2018 / 2019 Hyundai Kona First Drive Off Road Review

FINALLY! We got our hands on Hyundai's newest and smallest crossover, the 2018 Kona. I've been very excited about this little guy for a few reasons. It's well priced, has an available turbo engine, the same capable AWD system as Hyundai's latest crossovers, there's an up-coming EV version and it's well priced vs the competition. Sadly I didn't have much time with this Kona but I did get to drive it for a day both on and off road thanks to the Trail Trek Tour (Trailtrektour.com) to give you some initial impressions. Stay tuned for our full review coming soon.
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[@quikgt]

Glad to see this test with the 2.0 and not the turbo.

[@brianwinkler8183]

Like your themed songs always showing on ACP. I saw my first one yesterday, in lower trim, and it was well packaged, for the size. The CX-3 has no excuse having 12 cu ft (or 10 with the subwoofer) in the trunk, when this has 19...and better rear leg room. I like this baby Hyundai.

[@shaesham]

Alex is the man.

[@kennypowers7602]

An idea for the suggestion box... 1. When you show the graphic for the size comparison, please include numerical values. At the very least, just the numbers for the high and low, as well as the car currently being reviewed. 2. Add a second size comparison graphic for wheelbase, also including numerical values.

[@jordancatcher6663]

Despite looks being subjective on the kona it's not bad. I know people will say it looks like a pre-refreshed jeep Cherokee in the front , but I think hyundai did a better job of executing the front end. I drove one not to long ago and was really impressed with how it drove. The steering felt more on point than the soul (But the kia is an older model so can't say much there) and it's has features that younger buyers will need if there just starting to drive. Overall it's a solid car but most will hate on it because of the looks.

[@SkywalkerWroc]

I personally really like it. Yea, yea, it's not your yet-another-standard-CUV, but it looks great both: on photos and in real life. Also these daylight/indicators strips don't look like s*** as they do on Citroen.

[@graemewilliams1308]

Had my 1.6 T 6 months. Really quick & economical.

[@dominicfong6341]

Thank you very much Alex for yet another high quality review.

[@alliejr]

Curious detail, but the layout of the center stack HVAC in this Kona is completely different from bigger brother Tuscon (and most other cars, I think). The Kona layout, left-to-right, is: temp, fan speed, vent control. The Tuscon layout , left-to-right is: fan speed, vent control, temp. The most common control, fan speed, falls to hand closest to the driver. It's odd to me that Hyundai designed a completely new and different layout for this car. I know this is extremely minor, but it stuck out to me as Alex reviewed the interior.

[@nodak81]

Nice to see normal HVAC controls for once. So many cars these days have unnecessarily complicated controls.

[@jonascolton1073]

i guess Im kinda randomly asking but does anyone know a good website to stream newly released series online ?

[@avilayne2812]

@Jonas Colton flixportal =)

[@jonascolton1073]

@Avi Layne thanks, I went there and it seems like they got a lot of movies there :D I appreciate it !

[@avilayne2812]

@Jonas Colton Glad I could help =)

[@SkywalkerWroc]

Random fun fact: In Europe they offer Kona with 1.0 turbo engine. It's 54mpg in combined cycle (vs 42mpg for european 1.6 turbo), 120 bhp (vs 177bhp for 1.6 turbo). It's only FWD and only comes with manual gearbox (quite unusually for European market - the 1.6 engine doesn't have a manual gearbox as an option, it's only auto). Non-turbo 2.0 engine is not available in Europe. That's mostly because 30mpg combined cycle of that engine would be seen as outrageously high (that's 9.4l/100km)

[@GIGABACHI]

Is that auto a DCT or one with a torque converter ?

[@SkywalkerWroc]

They only offer DCT as an automatic.

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Keep in mind that the US gallon is less than a metric gallon. So naturally our mpg is less.

[@SkywalkerWroc]

@@scrambler69-xk3kv I took the US gallons all across the board in conversions.

[@silentrefusal9911]

I would simply buy a 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. A bit bigger but overall much more capable and something I know is definitely worth my money as far as reliability and resale value is concerned. And that true off road ability is just icing on the cake

[@markthomas4483]

Agreed! I just looked at the new Crosstrek today and was VERY impressed!

[@limpunsing224]

Capable enough for small family outdoor picnic

[@michelebrown5409]

Thanks for the review Alex, I’m waiting for the Kona EV!

[@XMT621]

For the price, this is a tempting buy. As a 25 years old, the exterior is just not my personal taste. I would prefer the classy and mature of looks like the sonata, current Elantra sport, accent. If the exterior suits my taste, I’ll probably shortlist it in my price range.

[@Briguy1027]

Wow, seems like a lot of value for the buck.

[@sprague49]

Thank you, Alex, for pointing out an important fact. What is it with auto manufacturers putting big wheels and low profile tires on so-called "off road capable" vehicles? Have you ever seen a Jeep Wrangler with low profile tires? God, I hope not!

[@alliejr]

Because crossovers are _NOT_ off-road vehicles, regardless of this test event. They are designed for on-road snow, ice, heavy rain and perhaps the odd dirt road to a trail head (which almost any car, short of an exotic, can conquer). The locking center coupling in this Kona is nice to get unstuck from a snow bank, but it's no rock crawler. These AWD systems are strictly for poor weather and resulting road conditions, not for off-roading.

[@David-qs5ii]

No end of Range Rovers on low profile tyres in London!

[@tritchie6272]

I think low profile tires are ugly and look like you would damage your rim easy.While I've never owned any low profile just looking at them puts me off.I even seen some on a small pick up.Looks weird to me.

[@sprague49]

I see your point. I might better have said "off pavement" capable. Certainly, low profile tires aren't at their best on dirt roads.

[@niajjah]

loving mine

[@coo1rim]

I just limbed up the steepest hill hill in my Area (Toronto Beaches) in 1/2 foot of fresh snow in my 2021 Kona Luxury with stock Hankook. It was scary near the top when I lost all momentum and traction control was cutting power to engine. In hindsight, I should have disable traction control when it got really though, but still made it up with some drama.

[@curemeister7443]

I wouldn't call that off roading, any fwd or rwd vehicle would have no difficulty navigating that road. The only limitation is ground clearance and not the requirement of awd. Regardless of tire type or vehicle, if the awd function is going to be tested, it should be evaluated on a controlled roller ramp where front, rear, or individual wheel positions can be isolated to determine how much torque can be distributed to each position.

[@swanblake]

I honestly think that Hyundai and Kia is the only manufacture wiping to take a risk and offer actually exciting, well thought put products. The Kicks, XV, and CHR were just lazy cash grabs with zero attempt to be class leading

[@adoreslaurel]

Missed that last bit, space saver is 37mm less in overall diameter, so you drive lop sided with the spare.

[@adoreslaurel]

My son has one down under, 2 Litre, 6 speed auto, I wish the drivers seat was higher I prefer to sit UP in this type of vehicle it has the head room for it, rear seat room is squeezy, and Hyundai changing from putting a full size spare actually disappointingly provided a so called space saver [which was 1i/2 [they don't], so I changed it for a 205x60x16" Ford Falcon rim because we have a lot of open highway over long distances.

[@techpappee]

No turbo version tested I see. I get it, more will purchase a mid range plus (dry) DCTs aren't really off-road transmissions. I think the 1.6 T models look more attractive. They get slightly different colored plastic cladding (grey premium not black) and have better looking wheels IMO. Also a lot more power 😉. It seems like the interior is better in upper two trims. Leather seats come standard on limited and ultimate.

[@dustyrhoads9892]

Drive both. The turbo really doesn’t stand out that much from the base IMO

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Those bigger wheels are gross. And people forget the bigger the tire the more they cost. I like a nonturbo engine and 16 inch wheels. on mine thankyou.

[@jerrywillis5585]

Nice little peashooter to commute back and forth from work, but I wouldn't use it for off road.

[@spiritmorin]

As a former Jeep Rubicon owner I really like your review. But now that I drive a Kia Soul Ev I am waiting for your full review and the full review of the Ev version. It look smaller than I thought. I will take a look at the dealer to see it. Thank you.

[@ELP1125]

❤️ the Kona

[@greentjmtl]

Like the current gen RAV4, I very much doubt it's a real center differential lock, it probably just apply the max pressure to center clutch pack and hope for the best.

[@dustyrhoads9892]

Literally what he said

[@noeldillabough2153]

Love the song choice “little bitty”, lol

[@BoopSnoot]

I'm confused. I see all the auto-reviewers are reviewing 2018 models as if they are new, but we're past the halfway mark into 2018 already... shouldn't they be revealing 2019 models?

[@dry509]

Please advise how the Subaru AWD works for better or worse compared to this awd system. Thanks.

[@St32003]

“...trip through the woods to see grandma...” LOL -supposing that grandma is the Blair Witch

[@philipvandervossen3241]

I actually drove past Burkittsville to get to this event.

[@jopaum7546]

Sorry, the 2020 Kona, and I should have mentioned not the EV model.

[@jamesuthmann940]

Kyundai Kona? ( on the length comparison chart ).

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Oh no!

[@mlosuno402]

Idk why you keep referencing the Cherokee? It's a Renegade competitor!

[@OffRoadTripz]

The Cherokee was the vehicle directly behind the Kona while he filmed the video, which shows the range of vehicles that were on the trail together. The Kona also has some styling cues that are similar.

[@mlosuno402]

Gunaxin Different classes of vehicle thouhh. For instance, you can get a much more powerful V6 in the Cherokee.

[@OffRoadTripz]

Indeed, and I think he acknowledged that. I understand your point, but your post asked a question, so I tried to answer it. The Kona was entered into the Trail Trek Tour : Compact Crossover Off-Road Challenge, even though it is a Sub-Compact Crossover, so some of Alex's comments were directed at that fact. He'll have another video coming from the event which will make that more clear. He knows they aren't direct competitors though.

[@GIGABACHI]

Cherokee McCherokeeface . . . do you see it now ?

[@mlosuno402]

JIGA BACHI I know the looks are similar but the sizes are not! The Kona pulls off the split lamps better than the Cherokee but the Renegade looks better.

[@AutoGarageTV]

That’s not an off-road trail. That’s just your typical Midwest road.

[@shonc.100]

it still doesn't have enough potholes to be Midwest roads

[@StrikeFromTheSkies]

And not enough salt

[@deepdoodle1]

Ha, ha, ha .....

[@tousshong9438]

Agree! Any vehicle can go thru this so cal off road trail. LOL

[@quikgt]

AutoShedTV OK, but this isn’t an “off-road vehicle” either

[@maciejmendel9404]

Where is the offroad part of the movie?

[@shaesham]

The wheelbase is shorter than an 08 civic coupe.

[@AltarenGalil]

If youve seen it, what do you think of Mat Watson's "review" of the Kona on the Carwow channel?

[@davidwinkler5576]

Jan Šinkovec honestly that review is solely based on looks, he sounded totally biased in it

[@ramonahumada4]

Does it compare with the crosstrek?

[@RicoZaid_]

Was this the 2.0 engine or the 1.6?

[@jopaum7546]

Looking at the 202 Kona at present. Does anyone know how easy - or difficult - it is to accidentally press the center coupling lock button when you do not mean to? What happens if you are diving high speed (freeway) and someone in the passenger seat accidentally presses it/drops a phone on it?

[@coo1rim]

If left in locked, the car will retain locked mode after a restart. In locked mode (for 2.0L) feels more buttoned down at low speed...otherwise not able to tell if it's locked or unlocked. If you're in an area that's always slippery, I'd have it in locked mode all the time. Given how solid this chassis feel, I suspect wear and tear would be less or negligible in the slippery stuff when differential is in locked.

[@belowme4927]

that low, long front snout is not for off-roading

[@potatochobit]

is there a snow mode or do you press the "lock" button when you need to?

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

No, you buy winter tires as you should. Does not matter how many wheels have power, if the tires cannot get a grip, you are still screwed.

[@williamhoward1093]

Why can't anyone let U know if a full set of GOLF Clubs fit without folding down the back set, of if U fold down the back. They fit in a Fiat Abarth with the back down perfect! Should know this for every car of every suv Thanks Duck

[@myanh6571]

I caught your spelling error on the size comparison graphic!

[@WeAreMovieMakers]

Wanted to like this car, but the plastic clad interior really put me off.

[@jos1515]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aIavgmuFqaaUh9U why is gas arrow in the top center screen pointing at the opposite direction than the gas arrow on the right instrument cluster?

[@onakl]

Even my civic can handle that dirt track.

[@MarcusLundin]

Such a little bitty car 😉

[@tritchie6272]

I kinda like the looks of it.But for my taste its to small,and I would like more ability from it.I'm surprised that the V6 version of this has less power than the wife's 08 KIA Rondo.

[@dcpc08161992]

Man, maybe it is just me... but this is the ugliest SUV I have seen in recent years.

[@Hue.Jasole]

That demo is ridiculous. Even the smallest sedan would have been able to handle that dirt road. Pointless.

[@OffRoadTripz]

This short video does a better job at showing the conditions, but even from numerous camera angles, things tend to get flattened out on camera: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b4HNfoBpjc9of6c Video and photos never really show the difficulty of a trail very well, but the segments shown in this video were also some of the easier portions of the trail as well. The Kona completed a full five hours on trail, and trust us, no small sedan would have been able to accomplish that feat. This is definitely not just a "dirt road"

[@Hue.Jasole]

Gunaxin nothing a sedan can’t handle in that video either.

[@OffRoadTripz]

Ok, I'm sure you're right, expert. I've only been driving that trail for 20 years, but I'll defer to your opinion from watching a few minutes of videos on KZbin. You've convinced me.

[@Hue.Jasole]

Gunaxin the video does not so justice to what you speak of is all. I am a fan of your reviews. All I’m saying is that the video shows nothing a sedan can’t handle and that is the weakest off road road I’ve ever seen. The road I grew up on in MA was far worst in terms of testing capabilities. If your gonna test off-road capability, either shoot more difficult areas or choose another course. You’re welcome.

[@David-qs5ii]

I expect my Škoda Superb 190 Sportline would handle that. Look it up if you’re in North America. You don’t know what you’re missing. 50 miles per UK gallon commuting on the motorway. (41 mp US GALLON)

[@cleric3236]

at least it doesn't have these cancerous fake exhaust tips

[@nickolastiguan]

more interested in the EV version, to be honest

[@killacamfoo]

wow, that is HIDEOUS.

[@sherrid5315]

Na the Kia Soul is UGLY 🙄🙄🙄

[@NJRipeStrawberry]

Face only a mum would love

[@Majoofi]

1 what spilled all over the engine? 2 I'm so sick of cheaping out on drivers seats that aren't fully adjustable. 3 looks like it should've been 4 inches longer. 4 low profile tires are idiotic especially in a crossover or off road vehicle, and then to under inflate....

[@davidwinkler5576]

There are power seats with lumber on some of the trims and most subcompacts dont offer power seats unless you pick the top end trim...

[@techpappee]

Majoofi 1) mud, isn't that obvious from the video? 2) you won't find any subcompact vehicle in this price range that offers more. 3) 4 more inches =Tuscon Kona 13' 8" / Tuscon 14' 2" . 4) it's doesn't have low profile on this model. He's talking about other vehicles. You under infate even in a Wrangler 4x4 when off roading... :-/

[@omgitsme435]

That is pretty damn ugly..

[@hkmp5kpdw]

Boring...

[@sherrid5315]

Nobody made you sit here and watch it 👌👌👌

[@dmdjm]

second!

[@Wolfox360]

Dual clutch on 4wd = fail offroad!!

[@aquaticko]

Only the turbo 1.6 has a dual clutch; the 2.0 is a standard torque converter automatic.

[@techpappee]

This doesn't have a dct. Maybe watch before commenting...hmmm

[@realbeetlejuice]

OUCH. #BUSTED

[@Wolfox360]

Exactly 1.6 turbo has dual clutch, did I say All KONAs??!! Calm down and read properly next time! And people who buy this car don't know what they are buying so they just check for Max power and that has a Dual clutch. Because if they know what to buy and they buy for offraod, they will go for a Subaru / Jeep.