Choosing the right vehicle, especially for young drivers or as a practical family car, requires careful consideration of safety, size, and features. Recently, I had the opportunity to test drive the 2024 Hyundai Kona, and it proved to be quite an insightful experience. This review delves into the aspects that stood out during my time with the Kona, offering a comprehensive look at its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it fits your needs.
Space and Practicality: Surprisingly Roomy for a Compact SUV
One of the first things that impressed me about the Hyundai Kona was its surprisingly spacious interior, especially considering its compact SUV classification. Packing for a trip often reveals a vehicle’s true cargo capacity, and the Kona passed this test with ease. All our luggage fit comfortably in the trunk, demonstrating that the Kona is more practical than its exterior dimensions might suggest.
Legroom in the back also proved to be ample. Even with the driver’s seat pushed back to accommodate a taller person, rear passengers still had sufficient space to stretch out comfortably. This is a significant advantage, making the Kona suitable for families or anyone who frequently carries passengers in the back.
The overall interior ambiance contributed to the feeling of spaciousness. The bright and airy cabin design of the Hyundai Kona Limited trim enhanced the sense of openness, making it a pleasant environment for both short commutes and longer journeys.
Design and Style: A Modern Edge with a Unique Flair
The 2024 Kona boasts a distinctive exterior design that sets it apart from other compact SUVs. It has a modern, almost futuristic aesthetic, with a front fascia that exudes a unique character. While subjective, I found the “spaceship vibe” grew on me, lending the Kona a stylish and contemporary appeal.
While my daughter acknowledged the Kona’s styling was appealing, she noted it might not be something she’d overtly highlight to friends. However, in the world of car design, subtle appreciation can be just as valuable as overt enthusiasm, suggesting the Kona strikes a good balance with its design language.
Safety Features: Prioritizing Protection on the Road
Safety is paramount, especially when considering a vehicle for new drivers. The 2024 Hyundai Kona excels in this area, particularly the Limited AWD trim I tested. It’s equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies designed to enhance driver awareness and prevent accidents.
The Blind-Spot View Monitor was particularly impressive. This system displays a live video feed of blind spots on the dashboard screen when turn signals are activated, significantly improving visibility during lane changes and turns. The navigation system’s adaptive cruise control and curve control further contribute to safer driving by automatically adjusting speed and steering to maintain a safe following distance and navigate curves smoothly.
It’s worth noting that while the Limited trim boasts top-of-the-line safety features, the base SE model still comes standard with a solid array of essential safety technologies. These include Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. This means even the more affordable Kona prioritizes safety, making it a responsible choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The Hyundai Kona has also earned recognition from safety organizations, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). This accolade further reinforces the Kona’s commitment to safety and provides additional peace of mind.
Driving Experience: Comfortable and Capable
On the road, the Hyundai Kona delivers a comfortable and capable driving experience. While not engineered as a sports car, the Kona’s handling is accurate and well-suited for everyday driving. The steering is responsive, and the ride quality is comfortable, even on longer drives. There’s a slight “floaty” feel in turns, but this is typical for vehicles in this class and doesn’t detract from the overall driving enjoyment.
The gear selector, a twist-dial mechanism for shifting between drive, reverse, and park, adds a touch of modern sophistication to the Kona’s interior. It’s intuitive and easy to use, contributing to a seamless driving experience.
Tech and Features: Infotainment and Convenience
The Hyundai Kona Limited is equipped with a high-quality Bose speaker system that delivers rich and clear audio. Bluetooth connectivity is seamless, allowing for easy smartphone integration for music and calls. Charging outlets are conveniently located throughout the cabin, ensuring devices stay powered up on the go.
Two safety features that particularly stood out during my test drive were the Blind-Spot View Monitor and the curve control system. As mentioned earlier, the Blind-Spot View Monitor is incredibly useful for enhancing situational awareness. The curve control system provides subtle but effective steering assistance on highways, especially during long drives with numerous curves.
Kona Models and Value: Balancing Features and Price
The Hyundai Kona offers a range of models to suit different budgets and preferences. The Limited AWD model I tested, priced at approximately $34,695 including freight and handling, comes loaded with features like ventilated seats, Bose audio, and advanced safety technologies. However, the SE base model, starting around $25,000, presents a more affordable entry point.
While the SE model lacks some of the premium features of the Limited, it retains many of the Kona’s core strengths, including its spaciousness, design, and essential safety features. For buyers prioritizing value, the SE model remains a compelling option. Lease deals on Kona vehicles can also further enhance affordability.
Conclusion: A Well-Rounded Compact SUV Worth Considering
The 2024 Hyundai Kona proves to be a well-rounded compact SUV with a lot to offer. Its lighter weight compared to average US vehicles, combined with its comprehensive safety features, makes it a particularly appealing choice for safety-conscious buyers, including parents of teenage drivers. It strikes a good balance between size and practicality, offering ample space in a maneuverable package.
Whether you’re looking for a safe and reliable vehicle for young drivers, a practical and stylish family car, or a fuel-efficient and feature-rich compact SUV, the Hyundai Kona deserves a spot on your consideration list. While the higher trims offer more bells and whistles, even the base model delivers a strong value proposition in the competitive compact SUV market.
