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- Highs Bold styling, refined cabin with quality materials, great fun to drive.
- Lows Sluggish base engine, uncommunicative steering, less back-seat room than some rivals.
- Verdict The 2018 Hyundai Kona delivers tons of fun, with crisp handling, bold design, a quality interior, and the option of a peppy 1.6-liter engine.
Overview
The Kona subcompact's edgy styling charms onlookers and avoids appearing busy despite its multifaceted sheetmetal. The cabin packs just enough of the exterior’s whimsy to tie the whole together without overdoing it. The Kona may not be the most practical SUV in its class, but that’s forgivable considering how good the rest of this package is. The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder—one of two available engines—has impressive performance. So not only is the Kona fun to look at, it’s also fun to drive.
What's New for 2018?
The Kona is an all-new Hyundai for 2018. It slides into the lineup as the junior crossover below the compact Tucson and the mid-size Santa Fe Sport. Its offbeat styling turns heads, especially when accented by the Kona’s signature color—Lime Twist.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- SE: $20,480
- SEL: $22,130
- Limited: $25,680
- Ultimate: $28,380
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Kona SE and SEL trims come with a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. Limited and Ultimate models are powered by the considerably peppier 175-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Enthusiasts will want the 1.6. The 2.0-liter’s lack of punch is obvious before you’re across the first intersection. Front-wheel drive is standard, but both engines can be ordered with optional all-wheel drive. The Kona is a pleasure to drive. Equipped with the turbo four-cylinder, it’s zippy when you’re liberal with the throttle, and its chassis is playful despite its SUV mission. Agile handling and cornering grip approach sports-sedan territory, but the suspension smooths out bumps and delivers a comfortable ride. Steering is perhaps the Kona’s downfall: it’s uncommunicative and requires frequent corrections on the highway.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest and most accurate fuel economy numbers on current and older vehicles, we use the U.S. Department of Energy's fueleconomy.gov website. Under the heading "Find & Compare Cars" click on the "Compare Side-by-Side" tool to find the EPA ratings for the make, model, and year you're interested in.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Hyundai’s designers managed to bring the charm of the Kona’s cheeky exterior design to the cabin while maintaining comfort and convenience. Quality materials, good ergonomics, and comfortable seats feel refined but not out of step with the Kona’s funkadelic styling. The driver faces a pair of analog gauges framing a slim digital readout; the steering wheel is wrapped in nicely grained leather with contrast stitching and integrated cruise and audio controls. The roomy front seats are cushy, and bolstering is appropriate for the Kona’s dynamic skills. But its back-seat space, while reasonably sized, is not as spacious as those of such rivals as the Honda HR-V and the Kia Soul.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Kona SE, SEL, and Limited trims come with a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen, but buyers of the Ultimate model are treated to an 8.0-inch unit that features navigation with real-time traffic updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so buyers of lower trims can access turn-by-turn directions from their smartphones. The system is intuitive in its operation but leisurely when responding to inputs. The Kona’s single USB port is stingy in today’s connected world, but Ultimate trims come with a wireless charging pad. Lower trims get six-speaker audio, but stepping up to the Ultimate adds an eight-speaker Infinity system.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Hyundai Kona’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
