Hyundai Kona Is Our Subcompact SUV Best Buy of 2024

Tremendous value
Roomy and refined
Upscale features come standard
Futuristic styling, high-tech cabin
Excellent warranty
Pricing starts at $24,100 (plus $1,335 destination) | Price yours
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Looking like something from the not-too-distant future, the Hyundai Kona makes a bold entrance for 2024. And every aspect of the Kona is just as dynamic and impressive as its good looks. It’s loaded with cool tech and advanced safety as standard equipment. The Kona has grown, offering plenty of room for people and gear. It’s a kick to drive and refined, too. Even with all of that, the Kona starts at $24,100. The all-new Hyundai Kona is our Subcompact SUV Best Buy for 2024.

Value Comes in Many Forms

A low starting price doesn’t mean a thing if you must pay extra for the features you want. The base model Kona SE has a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and cruise control. Advanced safety features, including blind-spot warning, front/rear cross-traffic avoidance assist, lane follow assist, lane-keeping assist, and safe exit warning, are standard, too. Some of these features aren’t even available in other subcompact SUVs.

Moving up to the SEL, N-Line, and Limited, there’s an impressive list of tempting features with reasonable price tags. Features like a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 8-speaker Bose audio, remote start parking assist, Alcantara or leatherette seating, heated and ventilated front seats, navigation, adaptive cruise control, and 19-inch wheels.

Futuristic Style, Interior Amenities

The Kelley Blue Book editors were impressed with both the style and substance of the new Kona. Senior Editor Matt Degen said, “Hyundai continues to throw down the gauntlet when it comes to design, with the latest Kona looking straight out of 2030. Just look at the front lighting signature. I imagine more than a few others will take notice. Inside, the interface is nice and clean, even with quite a few buttons.” Audio and climate controls are within short reach and easy to use.

The cabin has a modern, clean design with new features, yet interacting with them quickly becomes intuitive. Take the transmission control: Instead of a traditional shifter, the Kona uses a twisting lever on the steering wheel column. Shifting into Drive is like starting a car — for those who have used a key to start a car. That one change also creates space between the front seats where you can stow a backpack when not using the cup holders. This interior was thoughtfully designed and has an elegant, simple layout.

We were also impressed with the sound and space in the cabin. The interior is quiet for a subcompact SUV, more peaceful than it was in the previous generation. The Kona’s larger dimensions for 2024 mean ample rear-seat legroom, a weak spot in the last Kona, and best-in-class cargo space behind the first row.

From Practical to Sporty

Kona SE and SEL trim levels use a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, good for an EPA-rated 31 mpg combined (29 city/34 highway). Move up to the sporty N-Line or the checks-all-the-boxes Limited, and power comes from a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 190 hp. Fuel economy takes a bit of a hit with the upgrade, but it’s worth it for those of us with a lead foot. That engine upgrade sure does make the Kona a blast to drive. The 1.6-liter/8-speed automatic duo makes power delivery quick yet smooth. For those who want more fuel efficiency than the standard engine can provide, try no fuel at all: a fully electric version of the Kona is joining the lineup in 2024.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona has pushed the subcompact SUV segment forward, redefining what quality, safety, and features a shopper can — and should — get in a small, affordable SUV. It’s as likable and spunky as ever. And Hyundai protects it all with the best warranty in the industry.

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