2020 Hyundai Kona SEL Plus...DON'T BUY Without Watching

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Let me know your thoughts on the new Kona. Another special Hyundai review is to come, follow on insta @exhaustsports or you may become a Patreon member. Thanks again and please take care

[@TheMonicagal]

Which do you like better the Kona or Elantra? They both have similar packages, and the Same horse power in each trim package. If you could only have 1 of these vehicles, which would you select? I can't decide...Thank you!

[@randycarlisle6814]

After 1.5 years with my 2020 Kona SEL Plus, I can't think of a better car for my use. Commuting alone. Occasional rides with 1 or 2 more people. Best tool for a job. 6 speed is way better than the 8 speed in wife's Santa Fe Limited. Bombs curvy roads nicely. Cruise works well. Great little car.

[@Excalabur50]

Hyundai/Kia are pushing to become the new Toyota and the way they're going about it they soon will be, and if they keep making great cars and most importantly keep looking after their customers like they do, all I can say is more power to them, let them become No1!

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Oh they destroyed the comp a long time ago honestly. This is my new default but the price is just so good on these cars for what you get they're even destroying some entry level luxury cars def let them be no 1

[@philc9514]

I asked my Mechanic, he hates Hyundai, probably because if I buy one he may loose me as a Customer. I cannot kill my Camry, when the day comes I may replace it with a Hyundai.

[@benitezjoe183]

@@philc9514 I got rid of my toyota and got the kona. Great switch for me. More bang for the buck

[@mikekantor453]

Just got an SEL Plus 2 weeks ago in Chalk White. Downsized from a 2019 Mazda CX-5 to lower cost but actually love this car better. Very comfortable and plenty of power with the 2.0L engine. First time Hyundai owner and very pleased and happy.

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Massive congrats my friend!

[@Czech801]

I purchased Hyundai Kona SEL AWD in Pulse Red Colour last June 1, 2020 and I love it.

[@MeynMotorGroup]

That's an awesome spec massive congrats great car

[@user-mc1zn5fn5u]

I’ve got the same just yesterday for my wife. She is sooo happy!

[@highman7520]

Ha, same, and around same time.

[@highman7520]

I just got hit from the rear. Her bumper is mashed and hood is a little crinkled. My painted bumper plating fell off and theres one small dent in the bumper

[@StacyAnnYoung]

We got the same model and color last June too. Wonderful car.

[@JohnnyUkeOfficial]

Had a chance to rent one of these. I was really impressed with the driving dynamics and handling. The 147hp engine is very peppy which surprised me. No it's not the fastest car, but I had a blast driving one.

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Yea It really is a quality ride for the money thanks again for stopping by my friend

[@travisp11]

I also purchased a 2020 Kona SEL Plus AWD in March (Pulse Red) and the thing that pushed me away from the Turbo was the dual clutch transmission. I have a ton of stop and go traffic in my daily commute and I’m not a fan of the DC gear hunting. Now, if Hyundai offered the Turbo with the 6A, I would be buying one. I am very happy with my Kona and it works great in the rain, on gravel roads and some mud. Mainly bought it for unpredictable Nebraska weather but so far after 3700 miles it has been great. Only con with this car is that it is a bit slow between 25-45 mph if you are going uphill. Handling is great, warranty is fantastic.

[@muncedev11]

Excellent review! I purchased the 2021 last month, SEL with AWD, and I LOVE it. I've already put about 1300 miles on it, and every single one was enjoyable. Your review was spot on and accurate!

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Very nice my friend massive congrats and thanks so much for watching. Happy Holidays!

[@FlyBoiQ1]

I had a loaner limited and I honestly was hoping they never called me back to give me my car. I wanted to keep it. I fell soooo in love with the kona I still want to cry

[@storytrailing]

Just bought a 2021 SEL Plus in Pulse red . I absolutely love this car!

[@StacyAnnYoung]

We got the same model and color. Wonderful car.

[@JoshuaHults]

got one earlier this year, and an elantra. They are so awesome, they drive really nice, they feel like a luxary brand even without all the leather. Everything is very clean, no extra clutter, very few gimmicky nonsense features. They are very competitively priced too.

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Massive congrats and I definitely agree all reasons why I really like Hyundai

[@palebeachbum]

I drove a Chevy Cruze RS and a Toyota Corolla L. My 2018 Elantra SEL felt more refined and more premium overall than both. Elantra has better driving dynamics overall and much better interior and build quality than the Corolla. I couldn't get over how cheap everything looked and felt in that car considering the high praise it receives.

[@jamesmiscellaneous]

something about this guy. he's so laid back and genuine. awesome vid. Kevin's the man.

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Hey thank you very much sir I am humbled by that!

[@jamesmiscellaneous]

@@MeynMotorGroup You being you works for me, cool dude.

[@roguecheddar]

I recently purchased the 2021 Kona Limited with the turbo and 7 gear DCT. I love it. I've had the 2.0 NA in both a Kia Soul and an Elantra GT. I recommend the turbo for the 175 HP and 200 Torque easily. There can be a little stutter in first gear or reverse, but really not that bad, totally used to it already, just need a smooth foot on the gas is all. I recommend the Limited for the best bang for the buck and level of trim. Especially for the sharp looking 18" wheels and LED headlights. The LED headlights make a huge difference for night driving.

[@jimmygarcia1534]

I want this to be my first SUV CAR

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Its a great choice

[@thatvolvoguy6565]

Yes

[@taylortalkstv_]

I'm new to the Hyundai world. I switched over from a Chevrolet Cruze and got my 2020 Hyundai Kona SEL Plus in November. It saves on gas, it's compact I LOVE IT!

[@iknowbetter]

Officially my next car, super exited! Thank you for that video, it helped me out!

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Absolutely my friend you will love it

[@totalowwnage91]

Just traded my older 2013 sonata gls to this 2020 kona. Love this car!

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Nice massive congrats. My friends daughter just bought one and they both love it

[@jkwatson24ny]

Great review!! Thanks! My car broker found this for me and I was not familiar. This was so helpful! I am getting it!!!

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Hey thanks so much massive shout out to your car broker I'm humbled you found value with the video

[@Maiseymax696]

I bought this car in the trim Ultimate last week. Love it!! I got it in Sonic Silver.

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Massive congrats!

[@Chocbarbie]

I’m going to get same color how do u like that color

[@michaelmcshane189]

me Too!

[@FabtasticNelly]

This was helpful to watch while shopping for a new car during the pandemic when you want to cut down in dealer visits and get non-biased information on the Kona.

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Appreciate that my friend!

[@SteelHex]

The 2 liter Kona is about as fast as a base Civic, roughly 8.3 seconds from 0-60. It’s about a second faster than Honda HR-V and two seconds ahead of Toyota C-HR, for less money. For commuting and occasional weekend trips on dirt road, it’s completely adequate. I paid a little more for a turbo AWD (Limited trim). The turbo turns it into a fun car, about as fast as an older Miata but with practical carrying capacity. I love it.

[@sassybuttclassy]

I just traded my 2013 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T for this Kona SEL on Saturday. I was worried at first because it seemed like it would be a drastic change. But this Kona is so fun to drive. I'm taking it for a spin around the island of Oahu before I move to Reno in June. This review is great!

[@shotgunz124]

Got a 2019 sel awd with roof we love it Had a 20 rogue sport this is way better we went back a year Probably trade in after 100 k warranty goes out and get a new one

[@Crystal-ge9gh]

Excellent review and so helpful, BUT, wanted to see how the rear seats fold and the space for storage. Will look for that. Thanks : )

[@caedom21]

Hyundai is listening to the market. More SUVs and crossovers. They also should add more piano black to everything, including the exterior. :) I'm sure the Kona will sell well. We won't know this for years, but if these little cars can get 250~500k miles, Hyundai will become a premier motor company.

[@MeynMotorGroup]

I know I wish certain other manufacturers could listen as well as Hyundai did. I remember a while back some lady got 1 million out of her Elantra haha that was pretty cool. But yea Hyundai is my default choice if I was in the market

[@moeanthony9308]

I would look at the Seltos in looks alone. However we also own a CHR and it's leaps more refined than the Kona.

[@Kuessemir]

Is this the same motor that was throwing rods through the block due to seizing from improperly tempered oil control rings? Like the souls and seltos'? and the other recall for bad deburring at the factory causing oil passage clogging and oil starvation and seizing? I like this car but I'm worried they haven't improved those processes. They avoided correcting their problems and making an official recall for many years.

[@rozey6341]

I do love the power of the Kona and definitely how it looks. But it would’ve been even better if it had: 1.Backseat vents with a outlet to charge our devices 2. Better interior And 3. Frameless Mirror inside the car

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Frame less mirrors are great but yea I definitely agree great car. Thanks for stopping by

[@IWeasel]

Well you should’ve researched the Kona before buying it and I love rear a/c and heated / cool seats.

[@rozey6341]

J&M why do you think I’m watching a Kona review. This is research

[@cyt3800]

do you recommend this as a first car for a new driver? if so what trim should I get

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Yes I would and perhaps stay away from the turbo and get the regular 4 cylinder if you want to keep it long term

[@JoshuaHults]

I own the awd Kona SEL trim, and also the SEL trim Elantra. if you live where there is snow i would def recommend the AWD version. However if snow is not an issue, I would look at getting the Elantra actually. The elantra is even more refined, has more leg room front and rear, and surprising enough also more trunk space. You can pick the elantra up for cheaper too. www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/elantra/gallery PS: My wife said the 2010 ford escape we owned previously was easier to park. The more boxy the car, the easier to park, keep that in mind. The kona is small but the rear window is small, and quite limited. It has a backup camera but in rain it is useless, or if there is ice or fog. The best vehicles for beginners are small cube shaped cars, they have by far the best visibility. The Kia soul I believe fits this description, would prob be the 1st car I would rec for absolute beginner.

[@mikeyang5091]

@@MeynMotorGroup why do you think we should stay out of the turbo for long term? Great review BTW

[@benitezjoe183]

I got the 2021. The steering wheel gets really stiff when sport mode. Awesome!

[@alithamer1307]

I bought this 2 months ago never had any complains except for the outside noises

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Its a great car just reviewed the Seltos on my channel and I like the Konas handling a bit better

[@philtastic1]

Good video bro, would you get a Kona over Honda HRV?

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Thank you my friend. Unfortunately, I haven't driven very many new Hondas aside from the Accord so I can't properly answer that but just off of price, yea I would. Hyundai refinement is hitting above its weight class I think

[@sherrid5315]

Just got the pulse red we fwd only had to two days still testing it out so far so good the speed didn’t matter! My ins also dropped 11.00 month I was surprised 😮

[@gabesen1451]

Spectacular review...thank you ,!

[@MeynMotorGroup]

I'm humbled my friend really glad you found value with it!

[@kevinthant2952]

I owned one similar to this vehicle and my biggest complaint will be hard plastic everywhere as the author pointed out in the video. Hope Hyundai improves the interior for next year or so release. Just wish that engine torque a bit more powerful + better interior. In general, it is a well-packaged value car with an excellent warranty.

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Hey thank you so much for stopping by my friend and yea I agree there are certainly hard touch plastics used all over the cabin and certainly not the fastest car although a turbo option is available. The cheaper materials do help Hyundai to undercut the competition in price but yes as a whole great package thanks again for watching!

[@lindal6468]

I’m looking at the SEL Plus vs Ultimate. Question: Ultimate is about $4000 more. Are the extras features of the Ultimate worth it or should I save money by getting the SEL Plus? Thanks

[@kevinennis1631]

My 2021 Hyundai Kona was at Reliable Hyundai in Springfield Missouri for over 1 1/2 years. It only had 6500 miles on it and under full warranty. The dealership experience was horrible. The excuse, week after week, month after month, was that the couldn’t get approval from Hyundai Customer Care. Only after getting an attorney involved, did they finally take the car back. During that time, they didn’t give me a loaner vehicle. I spent over $16,000 for 1 1/2 years of rental car expenses. I was expecting full reimbursement, but they only reimbursed $4000. What a scam! I finally went down the street and bought a Toyota Camry. I learned a lesson. I hope you avoid what I experienced.

[@armandojuan64]

Great review , brother . That is my next car .

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Thanks so much my friend glad I could helo, really great ride!

[@MidnightinSavannah]

I just bought a 2021 Limited after owning a Kia Soul GT Line (2.0) for a month. I hated the Soul, the fuel mileage was horrible, i was getting 29 on the highway which is most of my driving. When i sold it, it was averaging 26 mpg on the gauge. I live on the coast and on the highway the Kona was getting 40.1 mpg at a steady 73 mph, above 75 mph it was getting 38 and ended the trip 200 miles away at 37.3 where it was getting hilly. Only thing i have to complain is the turbo lag, it seems to be all over the place.

[@albertosamaniego2476]

Nice car, hyundai is going in the right direction. Can you review the Elantra GT N line?

[@cambellschunky704]

No turbo. No GDI - standard MPFI. No CVT - traditional 6 speed auto. These are all wins in my book. The car is not fast. It is not exciting. It is not special. It is basic, reliable transportation with a 10 year power train warranty. I could see it lasting a lot longer than that if proper care is taken.

[@palebeachbum]

The 2.0L MPI engine and 6-speed auto were the reasons I bought my new 2018 Elantra. It's mechanically the same vehicle as the Kona. I assumed it would be the more reliable option. It ended up being very unreliable anyway. The engine had issues with faulty ignition coils causing it to run rough and lose power when accelerating. I never could get the dealership to fix this issue. The transmission had issues with slipping into neutral when accelerating, slamming hard into 2nd gear when cold, and shifting very erratically at certain speeds.

[@cambellschunky704]

@@palebeachbum I've actually been told this many times over the years since I bought the car. I've had no issues with mine, but I have heard from other Hyundai owners like you that the build quality is not there.

[@palebeachbum]

@@cambellschunky704 they're actually better build quality than Toyota, but reliability is lacking. I'm glad yours has been trouble free to this point.

[@theskylineguy6381]

I’m 6’4” and my grandparents own a Kona and I can’t fit in the back at all.

[@therambler0001]

Thxs for the info.

[@andrewcastanon5190]

Which is more fun to drive? The 2020 Toyota Yaris Hatchback XLE you reviewed or this Kona?

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Yaris is way more fun this is more refined and comfortable....and larger if that matters

[@andrewcastanon5190]

Exhaust Sports Auto I’m thinking of getting the Yaris hatchback 🚗 mainly for the looks, love the rounded egg shape those type of subcompact cars are becoming obsolete ..

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Yea I personally loved the Yaris keep in mind its not very fast but very enjoyable to drive try it for yourself. If you want something that feels similar but larger and more powerful consider the Mazda 3 2019 and up

[@andrewcastanon5190]

Exhaust Sports Auto Well I bought one today! The exact same model from your vid.. icicle color with the black XLE trim, mine came with a nice dark tint on the windows.. ❤️ Love it!!

[@AmmaLove24]

I had a 2007 two door Yaris hatchback base model for 14 years. Didn't even have power windows or locks. It had 220,000 miles when I gave it to my friend and it's still going strong. Never had an engine problem even once. It was so fun to drive (minus the lack of horsepower). I still really miss it, was my favorite car ever.

[@golferpro1241]

My niece has one. Needs a new engine at 9,000 miles! The guy says he has 3 others waiting for engines.

[@palebeachbum]

In certain years, Konas with the 2.0L engine had defective piston rings. It causes the engines to burn a lot of oil and seize the engine. Not all years are affected.

[@lostforvotten3749]

Only issue with my 2020 is high beam lights not working. Seems high beam works thru projection lights which is not correct. Any ideas why.

[@nevillecottee7629]

Is there an emergency manual release for the fuel filler door?

[@philc9514]

Is Hyundai a better Car than Toyota?

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Nowadays honestly yes. Friends daughter just bought a Kona they are in love with it and father just bought a G70. Idk what Toyota is doing with some of their cars, Lexus too. They absolutely nail certain cars and ruin others. Like the Corolla and the Rav, why on earth is the engine so loud and unrefined? You can barely even feel the engine working in the Hyundais its so smooth. Especially brand new with their warranties, Hyundai Kia is my default choice for a normal new car

[@philc9514]

Looks like the SEL Plus would be more reliable than the higher trims. Dual Clutch, and CVT transmissions can be a nightmare from what I hear.

[@michaelmcshane189]

Yes

[@barackblows1942]

No way, Korean cars are crap. 💩💩💩💩

[@palebeachbum]

@@philc9514 It entirely depends on the CVT. Some are garbage and some are pretty decent. Nissan has some of the worst. Toyota and Honda seem to have some of the best. Hyundai/Kia CVT (they call it IVT) were having some problems when they first introduced the new transmission. I'm not sure if it's still an issue 3yrs later. Supposedly, it's one of the best-driving CVTs on the market.

[@jerbsherb4391]

will you be able to do a review on the new elantra?

[@MeynMotorGroup]

I think so!

[@jerbsherb4391]

@@MeynMotorGroup Sweet man, it is a hot seller and thinking about getting one.

[@tonykraft4879]

is the lower horsepower a dealbreaker for someone who has to drive on the highway daily?

[@priscillanash3543]

Good question

[@Jerkasaur]

If you look under the hood you’ll see where they cut corners to get the price they offer

[@MeynMotorGroup]

I mean that's to be expected if you want a no compromise experience and car you're looking at 6 figures

[@jakepype2095]

I’m waiting for my engine replacement.after 14k miles and oil consumption test,the engine needs to be replaced.

[@therambler0001]

Is the dealer footing the bill?

[@tuanh_duong]

Honestly, I'd take this trim, FWD, if possible, and swap out those ugly 17's to the 16's

[@ritaduffy8622]

How much did get for pushing hyundai cars, I have driven them they charge too much for cheap quality

[@walterhynson2898]

I am sorry ,I own a 2020 Hyundai Kona sel and you really do not know what you are talking about , #1 you go zooming off,well if you knew how to drive the car you would concentrate on MPG (take your foot out of the gas tank and drive the car) you do not need to zoom off as when you do it just waste gas ,Now if you take it easy you can achieve the same speed and still get 25 to 31 MPG. How about the safety systems 1 blind spot radar, 2 rear crash warning And rear camera, forward crash prevention sensor and warning. And after 2 years 8000 miles no problems none oh and I forgot the 10year,100,000mile drivetrain warrenty,and the 6year everything warrenty and if you buy it new than the dealers will give you free oil changes and thats every 3 to 5 thousand miles. so my man please read the book before you make a vid.

[@MeynMotorGroup]

Hi my friend, I have no idea what you are trying to say or what the issue is that is upsetting you but may God Bless you!

[@palebeachbum]

He praised the Kona, so I'm not sure what you're talking about either with the odd rant.

[@kenv47]

That particular car does not appear to be all wheel drive.

[@MeynMotorGroup]

No not really but still impressed with the ride and handling with the torsion beam

[@VaxzaLimeIsCool]

Way too many ads to watch.

[@MeynMotorGroup]

It's free content

[@kevinennis1631]

My 2021 Hyundai Kona has been at Reliable Hyundai (Springfield MO) for 10 months now! 8,000 miles and it has had 2 failed transmissions and they are putting in the third one! This has been a nightmare. Dealership is a joke. Hyundai corporate is a joke. Go see for your self. It’s next to the service car wash. It’s the dark grey color. They have lied and lied about the repair or lack there of. I regret getting a Hyundai.

[@chinnuboo8517]

I’m confused. All kono model are EV cars

[@palebeachbum]

No, the Kona is primarily a gasoline-powered car.

[@normab7991]

Has Waze?. Head doesn't have it!.. Reverse camera?. Someone told me that doesn't have it. Is that truth?.

[@palebeachbum]

All new cars in the U.S. have a backup camera standard. It's federally mandated. Maybe not so in your country.