2018 Hyundai Kona Review | First Drive | Edmunds

[@jansing327]

I've had it now for 2 weeks and I like the car a lot..Its nimble ,fast en handles great.The tangerine comet colour is awesome. Thumbs up Hyundai!!

[@tanzanable]

The Kona is absolutely GORGEOUS! Congratulations to Hyundai for designing such a beautiful car!

[@user-uz24y37g]

Mark makes me feel so calm. This car is so nice.

[@kridreklaw]

I researched 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 finally purchased two weeks ago 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!!!

[@mi16t]

Dirkadirka Dirkadirka shame you're blind.

[@kridreklaw]

You would be perfect as a judge in gymnastics...very subjective.

[@arturb4658]

Dirkadirka Dirkadirka love the come back haha

[@derbersdiscoveries5938]

I'm testing a Limited on Monday. Thanks for feedback!

[@johnherrera7551]

This car is unique and stands out. Not like the majority of cars that just blend into traffic. Congrats! It just work North American SUV of the year.

[@GaryKetchum808]

So basically, it’s a pretty darn good, better than average compact crossover. Not bad Hyundai.

[@marcussmith5755]

The styling got my attention while traveling yesterday. I'm glad that he showed how much room there is in the back. I'm impressed and I may be rethinking my future car purchase.

[@johnc1975]

I bought a 2018 on $1000 off Labor Day sale in the limited trim level, 1.6 turbo, AWD, 18 inch wheels etc. I got the grey color which is less obtrusive and makes it look almost normal, at least to me. It has perky acceleration, handles well, and has a good ride quality. It's a very likable car with a lot of character.

[@Elevatedabove]

hi. 7 months later are you still enjoying the car?

[@johnholst]

Nothing else in this class comes close to the Kona in terms of content and performance. This is a sub-compact suv worth owning.

[@Acc0rd79]

I admit in that blue it's a cool looking little SUV and is far better looking than the other 3 you showed. I do love the aggressive looks!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Looks are subjective. Most people think the CX-3 is the best looking of the bunch.

[@margaretkuiper7506]

Acc0rd79 i

[@roberthill2247]

The car is a winner ; Very comfortable ,plenty of space ,and a sweet little " Zip " in the engine .

[@titaniumcrayon3090]

Just bought a black sel yesterday!! Awesome car!! Great value and very strong feeling and well built.

[@rosehodoba6287]

Hyundai did a great job on this car and I will admit that, I took it for a test drive and it did great, I live in Ohio and went to the car show and people said they would not buy it because of no CD player, Hyundai you need to have the dealers let them know that one could be put in and you would sell a lot more of them. I did that and I got the top of the line in blue fwd, can't wait until it comes in the middle of may, hopping nothing goes wrong with it when I have it for years to come. Great job Hyundai!

[@swanblake]

Love that this car actually has a great engine in the 1.6Turbo. Only car in segment that isn't anemic in power. Picking up where the Juke left off. Not a bad thing if people remember how great the Juke was when it came out a long time ago

[@bextar6365]

Blake S....I agree, the 1.6 Turbo in my 2013 Ford is a very enjoyable driver and returns good gas mileage.

[@davkarshobby2468]

I like the exterior. It looks stronger, less plasticy and more capable than its competition. Looks like it would cost more than it does.

[@johndough6777]

Great review. One thing I would like to recommend all car reviewers add to their analysis is, what type of fuel does the vehicle take? 89-93 octane? That also has a big influence on which vehicles I consider for purchase and I think would be helpful for other viewers. Thanks!

[@sammb.1570]

I loved this vlog as it's helping me make up my mind on getting a 2018-2019 Hyundai Kona. I am currently driving a 2017 Ford Focus ST, but my husband is 6'3" in height and he's having a hard time getting in and out of my current vehicle. I believe the Kona is a lot taller and he can get into it just fine. I can't wait to test drive one and have my husband come along to test drive as well. Thank you for the vlog and review as it has helped me make my car buying a lot easier.

[@Rendar77]

My wife just got one of these a couple weeks ago. She loves it. 👍🏻

[@rentedduckliing]

How is it now?

[@GavinRouse6606]

I have the Kona it’s pretty good!

[@austincorreia53]

Honesty really want one! Great review Mark🤘🤘

[@lister2516]

Mark has a great flair for reviews. Keep it up!

[@rrt08]

Now we know where the fired Jeep Cherokee design team got hired.

[@marselvitti]

rrt08 LOL

[@isaacfox732]

For some reason I have less of a problem with the headlights on this than the Jeep.

[@ronch550]

I never fell for it when I saw photos of it but today I saw it in the flesh (or in the metal, rather) today at a Hyundai dealership, and I must say, I think it's a nice, modern looking car that doesn't look stupid like so many sci-fi-esque cars on the road today. Kinda reminds me of Unreal Tournament or something like that. I like it.

[@secordman]

Sitting higher is a selling point for many.

[@dannyboy8850]

Thanks for the review. I like that you comment on the positives as well as the negatives.

[@buncho888]

Don't know why people think the styling is ugly or controversial. It looks most like a mini 2018 Lexus NX if you're looking for a close comparison style wise. Maybe people have got used to all mini SUVs looking the same?

[@johnherrera7551]

buncho888 bland people don’t like it. Lol

[@carolstafford6859]

Its a bit different. But i love it. Sometimes different is good. Great review guys. I have said this will b my next vehicle. Luv the Blue color. It has a better price tag than some vehicles for being new. Great job Hyundai

[@laryeaania4215]

i love this SUV, very simple from it looks especially the frontage how the lights are arranged

[@MinhNguyen-wk5fr]

Rumor has it that Hyundai is developing a 247 HP Kona for their sport version. If it is true I'll be glad to give hyundai my hard earn cash

[@quietguy1948]

Very good video review.

[@thatguy7119]

Excellent review.

[@Mexico013]

Is it reliable? Can anyone give an updated review?

[@michaelsylvester7272]

Thanks for sharing the details on this Hyundai. How a great day.

[@KimSuBok]

Wow! A hatchback styled to look like an SUV! I guess the marketing boys have decided that this will sell better if it's disguised as a Sport Utility Vehicle. Some people will probably fall for it. But it's still a hatchback.

[@missirmalucia]

I have the Kona Elite! Absolutely love it!

[@asdrubael1985]

Irma Lucia it is a great looking car..!wish i had one myself

[@moonlim33]

How much did you pay for it?

[@racers115]

Both this and the Mazda CX3 would have much more usable space if they would focus on more of a cab-forward design rather than having some much front overhang (hood area) which results in a more constricted passenger cabin and less storage area. Having owned several CUV's now, space is truly at a premium so every bit of additional usable cabin space versus useless front overhang is much needed and appreciated in the CUV category.

[@chandlerg5908]

im short and i like to be able to see really well, so i appreciate sitting higher lol. being able to sit high without scooching up super far to be comfortably close to the pedals is nice. xD

[@chandlerg5908]

I'm getting my first car soon and im thinking of getting the Kona or the Tuscon. I want a car with a higher profile so I'm able to see the road better, but small enough that I have pretty easy maneuverability. I find that in my mom's Sonata that i'm sitting too close to the ground for my liking. Would you recommend the Kona, or the Tucson? I know the Kona isn't actually that much taller than the Sonata. Did you feel like you were driving pretty high up? The Tuscon is bigger- is maneuverability good, or does it feel slow and heavy?

[@nodak81]

At $20k it's a contender but at $30k I can think of a hundred better choices.

[@mekymoney]

Nodak81 it's 16k! My gf just got one

[@ShivNC]

mekymoney how? The lowest I’m getting otd from various dealers is like 22k

[@rafaljankowski2807]

close to $30 k on loaded version,wow for this money one could get RAV4 or CRV

[@Dumballa]

Great review. Quite encompassing Mark. Thanks again.

[@living4adrenaline]

Wow, Hyundai finally made a kinda cool looking SUV. Get real Mark, stomp on it!

[@R.B141]

I saw already in hyudai showroom, i love it.

[@moonlim33]

For me that look got me!

[@TODOMATIO]

Great review!!!!! Subscribed !!!!!

[@LindyMac]

I know you said you prefer it to the HR-V, but the current Honda is way behind the curve at the moment. Isn't the 2019 HR-V due out in a few months (August?) - which will surely have more safety features and be a great pick/price point for its market?

[@P.S.009]

Really like this Kona. Was going for the Honda HRV but leaning to this now. Whats Hyundai's quality record lately?

[@mi16t]

P.S. still low quality junk. Initially good, shortly a pile of garbage

[@yourwisecousinjoe8841]

I like all 4 of them ..toyota chr, honda chv, mazda cx3, and Hyundai kona ( i really like that funky green)....what to do...what to do.... which one will be my next car....?

[@ronch550]

Can it run over molten lava?

[@WorldWideTechNews]

Why no pricing and trims??

[@ejf0255]

I'm in love !! LoL. Thanks for the review. Off to NY Auto Show !!

[@dudadeda1234]

Ouuuu dang it. I get it... Hyundai did it again...

[@sithius]

love the surf rock, car is ok.

[@DrKirstie]

Ugh at this point all the sub compact suvs look the same. I basically organize them by price, reliability, and how they’ll do in snow because there’s no reason to get these cars unless you’re in snow. If I didn’t live in canada id get a hot hatch or sports car. If I had a family I’d just get a van. The warranty and support from Hyundai lately is worth giving this car a look.

[@BassRacerx]

Just not seeing a good reason to pay more for this over an elantra hatchback? I guess if you need the optional AWD for the snowbelt then this is your chariot. I LOVE the available bright colors! hope they make it to the rest of the Hyundai lineup. I drive a 2017 elantra sedan btw.

[@nc3826]

Not many ppl will consider that the elantra hatchback and the Kona, will be competing with each other. And the prices for them r pretty close anyway. Enjoy ur 2017 elantra sedan but the Kona is far more versatile btw :)

[@MZEXTREME100]

I also feel the same. I have a 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited and my sister wanted the 2018 Elantra with the hatchback design, this reminds me so much of hers in the front grill area. I love Hyundai's designs and features but I need to either test drive or see someone else who owns this in person.

[@psianilsawalepatil9920]

I like it...but how many mentanance

[@blaster-zy7xx]

Many like the higher seat placement of the mini SUVs for viability and ease of getting in and out. These mini SUVs are very popular. They also have 4WD capability and a bit of towing capacity for my jet ski. I much prefer these new mini SUVs over a regular car layout,

[@johnherrera7551]

If you want to play it safe and blend in, go for the Elantra.

[@kamata93]

The front end with the drl and headlights screams Citroen C3 and C4. At least for me.

[@DanielZajic]

Great review!

[@nc3826]

Great informative and precise car review, Far better the amateur reviews on KZbin. So I hope u will review the Kona EV soon? I get the feeling, u would prefer a more understated, cleaner design. And I agree but even if looks a little "busy" with to many design elements for my taste too, They work well together. And it looks better than the simpler front on the Kona EV. That cross hatching looks terrible on the Kona EV to me. But the Kona EV hits the hot CUV market they has no affordable EVs, so with its reasonable range if its as good as it looks on paper? An ugly front end shouldnt hurt it much,

[@harvardford8752]

Kia Cherokee And I actually like it too Though to be fair I did like the Cherokee in trailhawk trim

[@67tomcat]

Nice review. Have seen a few in person at the dealer- it is not pretty and looks somewhat cheap. Would rather have a Golf or Mazda 3 anyway.

[@francescovalentini2932]

Love it!

[@pwd1134]

So annoyed that the black roofs only come on the SEL trim and not the top two trims :(

[@johnfranklin5277]

Black roof will be horrible in the summer.

[@jobro724]

How easy would it be to fit a baby seat in the back?

[@JohnDoe-wy1yd]

WTF, I like Hyundai now!!!

[@outdoorenthusiast4099]

Yup you said it! That was the first thing I noticed. How it looks so much like a Jeep/Audi in the front. Kia and Hyundai copy a lot of car manufacturers. For example, the name of their power plant (GTD) or their trim packages SE, SEL levels. VW has had the GTI and TDI way before them. If you look at the 50,000$$$ Kia Stinger the inside looks like a Mercedes mixed with BMW climate control knobs. I would never buy a 50k Kia by the way. Not on a car that does not hold its resale value very well. Don’t get me wrong the technology is great. I just think they seriously need to jump on their own unique styling and badging.

[@christianneric8489]

Better to have expander or rush

[@henmari6684]

Ill stay for mazda cx3.

[@nimab8935]

What is the design?!

[@walkedawayjoe]

ok design my only dislike is the low tail lights...

[@youngmoon8762]

Just fine, just right so price and warranty concern

[@dawge30]

The design is a bit busy, and does appear kinda tacked together. It's not horrible, though. I could warm up to it...

[@aurelienvenus5612]

Kona 😍❤

[@remelsheikh]

Great review

[@k.wee21]

I wish he would show more of the interior instead of his face

[@hunter1701d]

I own a 2017 Elantra. They have a 2.0 Atkinson cycle variant of the Nu engine. I would stay away. Mine, and according to many reports the dealer told me they get, is they make a loud ticking/tapping noise when cold. It sounds like a diesel. Dealer reported Hyundai said it was normal because the metal shrinks in cold weather. I have never ever had a car do this in cold weather and I have had my fair share of bombs. I bought it used so am only covered up to 60000 miles. I said to Hyundai ok if this is so normal cover my car to the full 10 year 100000 mile warranty. They just keep giving me the run around. I mean if there is no issue with the car it would not cost them anything to give the full powertrain warranty. I have no confidence in the longevity of this engine and unfortunately it looks like they are putting these in more models like the Kona. Also I think these engines are in the Kia Forte and other Kia models.

[@johnfranklin5277]

Well, I bought my 17 elantra NEW, and it has been absolutely flawless . 0 problems or concerns. 52.000 miles now and runs and sounds perfectly healthy. Yes, in the winter time, cold mornings it a little noisy for about 3 minutes then its quiet. Not noisey in spring or summer. It doesn't worry me at all. I've had other cars that do this as well. Seems normal on cvvt ohc engines. Buy new in the future, then you will feel more confident on what you're getting and better warranty.

[@clarencewhite6053]

the hyundai kona is different from any other car out there. Comfort level is o.k and the HANDLING is SPORTY. Controls are where they should be and the RADIO to operate is SIMPLISTIC. The DIFFERENTIAL can be LOCKED for FULL TIME 4WD if needed. Fuel economy is o.k BUT,COULD BE BETTER.FUEL TANK IS 13.2 GALLONS which DOES NOT COST A LOT TO FILL. REAR SEAT ROOM comes up SHORT but, FRONT SEAT can BE ADJUSTED besides I AM NOT DRIVING IN THE BACK SEAT. As PRACTICALLY AND STYLE GOES FOR ME THE KONA IS IT. Do I LOVE MY BLACK KONA LIMITED? U BETCHA.

[@isaacfox732]

That interior looks like something baby boomers think millennials should like.

[@taraburhoe4351]

The kona looks better than the juke

[@mi16t]

Tara Burhoe that's like saying "my poo looks better than your diarrhea"

[@200223101]

Cherokee started.. Kona completed.. Not bad so

[@PedroFTeixeira]

That black trim over the wheels.. just kills the car. Would look a lot better painted. I would take a kia stonic over this, basically the same car but better looking.

[@omegalamda3145]

No manual w that hp?? No go

[@brokenlife1263]

Dayum...think about replacing, the 72 lightbulbs!!!......But I do like, the New Cherokee, with Hyundai's warranty......♿

[@7inchsoldier397]

It's not bad, but I still think that the Honda HRV is the segment leader.

[@swanblake]

7 inch soldier if it had a 1.5L turbo I would fully agree.

[@7inchsoldier397]

The HRV does fine with the 1.8 liter. My girl has one and I've driven it. But it would be nice if you could get the HRV with the 1.5. turbo as an option. Maybe have a SI version of the HRV and put that engine in it. This Kona is gonna be faster than the HRV, but it still ain't better.

[@tinalee6402]

7 inch soldier no it doesn’t

[@cleonituk]

hrv is a joke. no awd and higher price. as well as having a 0 to 60 time near 10 seconds.

[@7inchsoldier397]

The FWD HRV has a 0-60 time of 8.6 seconds as stated by Car & Driver. Also in the USA the HRV comes in AWD. It went 0-60 in 9.3 seconds. The HRV is about practicality and efficiency. These times are fine. Nobody buys these things thinking that they are getting a race car.

[@burns1210]

Look, a sunroof on a compact SUV. You listening Toyota?

[@ShenghongZhang]

The round wheels remind me of.. cars

[@uSpeakTruth]

Can you play the Psy - Gangnam Style song? I would like to listen to the speaker sound.

[@obriets]

No adaptive cruise sours the sale. I lost interest after hearing that.

[@nioxic77]

Damn. i am pleasantly surprised. i expected you to just accellerate in the car 5 times before being done with it, like your colleague did in that mercedes a couple of weeks ago. that was so terrible

[@metetuncay5165]

upgrade to 4K cameras

[@melsuperman2441]

I wanted this...until I seen the Push Start. 😞

[@johnfranklin5277]

Cheapest version has a key ignition start.

[@eighthof8]

I got the SUV that Hyundai copied; the Mazda CX5.

[@UmmItsRyanYoutubeChannel]

5:16 Todd howard is that you?

[@davidjym]

The Kona is more closely related in size with the CX-3 rather than the HR-V. I would probably get a dark grey exterior color to disguise all the unnecessary design elements.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

What, you don't like all that shitty-looking tacked on plastic?

[@davidjym]

OMGWTFLOL ..... That is a well put description of the Kona's exterior.

[@nc3826]

I didnt know there was so many great car design critiques on utube? U really think the other Asian CUVs look that much cleaner? His review "hit it on the head" for the price and warranty it worth a look. Or u can pretend the competition looks so much better. Or unless u just hate Korean cars?

[@davidjym]

If something is ugly, then it's ugly. Or call it unique/distinctive if it makes you feel better.

[@nc3826]

Beauty in the eye of beholder. So call it hideous if u like. But who called it unique/distinctive? If anything most CUVs tend to look alike. And this one doesnt seen to look much worse or better. So do u like the looks of any Korean car?

[@mi16t]

Nissan Joke 2.0

[@rabit818]

Polarizing design. Road noise (you can hear from the video) pretty loud.

[@vladimirorehovec1822]

divno vozilo

[@scottfurlong5475]

The 2019 Toyota Rav4 looks even worse then this does.

[@elbeshlawyh]

My son like it and i

[@iKeto_gal]

Reminds me of the Volvo

[@gaivoron]

Pontiac Aztec.

[@Mamo878]

+Van Um, ignorant dope.

[@user-dt4ym3cy9s]

Van, you dumbass.

[@jGRite]

That's going too far... Pontiac died because of that vehicle.

[@techpappee]

Not even close to the Aztec

[@nc3826]

Get s sense of humor ppl....

[@rowboyto156]

Its the nissan puke 2.0

[@chesterandrew1411]

I WILL GO WITH THESE MFS!! HYUNDAI FTW!