Used 2020 Hyundai Kona

#4 in Best Subcompact SUVs of 2020

Hyundai’s 2020 Kona is one of the freshest faces in one of the freshest segments: the subcompact SUV. Slotting below the Tucson, the Kona is Hyundai’s smallest crossover SUV, at least until the 2020 Hyundai Venue arrives. In this burgeoning segment, the Kona competes against rivals like the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR and Nissan Kicks.

While those small SUVs are tempting in their own right, we think the Kona is currently the best of the bunch. It took our award for Subcompact SUV Best Buy of 2019 thanks to its combination of practicality, efficiency, value, fun nature and excellent warranty. The Kona also stands out with a choice of powertrains that includes a perky turbocharged engine and an all-electric version with 258 miles of range that’s available in select states.

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The 2020 Hyundai Kona is surprisingly comfortable and compliant given its size. Yes, it’s at its best in urban environments where it can slip through traffic and slide into small parking spots, but we have no qualms using it for briefer highway treks. The standard 147-horsepower engine is adequate for most needs, but we admit an affinity for the 175-pony turbocharged engine in higher trims. It packs significantly more torque, too, giving it swift acceleration that enhances the Kona’s already nimble handling. If you need a reason to opt for all-wheel drive other than just enhanced traction, it’s that you’ll also get an independent rear suspension that improves the Kona’s ride and handling.

The 2020 Kona electric SUV is similar to the standard Kona in terms of nimbleness, yet stands out in other ways thanks to its fully electric powertrain. Like other electric vehicles (EVs), acceleration and power are as immediate as a light switch. Nail the accelerator, and you can chirp the front tires. As for stopping, the driver-adjustable regen-braking system can be set to different levels. At its max, it can nearly enable one-pedal driving. Compared to the standard model, the electric Kona can feel a bit choppier due to its large battery. Conversely, it feels more planted and is near silent in operation.

While not as dramatically styled as the exterior, the 2020 Kona features a 2-row/5-passenger interior that’s still cool and interesting. The driver’s seat is perfectly comfortable, as is the front passenger’s, and there’s a surprising amount of cargo space behind the rear seats given the Kona’s diminutive size. We really like the adjustable load floor with hidden storage. The rear seats are not as roomy, no big surprise given the Kona’s small form factor. Legroom is tight for adults, and headroom is only adequate.

Controls for the driver are easy to see and use, with physical buttons that complement the standard touch screen. New for 2020 are eye-popping orange interior accents available on Limited and above trims dressed in Sunset Orange or Ultra Black exterior paint.

The Kona Electric SUV has its own twists, such as replacing the transmission lever with a set of buttons for Drive, Reverse, Neutral and Park. It also features a touch-screen display and easy-to-see-and-operate climate-control and audio buttons. New for 2020 on Ultimate models is a big 10.25-inch touch screen, while Limited trims gain an 8-inch screen.

There’s certainly a lot going on in the Kona’s exterior style, and between standout traits such as slanted headlights, “floating” roof, emphasized wheel fenders and array of bright colors, it’s also one of the Kona’s biggest draws. Expect some positive attention with this one thanks to its cool, youthful vibe. Higher trims stand out further with features like fog lights, LED headlights and taillights, shark-fin antenna and sunroof.

Roof rails come standard starting on the SEL model and add practicality and a more utilitarian look. For an extra $350, a contrast-color roof is one of the least-expensive ways to make your new car further stand out.

Electric Kona models can be spotted immediately from the front by their lack of a traditional grille — it looks more like a solid surface. That’s also where the charge port hides, near the driver’s-side headlight.

STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES
Whether you’re 16 or 65, the Kona comes with active safety features that can keep drivers safe and sound. All models include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and a driver-attention monitor, while blind-spot monitoring doesn’t cost much more.

KONA EV RANGE
Currently available in 10 states: California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont, the Kona stands out for its 258-mile range. That beats competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt and even its own cousin, the new Kia Soul EV, which is rated at 243 miles.

Even in base form as a Kona SE model, Hyundai’s small crossover SUV brings a nice roster of features that includes a 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone integration, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and dual front USB inputs. Active safety features include a system that monitors for drowsy or distracted driving, automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.

For $1,800 more, we recommend stepping up to at least the Kona SEL, which adds blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, push-button start, hidden cargo compartment, roof rails, rear privacy glass, heated side mirrors, HD and satellite radio, and the option for a contrast-color roof. A base Kona EV SEL is comparable to the standard SEL model. Like all new Hyundai vehicles, the Kona has a fantastic warranty that includes 10 years/100,000 miles on the powertrain.

New for 2020 is the Kona SEL Plus, which adds 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, power sunroof, Infinity premium audio system, fog lights, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, wireless phone charging and Hyundai’s Blue Link system that allows you to control and monitor certain functions such as locking the vehicle from your smartphone.

Stepping up to the Kona Limited gets the punchy turbocharged engine, leather interior, automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, and LED headlights and taillights.

At the top, the Kona Ultimate receives adaptive cruise control, 8-inch touch screen with navigation, head-up display, automatic high-beam control, rear parking sensors, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. All-wheel drive is optional on all Kona models.

You have a choice of two gasoline engines for the 2020 Kona. Kona SE, SEL and SEL Plus models come with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, routed through a 6-speed automatic transmission. This is about average for this segment, and it’s a fine choice for those who keep their acceleration ambitions modest.

Limited and Ultimate models come with a punchier 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We think it has surprisingly swift acceleration, and enhances the fun factor of the Kona. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the default setup. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available with both engines for those who routinely drive on slick roads and foul weather.. Note that with AWD, you also get an independent rear suspension.

The more limited Kona Electric uses a 64-kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor that makes 201 horsepower and a stout 291 lb-ft of torque. The Kona EV is front-drive only. Its range is an impressive 258 miles, 20 more than a Chevrolet Bolt. Recharging takes about 9.5 hours on a 240-volt Level II charger. On a Level III Quick Charge station, the Kona EV can reach 80 percent capacity in 54 minutes.

2.0-liter inline-4
147 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
132 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 27/33 mpg (FWD), 26/30 mpg (AWD)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
175 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 28/32 mpg (FWD), 26/29 mpg (AWD)

Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor (Kona EV)
64-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
201 horsepower
291 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 132/108 MPGe
EPA-estimated range per full charge: 258 miles