2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD | First Drive (with Female Consumer)

[@flightsweep505]

Test drove a Kona Limited yesterday. Coming out of an older Kia Soul with no safety tech other than a backup camera and with a small rear storage area, I was looking for big improvents in a new 2024 small SUV. Very impressed with the Kona on all fronts. Rear storage capacity is cavernous compared to the Soul. Safety/Driver assist tech is amazing especially 360 degree view, around the corner view and side views that pop up on the driver's display when you signal and change lanes. Luxury level instument panel, controls and seating. Lots of buttons but I prefer that over drilling down thru touch screen menus to find the simplest functions. I like the futuristic styling but the black cladding on the Limited and the busy front end I think are a little over done. Light bar running lights are super cool. Thanks for the great review especially from Holli's perspective -- my wife had many of the same comments after the test drive (but suprisingly nothing to say about the under carriage).

[@GTGarageTalk]

lol. The undercarriage comment still makes me laugh.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

I was also checking out the Kia Niro (replaces the Soul?) BUT as a hybrid, it's way too expensive for the upper trim levels ($37K for their top trim!?!?).

[@robertofernandezantunez6008]

I just bought one in Houston, but it came without the spare tire, the dealer told me it was purchased separately. Love the car do

[@firstcitytraveler]

Did you get the FWD Kona? They don';t come with spare tire. Only the AWD comes with spare. Also, the AWD has a multi-link rear suspension. FWD a torsion beam.

[@robertofernandezantunez6008]

@@firstcitytraveler Yes, mine is FWD, so no spare tire. Thanks for the info and great video!!!

[@sdb1147]

My biggest issue with the 2024 Kona is the design of the front end. The radiator and auto transmission radiator are completely open to rock damage. The warranty, the best in the industry, won’t cover damaged radiators. Would’ve been nice if some kind of a wire mesh screen (black) were built into the lower front.

[@GTGarageTalk]

That is something we will have to watch as these start hitting the road more and more.

[@TryingToBeKind]

Nice review! If they just replaced the black cladding with body colored for the Limited trim (as on the N Line and electrified versions), and provided a separation for the center armrest storage section, this would be about perfect!

[@GTGarageTalk]

I agree, the body-colored versions look better and more cohesive.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

I do like the N-Line too BUT there are a few features like Smart Park, Remote Liftgate, and video images of exterior of the vehicle available only on the Limited. Plus the leather seating. Difference in price is about $1500 dollars so it depends on wants versus needs.

[@beckyconley8565]

Nice review.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Thank you

[@rinbine2713]

Hyundai/Kia have a adjustable trunk door height. So, It is not a problem. He don't knew it.

[@GTGarageTalk]

😉

[@beckyconley8565]

Cute little car. Beautiful female consumer!

[@GTGarageTalk]

Yes indeed.

[@cindykeselowski899]

So I am ordering a Limited in ecoteric yellow. Debating between FWD or AWD? Though I live in Michigan I rarely need AWD so leaning towards FWD to save $1,400 & gain 3 more mpg, your thoughts?

[@GTGarageTalk]

You know your winters better than I, but I say save the money and get FWD if you feel capable of navigating in adverse conditions.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Same weather patterns here in NJ, but I'd go with the AWD for a different reason. AWD has independent strut suspensions in the rear axle which makes the ride a bit smoother.

[@cindykeselowski899]

But is a better ride & worse gas mileage worth spending $1,400 more?

[@javierfuentes5889]

excelent video thanks

[@GTGarageTalk]

Thanks.

[@mdc2utube]

If you covered mileage, I may have missed it?

[@GTGarageTalk]

EPA Fuel Economy 24/29/26 (city/hwy/cmb) We saw around 30 in mpg in our mixed loop of driving which you can see a little bit at 8:58

[@Steve_in_NJ]

I have a big dilemma with this new Kona (aka, Ioniq's little brother/sister). I currently lease a 2022 Kona Limited FWD, and leased a 2019 Kona Limited FWD before that. I like the new 2024 Kona Limited -- BUT -- my dilemma is the damn low MPG! Okay, the Star Wars light bars and the digital tech inside is a game changer, but for the same price as a Kona Limited AWD, I can also get a 2024 Toyota Corolla Cross HYBRID in the XSE version and not only have a hybrid (WTF Hyundai!! No Kona Hybrids in the US?), but also get 42 MPG in a Toyota Hybrid!!!!!!! Yes, the Toyota interior designs are very bland, but it's like my 2022 Kona interior now, so that's not a deal breaker. But c'mon Hyundai, 26 mpg on a Kona AWD??? P.S. Your video was spot on and one of the better reviews of the Kona. And I've seen about a dozen of them now. My next SUV will be ordered soon, so that I can take delivery next October!