2018 Hyundai Kona Ultimate AWD Car Review

Big SUVs and crossovers are nothing new. Small ones are. The new Hyundai Kona may be shorter than CX-3, Trax, Renegade, Crosstrek or HR-V, but it gives up very little in space and driving dynamics. It just may be the big kahuna in class. Tom travels to, wait for it… Kona, Hawaii to check out a fully loaded Ultimate model.
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About Tom:
Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award. He also married way out of his league. Now, stop reading this promotional copy bragging about Tom's photography and editing skills and watch a couple episodes. It's much more interesting.

[@peteryeung111]

This car is getting a lot of buzz....I like it...because I just got one. Very impressed with Hyundai, coming from a Honda guy.

[@graemewilliams1308]

I bought the same car in November last year. 1.6 T, best fuel consumption so far 39US MPG HWY. Average around 35 MPG HWY. The collision warning & braking system works well. Was cruising at 100KPH car in front braked sudden & before I could brake, the beeper sounded & the brakes went on. Traded my unreliable BMW 330Ci on it, no regrets, love this car.

[@Maxxlenoxx]

I still can't believe car reviewers say things like "There's not a massive amount of power" when this small CUV has a 175HP/195lbs ft doing 0-60 in 7.5 sec... apparently it's still not enough!! I have the same engine in my Tucson and there's plenty enough power (even some overhead).

[@Andreiiul]

I had a 2008 GTI and it did 0-60 in about 7 seconds lol so the Kona is actually pretty impressive

[@tylerp3397]

6.6 sec 0-60...

[@Aliakbar.m]

I love your review especial in the rainy days. Feels good!

[@jjday7]

Great job on the review as usual. I always enjoy your videos.

[@rmwarriors16]

Thanks for the review. Hope you got to enjoy Hawaii as much as possible.

[@catinthepeng2686]

I got this car a couple of weeks, and I LOVE THIS CAR. I got the limited AWD. I had to drive it into the city today, and I got 30.4 mpg average. They live up to the stats. Plus, the cornering is just so satisfyingly perfect, no wobbling.

[@17mrbrightside]

I am in love with this ride. I've had the Kona Limited (blue) since late August and whenever I get in another car, I just want to drive mine instead. Also, I've had more general compliments on it by randoms than ever before. Well worth the money. If you're on the fence, go for a test ride!

[@TheDrunkardHu]

I hope my hair turns all white like yours, Tom... It's a good look! Oh yea, and the Kona review was on point, as always. I really value your take on cars.

[@klokcotizao224433199]

I like the tropical music that sounds on the background.

[@danielrn133]

Just the fact that it doesn't have a CVT it is on my list. I absolutely cannot stand CVTs.

[@mlachance001]

Ive just Ordered this exact Model and Color

[@jasonlillis3437]

Interesting competitor for the crosstrek

[@aaronashton7556]

Nice review!

[@sshrul]

Great review, would like to see you do a review on 2020 Kona on the main land, maybe during the winter months in the northern states or Canada.

[@banstaman]

For such a small car, I'm surprised they didn't use the 1.4t from the Elantra Eco.

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Great locale, The Big Island! Did you get a chance to have a malasada or two? Impressive little cuv. Thanks for the review, Tom.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Tex Drive In. Chocolate and coconut. Also, awesome loco loco. I'm still dieting...

[@MarioDallaRiva]

Driven Car Reviews Bravo 👍🏻😋 I've had a few there myself...

[@Maxwell1989]

Driven Car Reviews I live on the big island Waikoloa you should come visit sometime

[@swanblake]

I appreciate they gave this an engine with some power in the 1.6T. This segment is filled with anemic powered cars so it's a welcomed change. Better power and tech than the HRV and CX3

[@blitzbbffl]

Blake - I agree, that is a big differentiator.

[@quikgt]

YES!!!

[@thatebutuoyguy788]

you pay for it twice. once at the dealer and again at the pump and again and again.... hyundai and fuel economy does not go hand in hand.

[@weedmastersr]

Wow, it's so much quicker than a Toyota C-HR.

[@nodak81]

I'm genuinely intrigued by this car, might have to check it out. Although I do wish you could get the turbo with the 6-speed auto, I hate DCTs.

[@marcob1729]

I didn't realize that it was coming out so soon. The rear seat option situation is a bit disappointing, as is the lack of true fold flats. Still looks impressive! I'm sure that I'll be seeing a lot of these in CO

[@MrNemo721]

Spirutual successor to the Jukr inspired by the Jeep Cherokee face. I like the looks better than thr C-HR Seems capable, I would take the 1.6T AWD over a Crosstrek Hr-V or Cx3 anyday

[@CMUBruin]

Good timing...I literally just saw one of these for the first time this morning while taking my dog for a walk. I think it is very good looking but I didn't realize how small it was (looks bigger in person). It may be a good first car for my son who'll be driving in 2 years. Too bad the safety features are extra. Mmm...Tex's malasadas....had it 4 months ago

[@CarNews24h]

very nice

[@Mo.Jo.]

Glad to see they offer an optional higher output engine. Now i hope Subaru does the same with the crosstrek.

[@TheSkyWhale]

Young buyer you purchased a 2019 here.. we exist

[@TheHelghast1138]

Did I hear this right, no Cruse control?? Surprisingly good vehicle though. Another excellent video Tom, as always :)

[@DrivenCarReviews]

No ADAPTIVE cruise control at this point. Might be able to upgrade it later via software.

[@TheHelghast1138]

Driven Car Reviews ah Okies. Thank you! Great little car though, it is worth a thought, I actually kinda like it :)

[@limpunsing224]

A brand new addition to the segment is always welcome but I still can't say if I like it The exterior design is kinda chunky, I still have to see it in person

[@gardenweasel7606]

Best looking sub compact type of crossover or SUV I’ve seen. From the geo tracker to the new ford eco sport the segment has always looked as cheap as something only sold in India the top gear guys would have to flinstone peddle across a finish line. Maybe like Tom always mentions about GM pricing high to make ya feel like your getting a steal, these things can be heavily negotiated down below what they’d accept on a Sportage . Speaking of eco sport, Ford has way too many 20-29000 SUVs now, and while they’re expecting you to buy the $55k platinum explorer, it’s still weird that enough people end up buying a tiny eco sport when an escape is only a few grand more ... and an edge only a few more than that and the flex and so on and so on, much roomier vehicles with not much worse fuel economy (who really cares about getting 21mpg vs 17mpg enough to buy an egg on stilts vs a three row wagon with a damn fridge built in ???). Weird industry segment but this one looks cool even the green paint scheme. My optima is due for an upgrade, and I wanna learn about all the tangentially related cars, ones that share a part or platform or design chief etc.

[@catsspat]

Kona-N with 2.0T will be Konan.

[@WobblePizza]

7:11 Two vacationers and their PAWG... hmmmm

[@TechGently]

I love Tom's reviews, the Kona's MPG rating is lower than some larger SUV's, plus the lack of safety assist and all black interior trend that every mfr seems to be pushing, is a bit off. However it does look like a nice design externally.

[@dborked]

A Soul with AWD would be pretty awesome.

[@quietguy1948]

I really like it... but not sure my 6'1" frame or long legs will fit comfortably behind the steering wheel. Will have to take a test-sit.

[@tiredrummertube]

Does Jeep Cherokee have torque vectoring?? Also; doesn't the "lock" switch make it legal on the '4x4' beach road??

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

Nice crossover. This is one of the most un-Hyundai like Hyundais in their lineup currently.

[@peten6445]

Nice vehicle, but I wish it looks more a like suv.

[@wildone106]

Awesome video! Now get your ass back to WA lol

[@cadsux]

I'd say the 2004 Suzuki SX4 hatchback started this segment, but the 2010 Nissan Juke popularized it. The Kona is about the same length & width as the Kia Soul, so I wish Kia would produce the Soul Trailster, like a cousin as Sportage is to Tuscon.

[@martinhuynh4032]

@3:45: Too bad the rear suspension for fwd models couldn't be multi-link also.

[@olekiller11]

Hope you got to bring the Misses

[@accountnumber90]

I don't know how I feel about that front fascia.

[@davidjym]

Would be a better direction for Hyundai to make the Kona a bit larger like the original Tucson because the new Tucson has gotten too big IMO

[@bbokdoong]

Nice car. It looks as roomy as my Golf GTI.

[@MrSamsam911]

i was sure he was reviewing a Citroën at first

[@ssj4goldengogeta]

Hey Tom. How's the family? I hope everyone is well. I was wondering if you could give me any advice on how to get into automotive video journalism.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

The family is well. Everyone gets into the business in a different way. Are you near any automotive outlets that will let you do an internship?

[@JakeysMom07]

I was really considering a Kona - the one I drove had a LOT of road noise, so I passed it up. :(

[@sirfriendzone1228]

People always make this mistake. Hyundai is not a car company that uses steel. Hyundai is a steel manufacturer that happens to make and sell cars.

[@zipper978]

Leslie White just like Kawasaki is a ship manufacturer that happens to make motorcycles

[@golith41]

Or you can just get a cross track and bypass all the compromise that you have to do with Hyundai to get a decent slightly Rough and Ready car

[@nodak81]

I drive in bumper to bumper traffic all day, no way I'd choose a Subaru when the only options are a leg-breaking manual or a shitty CVT. Give me that 6-speed in the Kona any day.

[@clairekennedy8767]

You have to wear sunscreen no matter what.

[@maverickwarden]

If a customer needs room, getting any of these cute CUVs is not an option. I believe that each of these automakers must sell variety and uniqueness. I would go with the CX-3 since it feels more luxury and the AWD is actually better than the competition. At 29k+ fully loaded is more expensive than the Mazda. But the lower trims are slightly cheaper. It's a tough buy at that price range.

[@Mo.Jo.]

The CX-3 is very very tight with backseat legroom. The HRV however has surprisingly good amounts of space. Too bad the HRV is a bore to look at in both interior and exterior. I was helping a friend shop around when i noticed this.

[@maverickwarden]

That's my point, the space that these vehicles offer cannot compare with a bigger Suv for almost the same price range. If i go for one of these then overall space is not a priority. But they are good cars nonetheless.

[@nodak81]

You can get a Sante Fe Sport for what this thing costs with just a few options. I never understand people that will choose a high trim small car over a low trim larger car for the same money. It's like buying a tiny house because it has fancy appliances even though it costs the same as a huge mansion with no appliances.

[@dafydo]

Hi. Did you drive the version with FCA and AEB systems? Did you ever got any collision warning or autonomous braking? I have Hyundai Kona 1.0 T-GDI 120 CP 2WD Luxury+, which in Romania is the full version and so far after few months never got a collision warning even when the Garmin dashboard Cam 55 was reacting. The dealer claims the systems are working fine but never meet the conditions to react, which in my opinion is BS.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I did and got no warnings. Good systems don't provide false alarms.

[@dafydo]

Thanx for reply. I think that Garmin dashcam 55 warning is late, at 60 km/h when you are about 5-6 meters from a car i front of you which goes about 40 km/h. If you are indeed distracted at the time you hear the warning is too late to avoid collision. I always get the warning after I was already braking, but Kona did not do anything even in this situations, no warning, no autobrake, and it was not a false alarm. Since I seen many videos of fail systems I tent to believe this is the case.

[@RoguePlanetStudio]

It might replace my Toyota matrix, its like my all wheel drive Toyota matrix.

[@K03sport]

car press events look sooo painful...everyone looked zombie-fied and said "kill me know" or "can I just skip to the bathroom" w/their facial expressions...the car is an interesting proposition, but curious since they have the Soul but I guess Hyundai is going after Euro makes with their designs while KIA is going after the Japanese makes. I would have thought it would have gotten better MPGs, but Korean cars aren't known for their thriftiness on the go-go juice. Price seems steep, but loads better in oval execution than Trax, Kicks, CH-R, HR-V, ecosport, but if you going this route, why not just get a/the hatchback - Elantra GT or Veloster will do everything this thing can accept the AWD which is not that important in this segment IMHO. As long as they keep the colors funky and youthful, it should do well.

[@alliejr]

It's curious how C-class SUVs (CUVs?) and mid-size sedans seem to produce the best fuel economy numbers, but the classes just below those do slightly worse. The Kona is much smaller than a Mazda CX-5 or Honda CR-V, but the latter get much better fuel economy. Similarly, some mid-size Camrys and Accords have better fuel economy numbers than most sub-compacts. Is it that the maximum engineering budgets go to the biggest sellers, and those models end up with better optimized designs to improve efficiency?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

You know, that's a great question and one I forgot to ask the engineers. Was too busy running around trying to dodge the rain.

[@chrisbrownaz]

It could just be that Hyundai and Kia don't prioritise fuel economy as much as they do reliability and feature content and an affordable price. I often notice Hyundai and Kia models far from the class leaders in fuel economy. This is true in many categories.

[@ibmtpx24]

It has something to do with the shorter length of the car (kona) that is not as aerodynamic as the longer ones (compact SUVs). The design on emission/exhaust also plays a role in fuel economy. Toyoa CHR and hybrids adds a coolant line to the cat converter which helps to bring the temperature to optimal range quicker after starting the car and therefore improves the fuel economy.

[@seinsmeld13]

I can see skipping the sunscreen but not the sunglasses. In closing there are way too many crossovers. I say double the price in gas as that might get rid of them.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Funny story, I lost those sunglasses minutes after doing that piece to camera. Couldn't find them anywhere. I got a note yesterday from the event planners that they were found. Sunscreen? I always wear that.

[@seinsmeld13]

Sunscreen I wear when golfing, driving my convertible or when out for any long periods. I'm happy about your glasses.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Oh, and even though gas prices are high in Europe, buyers there are embracing SUVs like we are. Fewer Suburbans and such though...

[@TodayWithDustin]

If you're listening Hyundai, thank you for the variety and not adding the safety crap to some models :)

[@brodiwheeler7583]

That comment about the Soul getting AWD didn’t age well.

[@mrbadx19]

OMG, just half an hour... my brother Tom honeymooned in HI, i got married and spent a week in Vegas, record heat May 2007, my "dear departed wife" didn't care for it, thank God and Aeroflot she's gone!

[@captainfactoid3867]

Anyone else think the rear looks like a chevy rear?

[@gmman010983]

Jack Vande Polder Yes, I see the Cruze hatchback.

[@danperson1]

This or VW Golf?

[@Atomb]

Why push the idea that you need AWD for a bit of rain Tom? Call me Canadian, but I've gotten a FWD car through some very hairy road conditions with confidence. Pulling a boat up a gravel boat launch, live on an unplowed country drive, sure, but some rain?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

As a Minnesotan, I understand your mindset. I'm on record as saying people don't NEED all-wheel drive. I've also said the right tires are important . But after years of driving AWD vehicles, I've come to understand and appreciate how it can give drivers an edge. Even if the road is just a bit damp, it helps if you're tying to get across an uncontrolled intersection. It's sort of like french fries are good but poutine is better. You don't NEED poutine but...

[@Atomb]

Fair enough. I personally don't think it's worth the cost (maintenance/fuel economy losses) for most people. I avoid AWD cars because I would be side-ways half the time and that wouldn't be good for my license. I've always enjoyed your videos. Thanks for the response.

[@itsmealoysius]

Is it possible to review *Jeep compass*

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I did

[@itsmealoysius]

Driven Car Reviews Yeah I had found it but a little later.. Thanks for the reply man 💪🤘

[@subaru4me]

If you're listening Hyundai, I wouldn't buy without adaptive cruise.

[@Z3sty367]

subaru4me Hyundai said, "blow me". True story

[@quikgt]

Wait until next year

[@elliottmanning4116]

Why this over an Elantra GT? Other than AWD.

[@LukeO-1234]

Elliott Manning no reason

[@jjday7]

Higher step in height and slightly more ground clearance.

[@endocry]

And AWD

[@TurfSurf]

It's called Micro CUV, after that they will make a Nano CUV.....then they will just name their cars Proton, Atom, and Electron.

[@DjdMenis]

Still can't be all that bad. Its still Hawaii.

[@richard165s]

Reminds me of the Aztek in looks

[@alliejr]

I can also see a little Aztek in this design. However, while the Aztek is perhaps the ugliest car ever produced, this Kona is pretty sharp. If you find an old picture of the Aztek _CONCEPT_ design, it's pretty cool. But in typical GM style, they screwed up a cool concept design when they went to production as a result of a ton of bean-counter compromises.

[@ShannonRicketts]

alliejr The Aztek concept was absolutely amazing. A vehicle that looked like the concept would still be a hit today.

[@baddriversofcolga]

It's just sad to me that people want these over true hatchbacks. You pay more to get worse fuel economy, looks, and handling...I just don't get it.

[@MattWeasel]

No adaptive cruise control, no cooled front seats.... I'm out.

[@nrcg2317]

Yerrrr out!!!

[@antmcgowan]

Good review as always, but the Kona’s styling is awful. Far too fussy at the front & rear. Side profile is okay, but even here lacks cohesion.

[@Jordan-ql8pv]

Of all the cars Hyundai could have copied the front end of, and they go and choose the Jeep Cherokee. Why oh why??? Hideous.

[@Jordan-ql8pv]

Oh yah I forgot about that hideous piece of crap. I think you meant to say C4 Cactus though. I do not understand the styling at all and nobody I talk to defends the styling of cactus, cherokee, kona.

[@derrickwalker1019]

Jordan Hilman ..fool are you blind that doesn't look nothing like a cherokee front end

[@Jordan-ql8pv]

Thats your opinion and guess what; opinions are like butt holes. Everyone has one. Doesn't make me blind.

[@harrycallahan9733]

Exactly, Cherokee was the first thing I thought when I saw that 3-tier front lamps. But the grill also seems a bit... Ford-ish, to me :)

[@quikgt]

Jordan Hilman This so much better looking than the out going Jeep -imo.

[@auggysimcity]

Paid advertisement. Wasted a couple of minutes of my life