THE 2024 HYUNDAI KONA IS BIGGER, BETTER, AND STYLED TO POLARIZE

EV Channels Review

The 2024 Hyundai Kona receives a significant redesign, growing in size and incorporating substantial tech upgrades. The reviewer highlights the polarizing styling, which draws inspiration from Hyundai's Ioniq lineup and the Genesis GV60, aiming to elicit strong reactions. While the exterior design is divisive, the interior is praised for feeling wider and more spacious, featuring a standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen and an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The reviewer notes the improved ride quality, especially with the independent rear suspension on AWD models, and the refined handling, though it's considered slightly less engaging than the Mazda CX-30's sportier offering. The new 1.6-liter turbo engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission is a welcome change from the previous dual-clutch, offering 190 horsepower but with a slight decrease in fuel economy compared to prior models. The reviewer expresses a desire for a hybrid option, noting that the electric variants offer strong performance. Overall, the Kona is presented as a compelling, refined, and tech-heavy small SUV, albeit with a higher starting price than some competitors.