2021 Hyundai Kona Review | An Incredible Value

In this video I'll go for a test drive & completely review the NEW 2021 Hyunda Kona! I'll go over what's NEW on the 2021 Hyundai Kona as well as test out acceleration, braking, steering feel, cargo space, rear legroom, sound system, exhaust clip & much more!
Big thanks to Jack Giambalvo Hyundai in York, PA for allowing me to check out the NEW 2021 Hyundai Kona! For more information on their inventory please feel free to visit their website below.
www.GiambalvoHyundai.com
Music by: / dyallas
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- Instagram: @TheGoldPony21

[@kyleed8066]

i had this car and got in a deadly car accident a week ago. this car is what saved my life highly recommended!

[@goldpony]

Glad your okay! 🙏

[@angieharris2068]

I just bought the kona this week. Hyundai has came so far! Love this car./

[@luckieshel]

I am car shopping and this seems like the car for me!

[@dianepurcell9840]

Just bought one a week ago and LOVE IT! Got the limited turbo with 4WD. It's such a peppy car, even in normal drive mode. I still have to work all the gadgets, but so far it's really a fun car!

[@blarghman332]

Did you see the new Kona N coming out?

[@Beauty_and_Light]

Wish I had the electric one.

[@jmp1467]

Great review. After LOTS of reading online and test driving of various cars, I purchased the 2021 Kona Preferred Trend in Two-Tone Red up here in Canada and I LOVE it. I have always been a sports car person and in fact traded my '02 Porsche C4S on this as I wanted something more practical for year round driving. Test drove the comparable Mazda CX30 and didn't like the 'feel' of it nearly as much, although it did have a more luxurious interior, albeit miss-matched. Very happy with my choice, so far. Would never have imagined I would ever be driving a Hyundai. But never say never until you have tried it! :)

[@MashabaZA]

And I guess cheaper to run than the Porsche!

[@jmp1467]

@@MashabaZA By a long shot! Not going to lie, I am not going to miss the maintenance bills on the Porsche. This Kona is SO MUCH FUN to drive and easy to zip around town in! Also very comfy on the highway. So pleased with my choice.

[@sailorsct4292]

Any problems with the engine or excessive oil consumption?

[@jmp1467]

None whatsoever, so far. I have about 23,000 km on the car.

[@luissegura9815]

Just bought a Kona Limited with The 1.6L turbo hits the spot. Love this car. I'm 6'5 and have plenty of room.

[@1000Aeolus]

Would a 6'9 guy fit well enough?

[@bnp2bnp]

Could he fit in the back though 🤔

[@fswint]

I just got the 2021 Kona 72 hours ago from the dealership and I'm liking it more and more. Just have to get used to the smaller interior because I got used to driving a 2006 Nissan Quest for the past 10 years with its enormous interior, but I have room in the front. I do wish there was a little more leg space in the back. Overall though, it's growing on me. I didn't plan on getting it, because prior to 3 days ago I'd never even heard of the "Kona" as I had never really paid much attention to Hyundai's before, but I see they make reliable vehicles. I'm glad I got it.

[@sailorsct4292]

Have you had any problems with your Kona since you bought it? Any engine problems or excessive oil consumption?

[@jennycarolina1082]

JUST BOUGHT MINE TODAY BRAND NEW !!! Super excited for my brand new car! 🤍

[@goldpony]

Awesome pick! Congrats!

[@marktuyet]

Congratulations and please drive safely . No texting ! Good luck 🍀

[@Rachelbee]

All those trim levels and here I am broke, so the base model for me...lol.

[@beastbee0118]

Your pretty!

[@marktuyet]

Base models are the best value . Same engine , transmission ,A/C system . The rest is just gingerbread .

[@puckerup5222]

@@marktuyet in this instance, the upgraded 1.6 L turbo engine makes this a LOT more fun to drive and better on the highway.

[@mikekantor453]

Great review! I just got a 2021 SLE Plus 2 weeks ago. Downsized from a 2019 Mazda CX-5 and actually like this car better. Actually I LOVE it! Great job. Thanks!

[@coo1rim]

Took delivery of 2021 Luxury (Canadian version with 2.0L engine) and extremely impressed. Brakes grab instantly and feel very strong... I suspect it's much better than the 132ft quoted in early production or Turbo version that's being reviewed. 2.0L engines can maintain 1500rpm while climbing the most challenging snow-filled hill with no-slip (with snow tires). If the Kona can't make it up..nothing else will, other than a special-purpose snow removal vehicle.

[@ThePonsor911]

Thanks for the informative video Gold Pony! The video played a major role in my decision to get a Kona!

[@blazerbeavs2333]

We just bought a Kona SEL last week and love it! I'm coming from a 2000 Honda Civic (great car in it's own right) so I'm giddy with all the fancy features and touch screen.

[@rickferr1546]

Yea but how reliable are hyndai kona

[@blazerbeavs2333]

@@rickferr1546 KBB said it's the top buy for subcompact SUV's in 2019 and 2020. Sounds very reliable to me.

[@rickferr1546]

@@blazerbeavs2333 what’s KBB ?

[@blazerbeavs2333]

@@rickferr1546 Kelley Blue Book. Popular car valuation site. You can try other sites as well, Kona reviews are very positive.

[@bnp2bnp]

Lol! I've got a 2001 Honda CRV. I know what you mean! Definitely a reliable little SUV but time for a new one

[@jimferry4751]

Just picked up my Kona Night yesterday. I have to say I am really enjoying the car. I traded my 2017 Challenger as I needed a more practical car that was not a police magnet and the 93 octane fuel was killing me. I can now make my car payment with the gas savings. Love the black Ray's wheels with the Galactic Gray. Cool little hot hatch.

[@sailorsct4292]

Any problems with the engine or excessive oil consumption?

[@jimferry4751]

@@sailorsct4292 none it is still 100 % full at oil change time and very smooth running car. Just had to get use to driving a CVT but still love it. Has 20k on it now

[@patrickkenny450]

First off, Awesome Review! Truly wish I had seen this before heading into the dealership this past week. I've had 2 different Kia Soul's & two different Hyundai Veloster's over the past 9 years. The only item I would add to your review has to do w/ the backup camera. I found out the hard way, i.e. I presumed having the camera to the rear, automatically included the rear sensors, to assist w/ tight spots....it does not. That was a huge point of 'discussion' for me. Definitely another lesson learned. Thanks for the information you do provide. Hopefully 2021 is a better year for us all. Patrick from Phoenix

[@rickferr1546]

How reliable is hyndai

[@patrickkenny450]

@@rickferr1546 For the most part, I've been pleased...

[@langchauvin1121]

Very well reviewed and explained. 👍 Thanks for sharing.

[@nathancouture598]

My Nana has a 2019 and we absolutely love it she had a 2018 accent and wanted a slightly bigger car and it was a perfect upgrade for her and she lets me drive it and it’s so smooth and she has the base SE and has all the features you could want

[@stephenhendricks103]

A very impressive subcompact SUV. Well deserving of its awards. Personally, I find the KIA Seltos, built on the same platform and sharing many features and components, more appealing. Though still a sub-compact Seltos is about 8" longer, a difference that makes a huge difference in interior space. (26.6 cubic ft vs 19.2 cf cargo space behind the second row and 62.8 cf vs 45.8 cf in total cargo space. That total cargo space is more than a Mazda CX-5! KIA and Hyundai frequently stagger their model update years and new generations so the 2022 Kona may well reduce those differences. And as noted in the video the 2022 Kona will include a "N" version. Unclear whether KIA will follow suit with the Seltos. The Kona is also often compared to the KIA Soul but they're different vehicles in a number of ways. The Soul is closer to the size of the Kona than the Seltos (165.2" vs 164" long) while it offers nearly the same cargo space as the larger Seltos (24.2 cf behind the rear seat and 62.8 cf overall.) The Soul's overall looks are either frumpy or stylish in a postmodern way depending on one's taste. The Soul is a couple of inches taller than the Kona and a little over an inch shorter than Seltos but it's boxy shape is arguably more versatile in terms of passenger and cargo space than either one. The Soul doesn't offer AWD but that doesn't seem to matter to owners. When owners were asked by KIA if they would prefer AWD almost a third believed the Soul already had it. :) KIA and Hyundai are especially adept at slicing a vehicle category (e.g. subcompact SUV's) into multiple sub-segments that appeal to consumers with different priorities. The Kona, Seltos, and Soul are prime examples.

[@shotgunz124]

That’s cause they are about same companies also I like both

[@fayegee9894]

Well done on the review. I have been looking at this for some time now and i will be test driving one now. Thanks!

[@lawrence80405]

Nice review man! How’s the ride comfort and ride noise? Thinking about getting this for some long-distance road trips....

[@bustermv]

Good going over. From listening to others and seeing specs, I would have assumed better gas mileage. My 2019 RDX does better, also some transmission lag reported. This little runner is expensive for it’s class. Will look forward to long term reviews.

[@islandon22]

Thorough, fact filled review. I have only one question. Which trim level do you feel gives you the best bang for the buck? Otherwise, keep up the good work!!!😁

[@jonscears]

The plus you get the all wheel drive and heated seats lol

[@dustyrhoads9892]

@@jonscears I got that with just the sel

[@shotgunz124]

Sel I would say it’s got plenty on it They put to much junk on them I think Just something to mess up

[@theresarichetts8054]

A few months ago I purchased a 2020 Hyundai Kona 1.6 turboand it's pretty loaded sunroof and all the other things you have described in your videoI think I'm really going to like the car has a lot of bells and whistles have to get used to using them but enjoyed watching your video it was very informative thank you

[@naerissa7015]

Theresa Richetts I have the 2020 kona as well and watched this video and realized they hadn’t changed anything

[@brandonlin6126]

@@naerissa7015 In the US, its changing in 2022. In South Korea, its 2021

[@shotgunz124]

How the Kona doing now????

[@VictorRodriguez-hq1mo]

Got the Kona Night! Loving it

[@christophersaya8727]

I wanted the night...but no sunroof was a deal breaker

[@TheMonicagal]

How is the night version different? Thank you.

[@jonscears]

Just bought mine! Just got the sel plus package love it in ultimate black nice! They are peppy in power lol

[@kavehoskoui8292]

You want solid engine/transmission stick with 2L and 6spd auto! Dual clutch can’t take any hard cottage driving!

[@rickferr1546]

Is 2l the less power one ? Are you saying the dual clutch one is not reliable

[@Hugo411]

Agreed. Ask an honest mechanic. My 2007 Tucson is 2.0 4 cylinders with 4 speed automatic. Now at 148,000 miles and have maintained it well. Going to get all new Shocks and Moog bushings this year. Boston Driving.

[@WhiteMoonLights]

in the begining of video i thought you were gonna rap.

[@goldpony]

I've gotten that before! 😄

[@yoshisaywhat123]

I have the Kona 2018 sel. It looks the same, no major changes.

[@ayyb6789]

How do you like and how is it on gas?

[@beastbee0118]

@@ayyb6789 I have a 2020 SEL. Gets 33-36 MPG

[@wbwayne8887]

I actually prefer the Kona EV in the Kona lineup. Love the instant torque and interior revisions. Can't wait to see the reviews on the Kona N.

[@j.cordova1562]

Well done review. I only have one follow-up question. Where'd you get those dope sunglasses?

[@VlauableFather]

If you go down mt Zion and make a right at the light at the bottom of the hill (you go straight there to get to the high school); go past the sewage treatment plant and go over that skinny bridge, there is a nice park to the left that has a nice stream. Might me a nice spot for you to film.

[@goldpony]

Ah might have to try that next time! Thanks! 😁

[@seanbarrett3744]

Currently have a 2011 elantra, really looking into getting a brand new Kona before the end of the year

[@seanbarrett3744]

I am confused when reviewers say "awd options"l thought they were all AWD capable

[@Combat556]

Just purchased a Kona Night version today. A lot of bang for the buck, but wish they would have included the adaptive cruise control.

[@eejeej6363]

Does it come with a space tire?

[@johnmorris1314]

Hello, I'm considering a 21 Kona and am partial to the two-tone color scheme. Is the SEL the only option? Or is it available on higher trim levels?

[@mastertry1935]

I am going to have to get Kona N when it comes out

[@pattiguillebeau627]

I love my ultimate!!

[@cindykeselowski899]

Nice review...I plan on getting a Kona night edition but would you recommend AWD or FWD? I live in Michigan but FWD has always sufficed. Thank you!

[@RessemKered]

I read somewhere that the Night Edition doesnt have the wireless phone charger as well. Do we have confirmation on this? I really like the SEL Plus, but was also interested in the Night Edition, but if it gets rid of the sunroof and wireless charging, I dont know if its worth the trade off.

[@autochannel1176]

I never drive this car how is it power ? Car body look cool ,I wanna try it

[@godblesshamas]

The 2.0L is an Atkinson Cycle MPI engine so it feels really whimpy. GDI is Otto Cycle so it can inject fuel twice in one combustion stroke.. plus, you know, turbo. I hear they're doing dual injection systems now that switch between Atkinson and Otto so you get both econony and power. Guess that's gonna be the next big thang.

[@mostafamohamedrashad553]

Thx for the review but I have a question does it have a panorama roof?

[@checummings1386]

Could you also do the Hyundai Venue ?????? and the BAIC X25

[@heinzhiller9856]

A great car indeed.The only hack is u cannot update all the driving ,parking security assist devices unlike by tesla model 3 or new Volkswagen ID3 .U have to buy the next model to get all the security driving improvements which is really sad.

[@stever41g]

Excellent review. Thx

[@jhanpaulovelasquezpombo1229]

Gracias por la información, saqué este mismo modelo de seguida y nos gusta mucho.

[@tigerrx7]

How does a brand new car get reliability ratings? What data they use for that? Data from a few test assets in a controlled environment with a specific written test plan? 🤔

[@goldpony]

Based on previous model years since not much changed 👍

[@rickferr1546]

@@goldpony do how reliable are these cars and which one the clutch auto or non clutch transmission

[@Holymoly-o2e]

Thumbnail explains that it's a eco friendly car 😂

[@may-emaky4383]

i need a new suv because 2017 rav4 is a trash when it comes to steering/handling & braking. what do u suggest avoiding these issues.

[@kavehoskoui8292]

Hyundai! I have been driving them up here in Canada since 2003!

[@tylercarlson1098]

You think the 2021 is still worth the value over 2022? Some of my local dealers have small deals for 2021 atm and looking to get one or the other

[@TheSlyRedFox]

Actually definitely as expected.

[@bnp2bnp]

Compared to Kia Seltos, is it any good?

[@wilsonramosconnected]

The white color doesnt do anything for this little car but overall I do like it.

[@MonacoVirago]

5:46 FWD vs AWD

[@Commoncents321]

I have one and not impressed. At 75 to 80 on highway the engine doesn’t sound happy at 3000 rpm and the car doesnt feel comfortable. Very stiff ride . The lane keep assist is annoying and tries to steer me off every off ramp on the interstate when the lines move. Very cheap hard plastic interior everywhere. The cargo area is small. Fuel economy is around 33 to 34 on hwy. it may be ok around town but on the road it is not in its element. I had a 2017 Ford Focus that drove much better had about the same if not more room and got better gas mileage.

[@TheInjuredList]

The interior you’re driving looks to be a 2019, the 2020 and 2021 interiors don’t look like this

[@planning_with_patches5860]

I have the 2021. Same interior in my car.

[@annwiltz5408]

Is going to the Limited from the SEL worth it?

[@skillsforchildren]

When you say this an that is "as expected" , you aren't really providing any information because we can't possibly know what your expectations are.

[@fernandovargas7562]

Good car for Boston... cool video dude... he is so excited and energetic nice.

[@g__e__o]

I dunno if they are in the same category, but I would still go for a Kia Soul. Pretty much the same specs, but better design imo. Great video as usual!

[@goldpony]

Thanks!

[@2004cyrus]

g e o gross lol

[@dannytanner7806]

No AWD option for the soul tho for us in snow country.

[@sherrid5315]

Joshua Rutter Now the soul is one ugly car hate to say !

[@jessicakolb1578]

Thank you for all this information. quick question..... you said that the breaking is not the best, is it scary or not normal?

[@goldpony]

Just soft not scary at all there's just not a lot of bite to them but still better than vw atlas, Tahoe, suburban but not as good as Mazda cx-9 or Honda Pilot

[@jessicakolb1578]

@@goldpony thank you!

[@kavehoskoui8292]

Hyundai has the best breaks in the market! It wont fail you! I have been driving Hyundai since 2003! I usually service my brakes every 50,000 km and change front pads at about 120,000 km. Been the same for my 2012 Santa Fe V6, 2016 Sonata, and 2008 Elantra!

[@2024_Edge]

Nice review

[@goldpony]

Appreciate it! 😁

[@Officialaaravd]

Are you going to do a 2021 GM SUVs review?

[@goldpony]

Still trying to find a good GMC dealer... Last one turned me down unfortunately 😔

[@Officialaaravd]

What about Chevrolet and Cadillac?

[@georgegerman9009]

@@goldpony GM ..sucks

[@AdrianLParker]

Acceleration tests and 0-60 times seem pointless and silly in non-sports cars.

[@AdrianLParker]

@@loumason6120 Because if you want performance, you buy a sports car or a fast bike... Who cares how fast your shitty civic, or your mom's caravan, can accelerate. Checking the 0-60 of a non sports car is like buying a frying pan and testing how well it works as a tennis racket

[@loumason6120]

@@AdrianLParker lol... at 56 years old and being in the car biz since i was 17 and have owned many cars with up to 750 hp.. it doesn't matter what the hell it is, if you want to know what your 0-60 time is, then you should know, even if it's a moped.

[@AdrianLParker]

@@loumason6120 and if you bought a frying pan and want to test it out as a tennis racket, you can, but it's kind of dumb

[@loumason6120]

@@AdrianLParker And it's kind of dumb for you to be making stupid comments on a video about a FN Hyundai with 140 hp.. like what were you expecting? go to a pos ford Mustang video. I left it alone than you came back with another comment.. get a life!

[@AdrianLParker]

@@loumason6120 You ok muffin, do you need a tissue?

[@andrewn6384]

Do they have any trim level that doesn't have that ugly plastic around the wheel wells?

[@goldpony]

The 2022 Kona N-Line trim has it body colored. That Review is coming on Wednesday 👍

[@donovans.4515]

Second! And great video! :D

[@goldpony]

Thanks!

[@rickferr1546]

How reliable are the kona ?

[@goldpony]

Well above avg reliability by Consumer Reports so basically same level as Toyota 👍

[@rickferr1546]

@@goldpony is it necessary to buy the extended warranty in Canada we only get 5 / 100k but can purchase 7/120

[@zoltanhortobagyi4323]

@@rickferr1546 I would talk you out of purchasing the extended warranty. As long as you have the car serviced regularly you should have no issues with it whatsoever. Very reliable cars Kia/Hyundai make. I've been beating a '12 Optima turbo for over 5 years now, passed 330k and still going strong. I didn't have to spend a dime ( other than wear and tear parts of course) before I hit 260k. Since than I had to replace upper and lower O2 sensors, tranny fluid temp sensor, and turbo oil feed pipe. Approximately $500 CAD in parts. That's all. I recently bought the Kona. This time I didn't get the extended warranty. Wasn't worth it for me.

[@novtag9724]

You are the best

[@homelessmillionaire1]

How do you know it's an incredible value without driving it in all conditions for at least six months?

[@2004cyrus]

YOUtuBeCritic that’s not how this works. You are speaking of reliability. You can’t measure that on new cars. He means value as in what the Kona gives you for the money. With all of that said the Kona has been out long enough now and is proving to be reliable.

[@joshua9073]

Shamur Stewart and I think you just described most products in general. Cars for sure are more reliable than they were even 10 years ago. Now there are exceptions like Chrysler, Ram, Jeep, Nissan, Mini, Mitsubishi. But they are still somewhat reliable but in the shop much more than average. Other products on the market get better over time also. I guess it’s progress. But yes fro that person to be worried about reliability, well nobody talks about that in these new car reviews because these guys don’t know or shouldn’t predict that. They review the car as it sets as a new car. Would you agree with most of this?

[@woodsey52]

Kia 10yr/100000 miles

[@lobosolo3310]

My 2021 Soul Red Mazda CX-30 Turbo blows doors big time in all areas on this weak sub-compact wannabe.

[@WhosScarielle]

Lmao, calm down. Its a freaking cross-over. Not a performance car.

[@DeterminedDIYer]

60 in a 35? Reckless op is a thing so be careful. But thank you for the review.

[@jaybo9044]

Wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@richespinola3399]

❤️🥰😘

[@robertsparks3584]

Way to much money for this

[@samuelmartinez4819]

You can get these things like stupid cheap

[@DarkoBacak]

That is old Kona

[@goldpony]

2022 is the redesigned model for the U.S. 👍

[@goldpony]

Look at Hyundais website for more info on the 2021 👍

[@louissparks2496]

Not video worth.

[@Charles_Mulberry_7977]

Not bad for a two cylinder. ;)

[@francocanuck]

2 cylinders ?? check again

[@dand900]

If you buy a Hyundai be prepared to spend minimum of $175-$500 every month on BS problems you will never experience in a quality car like an Honda. Every other month you will have to replace 1 0f 6 to 8 catalytic converters that go out for no reason like clock work one after the other. Your gas line will need replacing, then your gas tank that rotted from the inside for no apparent reason. Your check engine light will be on more than it is off. When you finally replace the entire engine and decide you've had enough, and sell it for next to nothing, you'll buy yourself an Acura and realize that it never needs maintenance, that it isn't normal to be without your car every other month because it's in the shop again, and you'll swear like I did to NEVER buy another Hyundai again!!!

[@Bigcory777]

Oh Whatever!

[@francocanuck]

Are you from the US? is your car was build in the US ? i bought my Kona 2021 in Canada and build in Korea ,there could be the difference of quality made , after more of 2 years i still enjoy my car everyday ,NO PROBLEMS

[@YoYo-vc1os]

Its ugly so overpriced

[@YoYo-vc1os]

@Shamur its only the cheapest cuz its the ugliest