Hyundai Kona Is Our Subcompact SUV Best Buy of 2025

Exceptional value
Standard upscale content
Spacious and sophisticated
Cutting-edge tech
Contemporary styling
Class-leading warranty
Pricing starts at $25,900 | Price yours
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Sporting contemporary and innovative styling, the 2025 Hyundai Kona continues its reign as our subcompact Best Buy; however, it’s not simply its head-turning good looks that revs our engine. We are impressed with every aspect of this scrappy SUV in which the finished product is greater than the sum of its many qualities. We are confident that once you begin ticking off the boxes, you will wind up, as we did, appreciating how the Kona’s attributes stack up against its appealing price. Roomy: check. Comfortable: check. Fuel efficient: check. Advanced safety tech: check. User-friendly infotainment system: check. A peach to drive: check. We could do this all day. Even with all of that, the Kona starts at an enticing $25,900, including the mandatory factory-to-dealer delivery fee. This is why we named the Hyundai Kona as our Subcompact SUV Best Buy for 2025.

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 entry-level model Kona SE has a 12.3-inch infotainment 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 through Kona’s other five trims, there’s an impressive list of tempting features with reasonable price tags. Features like a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an 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

Our Kelley Blue Book editors are 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 advanced features, yet interacting with them quickly becomes intuitive. For example, 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. We are particularly impressed with the Kona’s ample rear-seat legroom. At 38.2 inches, it boasts more legroom than nearly every rival. Moreover, it does hold title to the 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 (28 city/35 highway). Move up to the sporty N-Line or the fully loaded 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; however, it’s worth it for those of us with a lead foot because it 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 available, as well.

The 2025 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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2025 Hyundai Kona

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