2023 Hyundai Kona Review: Unveiling the New Features, Space, and Design

[@yudhabagaskara98]

finally a no-nonsense first uk review of this car

[@LeeDahl-Hansen]

Just received my new Kona it’s fantastic

[@jamiep61]

Tish Is the best female Car Reviewer 😊

[@edmundhayes1840]

Best car reviewer regardless of gender. A top KZbin channel

[@chrisjackets7658]

I presently own a Kona Premium GT which I absolutely love. It has 175hp on tap and automatic 4 wheel drive. The model gave way to the hybrid when it came out a couple of years after the petrol only vehicles. The new Kona looks like a great replacement. What Car did back to back comparisons between the Kia Nero hybrid and electric models and running costs were surprisingly much lower on the cheaper to buy hybrid than the electric. How about a similar test with the new Kona?

[@brucelee5465]

I disagree

[@conogrady9254]

I never get too much of Tish ❤😇

[@edwardott7239]

I second the emotion! :)

[@AlanMacdonald-on6nd]

Can Tish come free with the Kona please

[@AlanMacdonald-on6nd]

I have the Ioniq and would have considered the Kona as a step down and wouldn't have considered it but I certainly will this new model

[@DJAYPAZ]

Good review. There is a lot to like about this car. I agree with Tish, the steering wheel looks odd. It appears like quite an old design. However the huge price difference between the Kona and the ZR-V, makes the value proposition of the Kona a strong selling point.

[@probertsfsa]

Had a mark 1 on business lease. Didn't buy it at the end of the lease because of the boot space. Seen this car and think it's great, so much so I've bought one. Looking forward to taking delivery.

[@HonestTruthIsHere]

Great review and this has put this firmly in view for me versus Niro, CX30 and Qashqai now. Thanks Tish. Love the skirt. Classy.

[@chrisgray4239]

Thanks for your review and observations, thought the steering wheel was my favourite part but appreciate your perspective. Sat in a Kona last week and really liked it overall. 😊

[@sachah2400]

New Base models Konas with no GPS have wireless already for Android and Apple in Australian deliveries. And Hyundai said to the Australian dealers, by years end, but most likely sooner, all the new Kona models will have an over the air update to give all models wireless ability. (apple and Android)

[@CADKPeet]

I think it's a fab car. We had the new Tuscon on order but my wife felt it was too large for us in all honesty. When we saw the new Kona we thought that it ticked all the boxes. Great looking, excellent fuel consumption and the bigger boot. So, we cancelled the Tuscon and transfered our deposit to the new N Line hybrid Kona. Delivery in 10 weeks, can't wait.

[@MrDuncl]

Have you test driven one ? I sat in one this afternoon and found nothing off-putting. There again I was all ready to buy the old Kia Niro until I discovered it was far noisier inside than a Dacia Sandero (I actually went as far as checking out a second Niro in case the first was faulty).

[@davel9359]

We have a new (well, 2 years old now) Tucson and it’s a good car, but I like the look of this Kona and would like something a little smaller. Plus it has buttons! The one frustrating thing with the Tucson for me, is the stabbing at the screen to change temperature etc. I wasn’t intending to buy a new car again, but maybe a deal can be done on a Kona that suits.

[@svcten]

At last, the dealer has our white N line Hybrid on the forecourt. It looks fab, really stylish. Hope to take delivery tomorrow or Saturday. Will report in due course.

[@MrDuncl]

@@davel9359 I test drove one and liked it. However, there was absolutely no chance of any discount so ended up buying something else. While looking around I noted a nine month old Tucson Hybrid with about 1000 miles on the clock (probably a demonstrator) for less than the price of a new (the only option) Kona.

[@burtoburto4418]

Red trim in Australia can get changed to black , it also has a rear spoilers on the back . Looks great !

[@kickstand801]

Right off the bat: the style! With its geometric shapes and indentations, you won't confuse it with the competition. Love the black finish, my gosh!😍 On the exterior i saw some fake vents so i am gonna zonk that. the running lightbar at the back will always remind me of a Porsche (fight me! Lol) and the rear wiper gets another zonk. Like the Tucson, tuck that wiper underneath the roof spoiler please, and clean up the look. The interior has its hits and misses which you pointed out, but i know the ride quality is more than adequate. And with hybrid technology, you'll pass the gas stations more frequently. Beautiful car, but if it ever gets banged up, i weep for the guys at auto body shops because fixing those weird body lined will be hell😂😂😂 imma share this video!!

[@stuartkennedy4202]

Great open and honest review .

[@nickwebb9290]

Your reviews are always excellent Tish and this one is no different. This new Kona is looking more like our N Line S Tucson which is interesting as Hyundai appeared to be pulling away from the ‘family resemblance’ look with their different models, like Ioniq 5 and 6. Not an issue but have noticed you’re the only person I’ve heard using the term Strong Hybrid when referring to Self Charging Hybrid.

[@AutoSocialUK]

Thank you so much, I’m glad you are enjoying my videos. Your right about the brand identity but maybe they just become aware of how much better the Tucson looked. I mainly call it a strong hybrid to differentiate the fact it can run in electric on its own. I believe that some mild hybrids are still self charging but won’t run in electric.

[@Tjcars100]

@@AutoSocialUK hi love your nails

[@MrDuncl]

I have been in a Hyundai dealer today and had to ask what a Tucson on a plinth was as it looked so similar to the Kona which they also had there and with the tailgates up I couldn't read the names. As Tish says some hybrids (even ones from Hyundai) are nothing more than an oversized starter motor running from 48V. Since getting a VW with the "stop start" system which seems to be arranged to stop your engine just as Traffic lights go green I decided I want my next car to be a strong hybrid with an electric motor that will launch the car from the lights.

[@nickwebb9290]

@@MrDuncl Hi, we’ve just bought a (Full) Hybrid Tucson N Line-S, having owned an Ioniq Hybrid for four years. Very pleased with the Tucson and it’s an improvement over our previous Hybrid. The one thing that may interest you, from stand still it starts in electric mode so is quick off the mark. When out on the test drive I couldn’t at first understand why I was getting wheel spin when pulling away at junctions and lights.

[@hedleythorne]

Like the look of this car. Currently a Tucson driver but may be able to downsize soon.

[@gauravpratap2402]

loved it.. going to purchase next week. Thanks

[@pedigreejg]

Great video, got an N line S 1.6T on order

[@v8interceptor134]

Oh wow , love the dress , long hair and sunglasses ❤

[@paulrobinson9355]

Great review imo ❤

[@saligaurav]

Does this have an option of heads up display? Thanks

[@marina846]

Great review, thank you

[@agentbertram4769]

Nice review. It should reduce the amount of manual flipping now I have bought one.

[@burchgurler3182]

That lightbar in the front is gonna crack similar to the one one BYD cars.

[@ellywatson9457]

really great review Tish, not sure about the parking cameras sitch? Are there front and back ones? Thinking about selling our xc40 and getting one of these!

[@P.J.B.769]

Another great review Tish. Also I could listen to your accent all day.

[@AutoSocialUK]

Wow, thanks!

[@beautyofnature4890]

Very helpful reviews. You are the best... Can you please review make a lovely video on New Toyota Yaris Cross 2023.

[@dallasgeorge4760]

Great review 😄🇦🇺I’m waiting for delivery of the Aussie premium version 2 litre with sunroof in October

[@craigandrew]

im having the same probblem with android auto it will not display google maps ect, i had the same probblem with my kia niro hybrid

[@pedigreejg]

Great review

[@69Thylacine]

The 4 pixels in the middle of the steering wheel are morse code for the letter 'H' :)

[@CharlieR-h4o]

Hi. Just curious if you could tell me your height. I’m 5’4 & wanting to see if it will be high enough for me. Thanks

[@bboboneill]

Excellent, cheers

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

In Romania, they get the new Hyundai Kona with the 1.0 3cyl and hybrid powertrain. They don’t get the N-Line trim. Also, they don’t get the 1.6 petrol with 198PS, so consequently, they don’t get the AWD model. Such a shame the UK and Romania miss out on the AWD Kona. The AWD Kona 1.6 is available in Cyprus, Australia and New Zealand which are RHD countries.

[@fivedotsdave9723]

I have a previous model Kona Ultimate with the big battery giving close to 300 mile range, but the points that let down are harsh suspension, cheap fake leather seats , charging at home with 7.7 kw takes 10 hours!!! As for all those heated seats you will not be using them too often because they destroy the battery range. My wife was driving home on a cold and wet winter evening, the range left was reading 40 miles, with 10 miles left to do, when the heater switched off causing the front screen to fog up, the dash dimmed itself so low it was very difficult to see the Speedo, my wife said it was terrifying....

[@grayone321]

Good review, does look a little bland, not one to thrill the senses but I suppose that is somewhat what Hyundai intended. Seems like good value.

[@AutoSocialUK]

I’m not sure, I agree, I think the new styling is a lot more dynamic than before. The previous generation was very bland.

[@AutoSocialUK]

I’m not sure, I agree, I think the new styling is a lot more dynamic than before. The previous generation was very bland.

[@grayone321]

@@AutoSocialUK I agree it is more dynamic than its predecessor. It is just when you compare it with the competitors. Feel that Hyundai is targeting old Kona owners rather than the broader market. Perhaps the company is taking a breather before they push out a more radical change

[@keithshouler1682]

Think I will wait for the N version

[@tomy4526]

I am thinking if I should change my Peugeot 3008 from 2019 for this?

[@AutoSocialUK]

I still think the Peugeot has a nicer interior, but this may be better value for money

[@mark-se6ef]

it has a lot going for it, not sure whether to go for a new Range Rover or Kona

[@paulreaney-sygrove6751]

Brilliant video looks really nice but I agree about the inside plastics my Mazda CX30 is small in the rear but the interior is miles better Bear Hull UK

[@AutoSocialUK]

Thanks for sharing. You can’t beat the interior quality of Mazda!

[@craigandrew]

there is wireless connectivity after a firmware update,👍👍👍

[@barrykavanagh2446]

Why does the U.K. get the DCT auto and the rest of the world seem to be getting the 8 speed torque converter auto?

[@robking6968]

Not keen on the empty black trim next to the speedo screen, looks odd/unfinished!

[@sharonec5419]

@Tish whats wrong with the Bayon? Its a lovely car. Yes its dash could be nicer materials but otherwise its lovely. As for the previous Kona and Kia Nira I always thought the Kona was the more stylish better looking of the two but that the Niro looked classier. But looks are subjective. As for this Kona. I really do not like that light bar at the front and think them from lights coukd be prone to getting damaged very easily. The rear is much better looking do. I think its a colour sensitive car and looks well in this black. Also I think the steering wheel in this looks lovely.

[@MrDuncl]

Last month I saw a Bayon form a distance in a petrol station and got all excited thinking it was a new Kona. As for the looks I dislike the new Niro while thought the old one looked like a baby Porsche SUV.

[@davel9359]

Always thought the Bayon was a pointless exercise when they had the Kona, but have had an old Kona and a Bayon as courtesy cars and thought the Bayon was a better drive. I wouldn’t buy one, can’t get on with the looks but it’s a decent enough car overall.

[@miltondavid6879]

Where they positioned the headlight and tail light unit just makes the entire design look weird and the back is even weirder…I prefer the Tucson in Shadow Grey 😍

[@barnoslogik]

like the car but wouldnt the kona be a rival for the honda hr-v and the tuscon the zr-v? this version definitely looks alot better than previous version, i like the fact it looks similar to the tuscon. My only gripe would be the power of the hybrid version, if they already have 198BHP with the 1.6 litre petrol engine, which a decent output, but then they detune it to 105 bhp (so 13 bhp less than the 1.0 litre option) then give it only 43 bhp battery power so less than 150bhp total, so only about 75% of the petrol on its own. And also 80bhp less than the tuscon hybrid. At a guess this is to keep the difference between the tuscon and the kona, but had that been the other way around so 1.6 petrol at 140-150bhp and hybrid about 190 then to me that would make more sense in the progression. it will be interesting to see what power the PHEV option will be, if they offer one.

[@MrDuncl]

It is probably all about economy which most U.K. reviewers will tell you will have lots of tax implications (Benefit in Kind) if you are lucky enough to get a company car. I test drove the old Kia Niro and got over 50MPG without even trying. A shame it was so noisy inside. If this is as good as the Niro but quieter they might sell me one.

[@michalcajka2211]

Is this Kona NLine or nline s

[@laurentiutrifan8173]

The lights positions ... front & back ... are wrong ... cause the corners are the most exposed to small dents & scratches. Especially in the city. So, it's fair to assume that the designer is living in the countryside ... or he's not a driver - at all. 😃

[@sharonec5419]

@Auto Social UK @Tish By Track I take it you mean Wheelbase Tish lol and I think the radio and air con design are nice simple and clean and I like the red strip on the dash. What I do not like is that horrible big blank bit of plastic on the right if the touchsceen.

[@AutoSocialUK]

Yes, I did mean track. I realised when I was editing but couldn’t find a way to edit it out so assumed most people would know what I was going on about 🤪 yes, I’m never a fan of wasted space

[@The-Salty-Bager]

Your right that heater controls section looks so dated and I think the exterior looks a mess and over designed but I felt this about the old model too

[@MrDuncl]

Doing your nails to match the new Hyundai logo shows dedication to the job 🙂

[@AutoSocialUK]

It was definitely intentional and not at all a fluke 😉

[@Tjcars100]

Love your nails

[@cactuspharmer]

Are we guessing the boot size?

[@AutoSocialUK]

Yes, what’s your guess?

[@rippedupno1]

​@AutoSocialUK what an utterly stupid reply. 30% bigger than what? Given that you make the point that it is a significant improvement and then can't be bothered to tell us what the actual size is even when asked. How unprofessional.

[@garyperry4063]

You can buy a bluetuth plug in to make the music system for about five pounds it picks up radio station 88

[@sachah2400]

Not needed. Over the air update due to make all models wirelss wireless by years end. See my comment up top.

[@Stefan126]

Thanks for this nice video! I have placed an order for the N-Line hybrid in Cyber Grey dual-tone. I currently drive a 2021 Hyundai Kona Hybrid, to my complete satisfaction.

[@AutoSocialUK]

Amazing, I’m pleased to hear that you are enjoying your current Kona. What do you think of the changes?

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

Apple carplay and Android auto will be wireless on all new Kona's going forward (and all other Hyundai's) and even released cars will have it via updates. They finally sorted it out. Sadly Kia cars aren't getting the same treatment despite being owned by Hyundai.

[@sammygirlie345]

I have the mk 1.5 64kw ultimate love this and way better than the humdrum kia

[@moisetabon3126]

This lady covers all the bases and gives a very good review. Spot on, keep up the good work. , Now, that's how you get rid of it view!

[@AutoSocialUK]

Thanks so much!

[@timnicholls9827]

I was really keen to get the EV. However having seen an N Line hybrid today the exterior is a really good but the interior is really disappointing. The cloth is cheap looking black viscose which is likely to crease with wear. With a black headlining it's just black everywhere. The drive mode stalk is at 4 o'clock on the steering wheel underneath the wiper stalk. You would have to manoeuvre by feel relying on the screen to know which mode you are in. Also if you want an N Line with a half decent range it's £43k. At that price you can get the much larger Nissan Ariya and that's not entry level either.

[@LeeDahl-Hansen]

Don’t understand the capabilities of the bluelink system

[@patrickdgarez86]

Absolutely right that the right HVAC control stack looks like it came out of an econobox from the 90's. That it was just slapped on the car as an afterthought intended to satisfy the "annoying" public that are sick of having to filter through pages of digital menus to get to critical functions. Just like the blank pointless grey panel, to the right of the gauge cluster screen. Even gloss black plastic would have been more elegant (not a touch area so fingerprints wouldn't be an issue). Otherwise a nice, safe, cleanly designed ride in keeping with the times. As always, great review.

[@MrDuncl]

Check out VW to learn about how to do HVAC controls. A friend traded hers in for an older model after 3000 miles as she couldn't stand the controls.

[@patrickdgarez86]

@@MrDuncl I agree that the crap haptic mess in VW's is a disaster but there are plenty of physical button executions that manage to feel and look like they fit with the times. =)

[@Kris-fh5cc]

A lot of car for the money ! Beautiful, practical interior.

[@AutoSocialUK]

Glad you like it!

[@stevenjones916]

The large blank plastic panel to the right of the steering wheel is hideous.

[@AutoSocialUK]

With you on that 😳😳

[@davel9359]

Somewhere to stick a post it note I suppose!

[@OK-mb7zb]

This is more of a comparison to the HRV price wise then the ZRV HRV has more rear legroom but this has a bigger boot

[@MrDuncl]

In a previous review she said the Kona has the option for a spare wheel. The HRV has the hybrid battery in the wheel well. p.s. Yesterday I saw a stranded BMW with a completely shredded tyre so it does still happen and no amount of gunk would have helped him.

[@garyhelsby2516]

Nice review although quick maths 105bhp + 43bhp = just over 150bhp mmmmm 😂

[@AutoSocialUK]

Hahahha I know 😂😂 it made laugh editing it. I did put a correction on the screen ☺️

[@laurenceholland8465]

This is a 2024 model, in the states. Bigger, heavier and slower.

[@csapie]

Very good review👍. Still not convinced with the quality of Hyundai cars... had an i20 after 3 months I exchanged it for another brand. The usb port stopped working after a few weeks, car was rattling to the smallest road imperfection.

[@davel9359]

I have had two Tucsons. The previous model for four years and the new one for two. The first was faultless and so far, this one has been too - touch wood it doesn’t develop any either. I used to license PHV’s and a lot of drivers were using Ioniqs and generally, they pick reliable cars for their work. Hyundai do sit pretty high up in reliability tables tbf.

[@MRT.1977]

Nice car, but over £30k for the hybrid version. So the electric will probably be around £38k. 🤔

[@sachah2400]

Electric will be more than 38K for even the small battery version. Hyundai said they will not try to compete with Chinese brands.

[@MoriNguyen]

I have the same feeling about the infotainment system in this car. It looks to me like those radio system that plays cassette tapes in the 80s or 90s.

[@AutoSocialUK]

Very interesting choice!

[@mokurt2529]

Why diss the lovely Bayon :(

[@AutoSocialUK]

Haha it looks like a beluga whale

[@mokurt2529]

@@AutoSocialUK LOL especially the light blue version, cute animal though

[@xandertheseal]

wow

[@oliverstemp9132]

Looks like a good car overall, it’s a shame the interior doesn’t look that appealing though. All Hyundais seemed to have far to many clashing textures and shapes.

[@edwardott7239]

It's so close to being a vehicle I'd want, but doesn't quite hit the mark, Tish. Pros: most of the styling cues (save for that cheap looking red stripe on the dash), getting a "growth spurt", loads of physical buttons (except for that dated looking audio system), great use of the extra space (though I liked how the previous version made it look like you had the growth spurt when getting in back, Tish!). Cons: that godawful gear selector stalk on the steering column (I feel your pain!), confusing usb port setup (I'd get confused by that, too!), lack of wireless charging (too bad, Hyundai). Another well-done review, Tish. On a personal note, I loved how gorgeous you look in that dress as well as the "Aquarius" necklace (you're one as well, I take it?), and I can never get enough of seeing you and hearing that beautiful accent. ;) Are you planning on doing more of your "Travels With Tish"? Love those videos as well! (hugs)

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

The wheels have finally fallen off all this EV nonsense.... I'll be glad to see the back of them.

[@MrDuncl]

No. Elon will be selling you a Model 3 for £30K. MG will be trying to undercut him at £25K. As a result there isn't much of a price difference between a used Kona ICE and EV.

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

@@MrDuncl and the battery will degrade faster than your iPhone 🤔

[@heyboykelly]

Hyundai have been really hitting the mark of recent with their car design but not this one. It’s a bit of an over-styled mess. I’m sure it’ll sell bucket loads though. Hyundai and Kia (oh and Dacia) seem to be the car brands of the moment.

[@jonathanw844]

Not a fan of the mk 1. Unsure of this one but I like it’s cousin the Niro. But what I really dislike is the name Kona, I have no idea why and no other model name bothers me as much 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@xdaeq2]

I prefer the previous gen interior

[@AutoSocialUK]

I think I do as well

[@BertPhrixusM]

Hi.

[@CaptainKA320]

It is a shame the car's interior has too much cheap plastic. Not very luxurious

[@ajaloy4010]

There is no Kona N for this second generation. That is a huge L

[@AutoSocialUK]

It’s very sad

[@popiabasah6524]

🥰😍😘♥

[@Dreadpirateflappy]

I love the exterior design personally, looks very modern imo. but holy cow... the interior looks horrific. the dash looks dated already (minus the screens and seats which I love) not sure what Hyundai were thinking? I love all the tech it has on board, but really not sure I could ever get used to the dash etc. Niro looks 10x nicer inside.

[@Reddylion]

Show the ev.....

[@AutoSocialUK]

It’s not in the UK, let me get my magic wand 🪄

[@Reddylion]

@@AutoSocialUK lol. I hope the magic wand works lol. It's not in hindustan yet too.

[@leemace9638]

New coma 😂

[@marcw.5492]

ICE... really ? You cant say GAS

[@ecara217]

How is that more stylish? It’s kind of ugly.

[@adamburns1077]

This car looks so bad 😂 the front and rear lights are just incredibly ugly.

[@andrzejostrowski1000]

New Kona: 🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@paulpilkington1797]

I don't like the styling at all.. I think Hyundai have lost the plot a bit

[@AutoSocialUK]

I’m surprised by the new Santa Fe - it doesn’t look anything like the kona inside and another new steering wheel

[@StopDroningOn]

First off its a n line s not n line Second take your rubbish out the boot if.your doing a review

[@genepatrick4232]

I hate everything about this SUV, from the exterior front and rear of the vehicle. The interior is okay 👍, the infotainment is fine except for the Air conditioning section which is very simply design. The center console looks like it's in the backseat. Basically I think the vehicle SUCKS,👎👎👎

[@descarroll2039]

The first thing to be broken are those headlights...they are just waiting on it....what a stupid design.....