2018 Hyundai Kona CUV FIRST DRIVE REVIEW (2 of 2)

MotoMan drives the 2018 Hyundai Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii. Driving the Hyundai Kona on some of the more challenging roads of Kona, Hawaii he learns the benefits of a very different strategy for a small Crossover (CUV). After driving, he has Hyundai North America Design Chief, Chris Chapman share some details of how the Hyundai Kona came about as well as some of the finer details of the design process . . .
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[@bugwit]

Just bought an Ultimate. After I drove the Kona, none of the other compact, or even mid-size SUVs measured up as far as driving enjoyment goes. It's little small in the cargo area, but just big enough for our camping gear. It's a lot of fun to drive!

[@kridreklaw]

I shopped all of the cars in this class. #1. C-HR #2. C-X3 and #3. HRV were my top picks until I found the Hyundai Kona. A white Hyundai Kona Limited is the car I recently purchased and I'm loving the car!!! I must be one of the first on the road here in Dallas. More car, similar tech, solid build, tight ride, dual clutch 7 speed transmission (NO CVT thank goodness!), fast (especially switching from normal to sport mode, it's like getting 2 cars in one) and great styling all for less 💰💰 with a better warrantee. The only thing I see when driving are heads turning and traffic in my rearview mirror ✌😎!!!

[@billp5534]

When the Sonata Eco came out with this drivetrain, I was impressed and my wife loves it as her car. It is quick, smooth and quiet, and she has averaged 35 mpg over the first 80,000 miles (actual miles divided by actual gallons of ethanol free gasoline). My son needed a new car to replace his Forester, and I was getting service on the Sonata when I saw the 2018 Kona Limited AWD on the lot, brand new, sporting a end of year price of $22,000. With $250 down he was out the door including TTL for $23,200. For this much money, I find the car very hard to match.

[@67Bigsby]

Love your work Motoman thank you!!

[@BooAnderson]

I own the Ultimate in white AWD. Bought it on the 9th of March. Wouldn't have it any other way. New Brunswick Canada

[@skagerstrom]

"On a budget" and "cheapscates"? Or just people with normal economy? Realise that only a small percentage of the people can drive the S65's and GT3's and all the other stuff you drive every day.

[@techpappee]

PREACH I think journalists loose perspective driving so many high $ vehicles all the time. 30k is nothing to sneeze at.

[@clarencewhite6053]

I like/have the KONA LIMITED because of the LEATHER INTERIOR and the POWER MOONROOF. Anything else above the LIMITED would be the ULTIMATE and FOR ME is TOO MUCH MONEY for a SUB-COMPACT although you do get more. Iam a CHEAPSKATE but the limited is good enough for me.

[@TheBigCarp321]

I'm in love with this car and am planning on getting the ultimate in the next month or so. My last 2 cars were Lancer GTS's. I wanted to keep the minimalist style on the inside like the lancer, some new updated features (wireless charging whooo!), and a slightly bigger backend once the seats go down without going to a full suv. I'm out here in Michigan where the potholes are plenty and am eyeballing the AWD as well. The price point doesn't bother me and am seeing many dealers selling the top trim in the 25k area so I am feeling pretty optimistic. Thanks for getting so technical. Would watch again :)

[@mr.2cents.846]

I like your videos MotoMan. And I test drove one today. I must say, I'm surprised. Love the ride, the 1.6 turbo engine is peppy, lots of extras and functions and not too big, like the Ford Edge. Yet, still plenty practical and a real joy to drive. Corners well. Not a heavy vehicle at all.

[@petersymes8467]

Fully loaded for the fun factor and I want the all wheel drive for the winters here in Toronto/Montreal.

[@stephane7484]

great video as always

[@dansanger5340]

I can't wait for the Kona EV review. That's the one I'm really interested in.

[@StarShippCaptain]

There's no doubt you go with the Kona Ultimate-but you buy it on a Great Sale! Like you say, "It's the Package!"

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Here in flat NJ, I would get the FWD Ultimate Kona. Yes, it's almost $30K, but I'd lease and it would be my 3rd Hyundai from this dealership so they would not only give me a decent Loyalty Buyer discount, they would make sure I'd lease another vehicle from them!

[@noh8magza.g621]

Currently using Kona ultimate It’s fits my daily driving adventures

[@nhshire6992]

Great review!

[@tedtedness184]

I bought my Limited Kona AWD 1.6T upper midwest USA. Needed AWD just because it helps so much on handling and power delivery. The Kona was too softly sprung, but well dampened. Eibach USA did not want to make springs for it. Eibach Germany had Pro-Kits for the Kona. So I imported a set...Neg 1 deg camber all around, made this sub SUV into a "hot Hatch" handling wise. Handles like like a "M" Hyundai. N minus 1. With AWD I can just throw into a corner and it sticks. I can't say enough how much better this makes the Kona a dream to drive. I just wish Eibach would make their swaybar kit for it, but there just is not the following to justify it. I am SO SO lucky they made the springs for it so I did not have to go the coil over route. Since Hyundai had to control the soft springs their OEM struts and shock have plenty of damping to control the stiffer springs. Ride quality did not suffer much, it is still a softer and way more pleasant ride in then my wife's 2014 Rav4 thanks to the progressive spring rates of the new Eibach's.

[@Dave-in-France]

Another excellent from MotoManTV so I've subscribed. Currently I'm looking into EV's so a review of the fully electric Kona would help me a lot. Live in France.

[@beholder1972]

Love the ultimate package. Here in Montreal with our weather patterns the awd does an amazing job. Love the ride and comfort and the bells and whistles that go with this package. With the ultimate package the price range compared to other competitors seems to be in the ideal benchmark. Smooth shifts great braking and great acceleration. Had a vw tiguan and im very surprised that i love this suv a lot more. Pay a few bucks more and enjoy.

[@ELP1125]

I have a 2018 SEL w/tech package. The Limited and Ultimate didn't seem like deal breakers to me. AWD is cool, but I survived winters with front wheel drive cars before, not a must have feature. Overall great car, it's very capable and reliable, also I love the exterior looks!

[@williamcass68]

Fully loaded and worth it to get all the bells and whistles... (Dublin, California)

[@ThriveDespiteLimits]

...liking the backseat interview segment. I'm driving the fully opted 2016 CX-5 and my first electric, the BMWi3. Maybe next will be the Kona EV, looking forward to its release in California. The predicted 0-60 is 7.6 seconds

[@tarewmarr69]

looked at many car on online from the Honda HRV to the Subaru crosstrak took a Hyundai Kona for a test drive and fell in love it was everthing i was looking for went back a week latter i wanted a Blue Kona they had two i looked a unlimited two much money and asked the salesman where the other blue Kona was the salesman told me inside in the middle of the showroom we ironed out a price and got a new 2018 Hyundai Kona off the show room floor that is a new experience

[@Combat556]

Our new 2021 Kona Night edition 2WD (torsion beam rear suspension) is a blast to drive with the 1.6T, Rays black 18” wheels and galactic gray paint. A fun grocery getter at an affordable price.

[@sweetlady2037]

I'm getting the limited after I move in October!!!

[@wildtimbrown]

I'm in South Florida and have to go with at least the Limited package to get the color I want. . I'm thinking that I don't really need the awd when 99% of my driving will be "on the flat" with very occasional trips to the Carolinas. Thanks for the in depth review, right now I'm waiting to see if my dealer can find the car I want or will tell me I have to order it.

[@AnsrMax]

Seen one up close. Its safe to predict they will change the front fascia for the midcycle refresh. Otherwise well balanced, power good for weight with the step up powertrain. Opinion from WI.

[@jbm0866]

I really kinda like this thing, (even the strange plastic spats are growing on me a bit) and it seems like a good mix of practicality and fun to drive, but near $30k I'd have to take a step back and say..."hold up now, let's see what else is out there in the same near $30k range"... and it's quite a lot of choices. That's my only issue right now though, as I really don't see cars like this as a "small SUV", but rather a hatchback with a bit more ground clearance, and that isn't neccesarily a bad thing if the driving dynamics remain engaging.

[@Mohankeneh]

Im from Canada and i would choose the base essential trim but with AWD therefore i get the ind rear susp plus i get things like 7inch touch screen with android auto and apple car play, plus heated front seats. honestly thats all you really need! canadian price is 22 999$. would i prefer the 1.6turbo? hell yeah. but thats 4000$ more. i currently drive a 2012 kia sorento EX V6 (with the tiny 3.5inch touch screen)

[@themidimachine]

I tested the Kona 1.6T and the Elantra Sport today. Shocked that I found the Kona to be the better drive. The Elantra had a nice exhaust tone at low speeds, but on highway, became annoying. A bit of tire noise from the Kona, but pretty good, and overall nicely quiet. The ride, and the handling were just shockingly good to me from the Kona, and I can't explain why, but the Elantra Sport felt a bit dull ride-wise in comparison (though I loved the turbo engine in both). The Elantra Sport (and GT Sport) look better to me than the Kona, but since I spend more time in the car than outside looking at it, it's not really that important. The Kona is a bit pricey for the size of car, but since I can't get my hands on an Elantra GT Sport (my first choice) this year from my dealer, I think I'm getting the Kona 1.6T Ultimate. Upgrading from a very dull 2011 Santa Fe AWD.

[@10tenman10]

Great one person dialogue. Agree that this is a new segment (I think it is too small).

[@10tenman10]

My daughter just bought a Mazda cx5, Grand Touring with Performance Package. A bigger, more comfortable vehicle. Out the door cost (with tax) $33,400 (pre tax was around $31,900). I would argue that it is worth going up a segment for comfort and safety. Also I read that the small sub compact segment depreciates very quickly.

[@techpappee]

Limited AWD is my choice. That's as far as I would go. Ohio boy BTW. 30k is a little high. Once you go that far you might as well go up a segment (compact).

[@vh9network]

I almost feel like the cost of economy cars are slowly rising, which is distressing because I know this is something that actually happens every 8-10 years.

[@firstcitytraveler]

Ultimate AWD, but only when they add Adaptive Cruise Control. I drive a 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited with both Tech and Ultimate packages. Kansas USA

[@quikgt]

I disagree where you said power “is better than a small crossover should be “- it’s about time someone put some oomph into this boring segment- well done Hyundai!

[@rereichel]

For me, a $10k spread means go to the next segment. $23k for a Kona with a few options is fine. I drive a base GTI manual trans.

[@patrickdehaan3670]

I'd get the base car, I'm not interested in speed or acceleration and I don't have need for or even care much about the fancier options. The good basic handling, space, room and looks are more than enough for me. I just wish the more basic car had the larger, good looking wheels this top model includes.

[@techpappee]

You're the first I've heard say it's not better than the cx3 in regards to handling/ride. You should drive each back to back. You might be surprised. It's better than you think and the cx3 isn't as good as you remember. Test back to back and you'll see.

[@quicksilver19tv]

Tech Pappee have you driven the Kona?

[@techpappee]

quicksilver19tv yes, test drove the 2.0 and 1.6 T. 2.0 in FWD & 1.6t in AWD.

[@tomasleiva5587]

California Bay Area I am buying the Limited one trim below the elite

[@stephenperry9425]

It is a great looking car, I would have the Premium GT in acid yellow, but at £26320 on the road it is way too pricey for me.

[@gilbertwoods876]

I would go with the more money car just for the features my wife has a Santa Fe and I have a 2017 Titan she like comforts

[@xdaeq2]

Can you review the i30n

[@nelisestelperezmendez]

xdaeq4

[@letsseeif]

Not reviewing the Hyundai i30N is a bit like being in a position to kick the winning goal in front of 100,019 screaming barrackers (fans) in the AFL(Aussie Rules), but missing . In both cases frustration and dare I say, shame, is palpable.

[@10tenman10]

Quality of ride is an intangible. Most people in this market don't appreciate it, and don't want to pay for it.

[@Novice2Expert]

I’m not going over 26k...I guess I would have to skip some options....Atlanta, GA

[@dylanw9412]

Elton Elzee agreed. I think this car really loses the value factor when you start adding options. I'd probably go for an SEL trim. Limited if I get a really good deal.

[@techpappee]

You can add the tech option for $1500 to the SEL model. AWD is $1300. SEL starts at $21,500. So SEL with all tech would be 23k, 24.3K for AWD and all tech. Still get the base engine though.

[@michaelcreek3813]

I've seen the Limited AWD for $25.8k.

[@bugwit]

You should be able to get a limited AWD for that.

[@killertek78]

33k in Canadian hockey pucks, just to much if you ask me. Let's be honest here, another 8000 rupees for an AWD system on basically the same platform as an Elantra(yes it is different enough) is exceedingly high. I drive an Elantra Sport, and I would never pay that much for the same car, with AWD. That being said, when I went to go pick up a filter and crush washer for my next self applied oil change, they were in the process of selling 2 top trim Kona, Konas, Koni? They are definitely selling them. For me, the 2.0 with AWD is the much smarter buy.

[@wildtimbrown]

But will it Chooch?

[@micahb543]

When are you going to test the EV version?

[@JFomo]

Why do all sub compacts have so much plastic on the body? Why cant they have no plastic?

[@christopher01221]

to keep the price low

[@techpappee]

It's actually off-road protection. At least thats philosophy. True most in this segment are not off road capable.

[@JFomo]

Rondal Childers the bigger SUV's dont have any plastic, it seems the smaller they get the more plastic gets put on. And yes I would never take this offroad.

[@techpappee]

af1rs2jl actually the new Rav4 (19) has it. As does the cx5, crosstek and forester etc. It's becoming more of a standard. Even the resigned(19) Santa Fe has it.

[@vh9network]

Its cheaper to get replaced since it's plastic. If it was a metal body wheel well or bumper than it will cost you a pretty penny to maintain when it comes to door dings and rear-end bumps.

[@kawaisit3086]

Good video Where are you testing the car? Street, City, State

[@sirfriendzone1228]

Kawai Sit he's in Hawaii.

[@MrStingraybernard]

kona is in hawaii

[@clarencewhite6053]

The pricepoint of the 2018 HYUNDAI KONA buys you a REASONABLY PRICED SUV for the money. One does HAVE THE OPTION to SELECT either 2wd, or awd. 2 SUSPENTION SET UPS, 2 engines, and 4 DESIGNATIONS. I hane the 2018 HYUNDAI KONA LIMITED because i think the LIMITED for me is PRICED RIGHT for UNDER 30,000 DOLLARS. I would NOT GO ANY HIGHER than that for MORE MONEY. The 1.6 liter TURBO is AN IMPROVEMENT and the LEATHER SEATS are HEATED AS WELL as 8 WAY POWER FOR the DRIVER. The LIMITED also comes with a POWER MOONROOF. The MULTI LINK SUSPENTION works GREAT WITH THE KONAS 1.6. The LOOKS of the KONA is DEBATABLE BUT, at this PRICEPOINT I'LL take it.

[@ktpark21]

I like to go with a loaded car, not a fully loaded that Hyundai Offers. I need a decent features of the car with 1.6 T and AWD with MSRP $27.000, because I will give this my daughter

[@vh9network]

I'd pick the 1.6T turbo Kona because that's usually the car the manufactures like Hyundai expect consumers to get. The regular 2.0L gas model is basic economy, that's the model you'd get if you getting a college student their first car. I'm still driving my 2015 Audi A3 Quattro. My next car will certainly be a SUV/crossover, but I'm leaning towards Ford on that.

[@rodgersmith2820]

2013 Santa Fe Sport (loaded), Bethesda, Maryland and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Might be a little high, I'll stick with the Santa Fe which we take back and forth and from MD to CA. on our travels.

[@tedtedness184]

First off, Hyundai TWO injectors per cylinder and solve the carbonizing port problem like Toyota/Lexus and Ford has done. WHY WHY you did not do this on this units rollout is beyond me. Top version is just too high for me, Limited version still to high but I would not want to give up the 1.6T, so they forced me to pay. I sure wish the Limited would have cooling seats. If I buy one I may wait 4 months till demand is less and low ball the dealers and if I get it I do and if not...Maybe next year.

[@dannera5359]

The top model is the only way to go in this model. However there is no sense buying these vehicles as SUV are not that much more expensive. Hard consideration should be given to the golf sportwagen and Altrack they do everything better than CUV's and most

[@joshremon]

What a snob😂😂😂😂

[@zuti071]

I don't have time for another video about this car. One 10min video will be enough!

[@stevec3526]

If you want a shorter video watch other videos...

[@RATTMAN]

Front was copied from the Jeep Cherokee. Seen a Kona parked next to the Jeep at my job. Clear design plagiarism.

[@vh9network]

Haha sound like someone at your job is playing mind games with you too.

[@vince7349]

Most car company's copy. Ever notice how so many cars nowadays all look the same?

[@techpappee]

Robert that's a little silly. Yes they both have their DRLs at the top. That's the only thing similar between the two. If another manufacture puts DRLs in the same spot as another company are they doing the same? IMO, Hyundai did a much better job implementing them. The new SantraFe also has top DRLs. The new Tuscon will also get them once redesigned. AllnHyundai CUV/SUVs will have the DRLs at the top.

[@quikgt]

Jeep much uglier

[@quietguy1948]

Sorry MM.... you've gotten way too verbose. My offering: More testing, less yakking.

[@golgoth7600]

Really not a fan of that ugly plastic. Completely ruins the look

[@7inchsoldier397]

I like the HRV better

[@kawaisit3086]

San Jose, CA $20,000 Toyota Avalon Toyota Camry Toyota Sienna

[@kridreklaw]

This guy is arrogant AF

[@kcmega007]

i'll skip ,, still an Korean car, not as reliable, I do like the Design of the Kona , but still looks cheap in the interior side