy to use. Some small touch buttons on the screen, but other than that there is nothing to complain about.
Getting in/out Hyundai Kona
8.0
The relatively short doors can be opened wide even in more restrictive parking spaces. The height of seat cushions makes the seats easy to slide in and out of. Higher drivers should duck slightly when climbing, and the tight rear kneeroom complicates the back seat and exits. But that's pretty common for class vehicles.
Driving position Hyundai Kona
7.5
The Cluster gauge and steering wheel are mounted low in the vehicle, making the corners slightly awkward towards the driver. A good vertical seat adjustment means you can sit in the upright SUV position, but it makes the low arm rest difficult to use.
Hyundai Kona Comfort and convenience
8.0
There is a suitable amount of space for drivers and front passengers. The back seat headroom is decent for a class — more than enough for an adult, but tight legroom, especially behind a high driver. Fortunately, there is a spacious space under the front seat for the rear passenger's feet.
The visibility of Hyundai Kona
8.0
The relatively narrow roof pillar in front makes for both front and side visibility. The roof pillar rear is wide, but the adjacent little window helps you see what's over your shoulders. The rearview camera provides a broad and clear picture.
Quality Hyundai Kona
6.5
Everything feels sturdy built, but only the main touch points like the steering wheel and the shifter have been treated with soft touch material. Otherwise, the cabin looks and feels very plasticky. The alternating textures break down everything visually a bit, but there's nothing to hide that hard plastic is gloomy.
Utility Hyundai Kona
7.0
The Kona really only falters in terms of utility when compared directly to class leaders. The trunk is a usable space, and there are a decent number of small-item storage options. But in every metric, there are competitors that offer superior ways to store your stuff.
Small-item storage
7.0
All four doors get pockets that can hold a water bottle, and the anti-tip cupholders can handle anything short of a large cup. The center console box and glovebox are relatively small. Overall, the Kona is OK with small-item storage but doesn't offer the variety or space of some competitors.
Cargo space hyundai kona
7.0
The trunk is easy to use thanks to a wide, flat load floor. But with 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats, the Kona is a little less accommodating than some rivals. The seats fold flat to open up 45.8 cubic feet.
Child safety seat accommodation hyundai kona
7.0
LATCH points are clearly marked and close to the surface, but they're tucked between firm cushions.
Technology hyundai kona
8.5
The Kona is a feature-rich vehicle, with lots of standard tech that works well. It also offers a nearly full suite of user-friendly safety features, not to mention a solid optional sound system.
Audio & navigation hyundai kona
9.0
The optional Infinity stereo system is excellent for this class, with plenty of bass response and good sound quality. The navigation system is simple to use and gets the job done. It has an easy-to-read display and useful turn-by-turn prompts.
Smartphone integration hyundai kona
8.0
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as are two front USB ports. There are two 12-volt outlets for the front seat, and higher trims get a wireless charging pad.
Driver aids hyundai kona
8.0
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are fitted on all but the base trim, and a more extensive suite of features is available. That said, adaptive cruise control is missing, even as an option. The Kona's systems are consistently accurate, avoiding false alarms in our time with the vehicle.
Voice control hyundai kona
8.0
The Kona's built-in voice controls have limited functionality but work well for what they do, responding slowly but accurately. Step-by-step prompts appear on the screen, but the Kona will allow you to skip steps if you know what you want to do.
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