Textual content by Tom Appel
2024 Hyundai Kona Restricted AWD
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Colour: Mirage Inexperienced
Seating Capability: 5
Miles pushed: 194
Actual-world gasoline economic system: 27.8 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | B |
| Match and End | B |
| Gas Financial system | B |
| Worth | A- |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | B+ |
| Tall Man | B+ |
| Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 190-horsepower 1.6-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged 4 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automated |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 24/29/26 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gas kind: Common
Base worth: $33,160 (not together with $1335 vacation spot cost),
Choices on check automobile: Ground mats ($200)
Value as examined: $34,695
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Roomy and trendy cabin, easy management format
The great: Enjoyable to drive, refined on the street, loads of energy
The not so good: Important worth bump for 2024
Overview
Youngsters are rising up too rapidly lately. Not can America’s teenager be lured by the thriller of a chemistry set, the pleasant comfort of Saturday-morning cartoons, or the room-filling sound of a high-end part sound techniques. Sadly, at the moment there’s YouTube, streaming all the things, and Bluetooth audio system. The latter of which, I add, are a poor substitute for an actual, killer stereo.
However simply as youngsters appear to develop up too rapidly lately, Hyundai’s as soon as spunky Kona subcompact crossover appears to have skipped adolescence and has begun making use of for critical grownup work. Launched within the U.S. for the 2018 mannequin 12 months, the frisky, useful, and inexpensive Kona went far in direction of redefining what budget-friendly motoring meant.
Adjustments
Redesigned for 2024, Kona now rides on a wheelbase that’s virtually 2.5 inches lengthy than earlier than, and has grown in mass by 100-200 kilos. relying on trim degree. This development spurt comes with a brand new, extra refined persona. The brand new Kona is rather less enjoyable to drive, however much more refined, particularly with AWD. Extra on that in a minute…
Adjustments to the 2024 Kona embody:
- A 6-inch stretch in general size
- Improved rear-seat legroom
- Improve cabin trim
- Distinctive front-end therapy for Restricted mannequin
- Enhance aerodynamics
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2024, the Kona returns in 4 trim ranges: base SE ($25,645), fashionable SEL ($26,995), sporty N Line ($32,195), and premium Restricted ($33,195). All are front-wheel drive, with AWD obtainable for an inexpensive $1500.
Engines
A 147-horsepower 2.0-liter engine is the bottom powerplant for SE and SEL fashions. N Line and Restricted fashions are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4 rated at 190 horsepower. All 2.0-liter engines mate to a CVT-style automated transmission, whereas 1.6-liter items include a standard 8-speed automated.
Shopper Information just lately spent per week behind the wheel of a 2024 Hyundai Kona Restricted with AWD in Mirage Inexperienced. All informed, our check automobile got here to $34,695.
Room and Consolation
Whereas we by no means quibbled concerning the front-seat area within the Kona, we’re joyful to report that, although technically a subcompact, the Kona boasts loads of up-front area, and simple cabin entry through massive door openings. Moreover, because of a beneficiant quantity of glass, Kona’s cabin feels shiny and ethereal. As famous above, there’s more room within the second row, although we nonetheless assume making an attempt to squeeze three individuals within the again must be act of final resort.
Controls
Kona’s instrument panel and center-console touchscreen are primarily a single assemble, and the impact is certainly one of tidy effectivity. We discovered utilizing the contact display screen to be a easy affair. The entire Icons are massive and simple to pick, and the system itself features intuitively.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Premium: Take a look at Drive
First seen within the model’s Ioniq 5 EV, the Kona’s gear selector is mounted to the steering column, and features through a easy rotation of the stalks tip. Whereas this will likely initially appear odd, it begins to really feel regular after solely a brief time frame, and we respect the dearth of litter on the middle console.
Additionally, for many who care, the Bose-brand audio system, normal on the Restricted, punches above its weight class. This creator particularly appreciates the system’s devoted copy of classic-mid-century jazz.
Rear-seat lodging are additionally pleasant, with straightforward entry and exiting, and loads of knee and headroom. Cabin supplies high quality is respectable, and applicable for the category, however perhaps not fairly as premium as that present in different Hyundai merchandise. That mentioned, the Kona cabin comes off as clear and trendy. And, we respect a bit of automotive inside minimalism.
Trip and Dealing with
On the street, Kona continues to impress. Attention-grabbing little bit of tech: AWD fashions are fitted with a complicated multi-link rear suspension, this rather than the sold-beam system discovered on front-wheel drive examples. Whereas we’ve not, but, evaluated a front-drive Kona, we got here away very impressed by the experience and dealing with our AWD check automobile. Credit score the suspension, quiet cabin, and comfy seats, for this small Hyundai’s long-trip pleasant perspective.
Energy and Efficiency
And whereas the Kona is not any ball of energy in a straight line, the little turbocharged engine, and alert-shifting 8-speed automated transmission, pair properly to ship helpful energy at any velocity. Throttle response at low velocity was superb, and energy away from a cease ample to drag away from visitors. Likewise, the Kona affords up ample energy for fuss-free passing and merging actions.
Notice: We now have not sampled the up to date Kona with the two.0-liter engine and its CVT automated transmission, however warning that critical customers consider the automobile for prolonged check drive. Make sure you discover ample energy and drivetrain refinement.
Evaluation
We relatively miss the smaller, considerably spunkier Kona of outdated, however the updated-for-2024 instance makes for a superb step-up automobile for people already in a Kona, and a really good starter/commuter automobile for newcomers to the model. That mentioned, Kona is a lot refined sufficient for long-trim consolation. Yeah, the child grew up sort of quick, however we’re pleased with what she’s grow to be.
2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer RS: Evaluation, Costs and Specs
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2024 Hyundai Kona Restricted Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged photos