2024 Hyundai Kona - 17 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

What's your favorite thing about the 2024 Hyundai Kona?
See how this Kona stacks up against its rivals on Downshift: / @dwnshft
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It’s actually not the smallest
It’s bigger than the Venue
But smaller than a Tucson
There’s every flavor imaginable
2 gas engine options
2.0 - for SE and SEL
147 hp & 132 lbft
1.6T - for N line nad Limited only
190 hp & 195 lbft
Kona Electric
For previous generation Kona N
No hybrid or PHEV for this gen
Not in the States anyway
Bigger now
An inch taller
An inch wider
6 inches longer
Feel that on the interior
Super spacious
VW Taos
Mazda CX5 even
New looks
Mirage Green
Very unique front face with single thin LED
Headlights are below (LED std)
Auto high beams impressive at this class
Front cutout fangs like the CRV, mustang, etc
Hope you like black plastic wheel cladding
Except for N Line
Funky wheels (17-19 in)
19s here on the limited of course
Z cut body line
Chrome window treatment wraps up into rear spoiler (EV6 lookin)
Rear LEd similar to front
No exposed exhaust
N line get big wing
Bigger trunk
25 cu ft
Over 60 cu ft
Powered and hands frr on limited trim
Fuel economy
As good as 31 mpg combined
FWD
As bad as 26 combined
AWD N line
On the whole worse for this year due to size increase
3-5 mpg depending on spec
Transmission
CVT for N/A engine
8 speed for turbo
AWD
Optional on every trim
But the electric is just FWD
Towing
Nah
Rear seats
Class leading space
Even recline a little
Interior design
This is Hyundai’s new interior design language
Will probably wee it everywhere
On the new tucson due later this year
Materials are still kinda cheap but durable
Hard touch plastics on doors except limited
But with the low center console it feels open and spacious
Dash cubby like toyota - love
All controls still physical - love
Single bar on steering wheel
Steering wheel thought about being flat bottom
Bop it style shifter - i5
Honestly the interior is really nice for this class
Luxuries
Heated seats
Cooled seats on limited
Heated steering wheel
Gets REALLY hot
Sunroof option
Tech
Every single kona gets the big center screen
12 in
New graphic and menu structure
Feels VERY Genesis now
Lower trims get 8 in digital cluster
Wireless ACP & AA
wired?
But if you get nativa nav it’s wired ACP
There should be an OTA update to make nav cars wireless
Blind spot cameras only on limited
360 cam only on limited
Ambient lighting for limited
Pretty sweet
Key
New Key
Smart park…on limited
Small things
Hyundai car PAY…like Apple pay for some reason
Charger changed color link vs charge
Dual blind spot monitors
Removable cupholders
Kinda wish the dash cubby was rubberized like RAV4
No eco mode is a little strange
No HUD - kinda makes sense for segment
Tac only shows redline at 5000 rpm and up
Nothing in the cluster that shows speed as digits
Weird electrical hum from rear
Price
Starts 24k
As tested 34k
Priced too close to Tucson?

[@jimmoritz553]

I own one of these. It most certainly does have a digital speedometer. You can configure from “analog” to digital gauges. The tach even becomes digital.

[@mokurt2529]

I also own one, and while it does have one, it's not configurable to be in the middle of the gauge which is something a lot of people are used to.

[@jimmoritz553]

@@mokurt2529 I understand. I’ve had lots of cars where the digital speedometer is not right in the middle. I also have a 2023 Lincoln Nautilus where the digital speed is on the middle. But if you configured the drivers display to show other features it “moves” off to the side. I can live with it. It’s not a deal breaker with my Hyundai or Lincoln.

[@Slim777007]

​@@jimmoritz553 about how much to fill it up ...I'm considering a Kona I'm looking for a primary vehicle ...

[@cgmiddle]

Mine projects the data onto the passenger side inner windshield.

[@marykay8587]

how are you finding your Kona? we're thinking of picking one up next year, we want the electric

[@scraverX]

Hands free tailgate on the Kona is not one you wave your foot under the bumper. Stand behind the car and stay in place for around 3 seconds. Lights will flash and it will open, provided it's activated in the infotainment system - it can be turned off.

[@freddolman1494]

That single bar in the center of the steering wheel actually has 4 dots which is Morse code for "H". That's instead of having a Hyundai logo.

[@cgmiddle]

It actually is meant to be five dots. The designers simply omit the fifth one in the North American markets.

[@ivanrodriguez4045]

I wonder if the four dots also means "H" in braille

[@drj6418]

The "hands free" is close proximity to the tailgate with key in pocket without the need to "kick".

[@shuikuentam1755]

Right. You just have to stand behind for a few seconds.

[@scraverX]

The proximity "hands free" can also be disabled in the infotainment settings.

[@patrickkenny450]

​@shuikuentam1755 in addition, the vehicle has to be locked.

[@cgmiddle]

The camera/video images presented in this great KZbin post show angles of the Kona that really are appealing. I am warming up to this vehicle as a result.

[@veritassyfer1185]

The N-Liner trim is f*cking gorgeous.

[@eugeniaruggiero5451]

I just leased a Kona in the mirage green. Picking it up tomorrow. Really excited!!!

[@amy2771]

Just bought a 2024 Kona Nline… love her already

[@dwnshft]

Special thanks to our Patrons for their support of the channel! Kona or Crosstrek?

[@hankmancil178]

I am tired of all the reviews on just the upper trims. What about the lower trims?

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Keep in mind that 99% of the KZbin reviews are with vehicles provided BY HYUNDAI, so of course, they will promote the top trims!!

[@jamesmeadows6285]

Agree Hank. Drives me nuts.

[@shannonk.harper4606]

We just got the AWD Kona Limited for 31k which feels like a bargain. I love everything about this SUV except that the gas tank is a little small. Drives are very quiet and relaxing in the city but more noisy on the interstate with loud wind sounds. A quiet, smooth drive coupled with a very well thought out interior and cooled seats in Florida makes all the difference. I love this car so much that I’m searching for videos like this to see if I’m missing any of the features. 👀 From my understanding, Hyundai pay allows you to pay automatically at certain parking garages. Love the wireless car play and pleasantly surprised by Hyundai’s navigation capabilities to view turn by turn directions straight ahead without having to look at the map.

[@silver33]

Can I ask what was the OTD price? I have the old version and thinking of upgrading.

[@shannonk.harper4606]

@@silver33We spent 31k and it was originally 38k. My better half is just good at negotiating.

[@silver33]

@@shannonk.harper4606 That's awesome, 38k is ridiculous. Thank you.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

I'm currently driving a 2022 Kona Limited FWD ICE and I'm not sure IF I'd lease another after driving two models (2019 and 2022). Instead, I'm seriously considering the 2024 KIA Niro PHEV SX Touring, which uses the same 1.6 L engine as Kona -- without the Turbo -- but with the electric motor attached, I would get 33 miles of pure EV before the gas engine kicks in. I don't drive 33 miles in one day, more like 10 miles a day usually. That would save me a lot of money at the gas pump. Meanwhile, the Niro is about the same size, but doesn't look like an armored tank, like the Kona. Plus the KIA and Hyundai small SUV share similar interior layouts.

[@pinksnowbirdie2938]

I'm cross shopping this and the CX-30 NA. I still lean towards the NA CX-30 lol

[@Robert-em8ij]

The humming sound is probably the air purifier working under the driver's seat.

[@thunder5x]

Put the key in your pocket stand directly behind the tailgate for a couple of seconds and it should open automatically. I t does have a digital speedometer

[@BrockOfGibraltar]

so there actually is a digital speedometer - its just a setting in the instrument cluster. your video just shows the classic appearance option.

[@feversol]

We have the Limited with navigation. I was told by our salesman that if CarPlay were installed, we would not be able to use navigation, which I like. Not so. I did load CarPlay and still use built in mapping but can instantly switch to CarPlay and back through the display. Now, when I am the driver, the car notifies me that my iPhone Bluetooth and CarPlay are connected. If I receive a phone call or text, the dash switches to CarPlay. When I terminate the call, the dash switches back to car navigation. Only thing to remember is that CarPlay is running off the phone. I turned on Waze and even after switching back to internal navigation, I was hearing audio from Waze. The only way to stop it was to open the app on my iPhone then turn Waze off. This seems to suggest that you can be using both systems if you wish. To pull up the active Waze would mean select Home on dash, then select CarPlay then the app. Without CarPlay installed, the phone and texting work just as well but having CarPlay installed adds more capability if wished.

[@bpaulm]

Awesome review - I normally would have never even considered a car like this but really eyeing the EV Kona.

[@dwnshft]

Go for it!

[@Nakelp86]

Very curious how the longevity will look for these Konas??

[@igoldfarb1]

I got 2024 N line in Canada with build in NAV. I ,m still waiting for updated software for Apple car play.if you have any news please let us know

[@micthekwik]

Can the front seat headrests move forward and back as well as up and down?

[@The1995domenik]

For the rear you need to stand close to the rear with the key in your pocket, than it will automatically open after a few seconds and a lot of beeping

[@Muarauder12]

The hands free tailgate is a proximity sensor that only works if the car has been locked for at least a few minutes. But if you're coming back with groceries, it will know that you're standing near the trunk and open it.

[@scraverX]

You need to stand there a moment, around 3 seconds. If you step away before turn signals flash it won't open.

[@cgmiddle]

You are wrong. The system is not designed to work that way.

[@Muarauder12]

@@cgmiddle I literally bought this car. I know how the auto tailgate works.

[@ajs4148]

Both screens are 12.3-inch displays! On the Limited/N-Line, not sure about the SE/SEL.

[@ndi5670]

12.3,on my SEL also. Just doesn’t have navigation. No matter because I use Apple Carplay.

[@scraverX]

@@ndi5670 I'm guessing you have the SEL with Convenience. SEL without convenience and SE only have 12.3 for the infotainment from what I have seen.

[@palebeachbum]

I really love this design, but I hate the mismatched, irregular shape fender flairs. I lean a little more toward liking the Kia Seltos, the cousin to this Kona. The styling is less objectionable, and it's priced a few hundred dollars lower when comparably equipped. Given the wild styling of this vehicle, I think it was a missed opportunity that Hyundai didn't put some wild patterned and colored cloth upholstery in the lower trims. The outside is wild and the interior is so monochromatic. A strange juxtaposition. The twist shifter is super cool. It seems logical to use and frees up console space. I wish it was a standard feature. And yeah, the Kona has gotten awfully expensive now. The Kona is definitely not the value leader for the segment. That honor goes to the Chevy Trax with a price range of about $21k-$27k. Hyundai has historically always been the value leader, even undercutting domestic brands, but they seem to be aiming upmarket nowadays.

[@richdc7654]

If you get the dark gray color you dont really see the fender flares.

[@palebeachbum]

@@richdc7654 Unfortunately, I love the Neoteric Yellow, which makes the black plastic fenders stand out.

[@brokeboy87]

I'm seeing a ton of this vehicles on the road. I'm debating trading in my Honda for this.

[@dwnshft]

👀

[@marykay8587]

me and my husband want to pick up one next year ❤️

[@dougwalton5414]

We bought a LTD a month ago and we really like it but with no spare available we are concerned what happens with a blowout? That air compressor is going to be useless. They should at least make one available. Very disappointed with Hyundai for that.

[@joenissan]

I don’t know how they can get away with the turn signals so low on the rear bumper. It’s dangerous

[@donnayoung4289]

Trunk opens when you stand behind it

[@murphaleenful]

Dealership said my new Kona SEL AWD does NOT offer ability to auto-open. Although I like it as it is, an auto-opening trunk would make it all the more likeable.

[@sgrant9814]

The venue is a cuv(front drive only, basically a raised hatch). The kona with awd is considered a small suv...tho not really small anymore..i preferred the size of the former kona ,,,and the design as well. As well, in this day and age hyuandi missed the boat not offering a hybrid...not all want an ev. Also no body color shark fin antenna at this price point. Really?!

[@scraverX]

They offer Hybrid in Australia and Europe. Worth noting that Australia doesn't get the Hybrid Tucson or the Hybrid Kia Sprotage

[@DesFHoulihan]

I had a 2918 VW T-Roc. a super car with excellent auto hold , auto stop and electric parking brake. I thought my 2024 petrol Kona would be as good. But its hopeless. Auto-hold switches itself off for some reason which means the parking brake doesn't engage automatically. The car rolled off on me more than once. Automatic Parking brake sometimes engages but it seems to be a random event. Thankfully not while driving . The engine auto stop feature is capable of shutting off the engine if coasting at a very slow speed. That should never happen on a moving car. In effect the software implementations on this car is an example of just bad software engineering. If ever autonomous driving is implemented don't ever go for Hyundai. Sorry I didnt go for a new T-Roc. One last thing. Where did anyone ever get the idea of a key fob the size of a brick with a separate metal key. i.e. a two part key?

[@JNO_JNO]

Our first new car was a Kona …2020 … a real lemon … used a lot of oil and the car dealer said it was within limits and did nothing …we will never buy a hyundai again

[@feversol]

Just saw a report where the engines through 2021 were bad. We had a 2022 Kona and traded it for this 2024. Both are excellent and have no reported problems. I traded a 17 year old Santa Fe on that 2022. The 2024 is larger and not the same vehicle as 2023 and older. Completely redesigned. This new Kona is now our travel car since it is comfortable enough, has sufficient suitcase storage, great technology and great gas mileage. Not as good mileage as the 2022 because it has the same engine and is heavier. We have HTRAC AWD and get 35mpg on a recent trip.

[@bradley7506]

The Kona has been slowly getting really ugly….too many weird angles and lights in stupid places. It’s a nightmare

[@wendell6468]

it also has a recall on it for a poorly manfactured idle stop and go feature. its subject to start fires. dont believe me? look it up. piece of crap...

[@masterofx32]

your point being?

[@jimmoritz553]

Mine does not have idle stop start. I have the Limited 1.6 Turbo

[@patrickkenny450]

Nice job on the Review. I purchased my Kona Limited back in November of 2023. I chose the FWD instead, knowing the back suspension would not be as good. The one thing I wish I had known, was that Hyundai does NOT include a spare tire, unless it's the AWD. Huge disappointment given that you can't even get it via 3rd party vendors. Otherwise (after getting the OTA update for wireless Android Auto), I'm very happy w/ the car.

[@jimmoritz553]

What YMM do you have? I have no recall nor does NHTSA list one for my 2024 Kona Limited 1.6L Turbo Htrac. Probably because it doesn’t have idle start/stop. LOL.

[@dougwalton5414]

@@patrickkenny450 We just bought one and like it but with no spare in the event of a blowout the air inflator is going to be useless.

[@TomPaine3]

The cluster can be programed with digital readouts.