2018 / 2019 Hyundai Kona 1.6L Full Review and Comparison

[@2thePtBassTuT]

I don't care who you are, or whether you prefer cars or SUV's , but this is one sharp looking vehicle! Kudos to whoever designed this little gem!

[@michaelosullivan8708]

...thats a shame because we care about you,,, however rude you are ! one love

[@marklammers6117]

Just recently purchased a 2018 Ultimate with the 1.6t engine as my new commuter vehicle. Drove a CX3 the same day and settled on the Kona b/c it simply blew the Mazda away in the performance department. The CX3 also did not have a Center console and that was a deal breaker for me b/c I typically drive with my right elbow resting on the console. So far I have to say that I am completely satisfied with my Kona and have no regrets whatsoever with this purchase.

[@chrismarshall7701]

Picked up my Kona in this exact trim three weeks ago and it is an all around great vehicle, has everything I wanted and then some and has made driving fun again. Strongly recommend this little rocket to shoppers you won’t be disappointed. Great review Alex

[@pangijn]

Chris Marshall 3 weeks ago as well and the same trim but in Phantom Black. Everyone that has driven or ridden in mine are surprised by its handling and speed.

[@TommyG11814]

How is the dual-clutch transmission acting, it was terrible in the Tucson.

[@bschell1969]

Tom Gerencir probably nothing wrong with it, it’s supposed to feel very different from a regular automatic, people that ride between 1-5mph with their foot on the brake will ruin any dual clutch and have a bad experience

[@TommyG11814]

@@bschell1969 the 2016 Tucson had alot of problems , many recalls and they dropped it in the tucson, but we have a 19 Kona limited and it has really been good they have it dialed in , no issues it's really nice. Hope it stays that way.

[@bschell1969]

Maybe the ole Tucson was just too big and heavy for it, just about everyone has had some issues with their first edition DCT’s also so it’d make sense, I’ve got a fiesta DCT, rental companies and most citizens can’t make them go 20k without a clutch pack but mines at 75k on the original pack and going strong, but I did my research and drive it like you’re supposed to

[@acdc09]

I bought my first Hyundai in '98 with the Tiburon then in '05 got the new model of that year. I recently traded in my '05 Tiburon for the Kona Limited and love it. Great vehicle for my needs and it's nice to have a vehicle that you don't see at every corner on the road. Hyundai has been getting better over the years and that is why I have stayed with them.

[@angelobrattoli4663]

I own the 2018 Kona Ultimate in Sonic Silver. I love it. I love the funky front, but that's because I prefer vehicles that have a more non traditional look. I like the back end of the vehicle also. The rear of today's cars and SUVs tend to be pretty staid and unremarkable. The "split" light configuration carried over from the front make the rear of the vehicle interesting looking. The vehicle also is very pretty when viewed from the sides and at angles at the front and back. Very nice lines. Curvy and interesting looking. I'm a big Hyundai fan and this is my third vehicle. The biggest selling point for Hyundai is that you get a lot of bells and whistles at a much lower price than other manufacturers. I really like the HUD, which I use whenever I'm doing highway driving or long trips. The larger sized screen in the Ultimate model is also really nice. The image is very clear and crisp and the menu screens are easy to use and very intuitive. Throw in the sunroof, all the anti collision features and Android Auto, ATC, and leather seats and this car is loaded. But wait, then there's the REALLY cool feature...wireless phone charging. All of this for under $30,000. You are simply not going to find a better deal. The car is fun to drive. The Ultimate comes with 18 inch alloy wheels standard, independent four wheel suspension which makes for a very nice ride. Yes, the one complaint would be road noise, but its not onerous, All in all this is really a terrific vehicle for the price.

[@msticks3672]

Picked up a 2019 Kona Iron Man Edition last week. I love it. My other car is a Genesis G90 with the 5.0 Liter V8 and I was a bit worried that the 1.6 Turbo would be a slug, but it's not. For it's size it's a blast to drive. It has many luxury features, including a Head-Up Display. For what it is, it's a great bargain in the class. I traded my wife's MINI Cooper S convertible for it and have't regretted it one bit. For a small CUV runabout I don't think you can find a better deal.

[@johnfranklin5277]

What does your wife think about it

[@johnfranklin5277]

@@msticks3672 great!

[@mlachance001]

Received Mine 1 week ago (Kona 1.6T Ultimate Acid Yellow) . I think this car is Awesome.

[@mikebagwell8229]

I would get this in green, put a large Weenie Hut Junior's decal on both front doors, put a "Honk if You're Driving a Sandwich" decal on the hatch just below the glass, and drive around town with a megaphone yelling the lyrics to "One is the Loneliest Number" out the window while moving.

[@jordancatcher6663]

Oddly I think the split light designs look better on Hyundai's than they did on the cherokee.

[@swanblake]

Jordan Catcher agree very much

[@techpappee]

Jordan Catcher 100% agree. Just because it didn't work on the Cherokee doesn't mean it's a fail in Hyundais implementation (across entire line of SUVs). Jeep put their DRLs beside 7 small vertical grills. Completely different overall visual aesthetic IMO.

[@stevensmith5784]

I agree also. It just looked so funny on the Cherokee for some reason. And on the Kona, it just fits with the size profile of the car, to me.

[@JakeDrives1]

I find it to be significantly better executed. The Cherokee looked like an ugly face without make-up. The Kona looks like a semi-ugly face with expert level make-up. LOL

[@angelobrattoli4663]

The problem with the Cherokee split configuration, it was the angled shape of the grill and nose. The angled front drew a line of demarcation that took away from the overall look. The hyundai flat front and waterfall grill complement the split light configuration.

[@newzedy]

So I'm currently a Hyundai Santa Fe owner (2002) and it's been a great car all these years. Since it's approaching 17years old I figured I would start looking at getting a new car but I thought I wanted a Subaru Crosstrex? Good reputation, friends have them, I like the size of this class of car, etc., I had it in my head Subaru, Subaru, Subaru but then I drove the Crosstrex and was so underwhelmed, then drove the Mazda CX3 thought that was nice, definitely a contender, but then I drove the Hyundai Kona and fell in love with it. I also really like the look of it, not sure why people are complaining about it? The one nit picky thing about the Kona is I wish it had the shark fin antenna. I stand up paddle (a LOT) and will need to put my boards on top and I think eventually the antenna that's on top will brake? Other than that I'm pretty sold. Thank you the review.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Hyundai and Kia continue to kill it in one market segment after another. Soon it won't be news that the Koreans are turning out some of the best vehicles out there. I suspect we'll see automotive journalists proclaiming, "Well, the European (or Japanese) "X" is a good vehicle but it's really a step or two beneath the Korean standard."

[@homoerotic85]

Yes!!! 100%!!! It kills me when people trash talk them as a piece of crap disposable car, which was true in 94, but they have totally transformed themselves!! I also believe they are the most reliable new vehicles you can buy!! I currently own a brand new loaded Camaro, $40k...I traded in my 2010 Kia Forte Koup which I LOVED having 100k miles, not once was there ever any slightest issue and I drive full throttle all day every day-which is why I got the Camaro cause it's faster, but my Camaro has already been in the shop 4 times!!! It was double the cost of my Kia and the Kia was much more reliable. If Kia had a 2 door performance car I would trade ASAP!! The crazy thing is the Camaro is obviously faster, but there Kia was easier to drive fast in, going 120 in the Camaro feels more planted to the road but you have to really pay attention, with the Kia going that fast was nothing just drove it normally ... Very strange lol.

[@leeg3784]

Encore and Trax are made in Korea too. Much better than the Chevrolet plants in Canada or Mexico. They have TERRIBLE quality control. Saw some big misses when I inspected a few Equinox as i wanted one. Anything from paint issues, finger nail marks in the trim where it looked like they used a nail to push trim in, two bolts not all the way in the tailgate which made the paint blob over it (you know that was going to chip eventually). An amateur could do their quality control in those plants. :(

[@BasementBerean]

I love the fact that the Kona comes in this metallic lime green, very much like the Hot Wheels and Johnny Lightning cars of the late 60's. A modern vehicle with a color that takes me back to my childhood. This is one of the few current vehicles can actually comes in fun colors.

[@ccmaster86]

I've always believed the Subaru Crosstrek is as perfect as a car can be for me, but, this Kona seriously steps up to the plate.

[@eugenet6632]

Looks nice, way better than the jeeps front. For some reason the exterior looks good overall

[@napoleonnz]

After checking out a Subaru XV, Mazda CX3, Honda Civic hatch and HRV plus the Hyundai i30 hatch we bought a new Hyundai Kona for my wife a few weeks ago. She is very happy with it as the replacement for our unreliable Mercedes 180K coupe which we'd owned for 10 years. We were advised to sell it by a Merc specialist at 110,000km (65000miles) as the camshaft gears were shot. Looking forward to a more reliable ride in future. It's our fifth Hyundai so we are confident that it will be quite trouble free - if not there is a very comprehensive guarantee plus we purchased a 3 year service plan.

[@johnholst]

In Korea, the Ultimate trim also gets ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel. That's what those empty buttons are on the US model. I don't know why they would bother to take that out. I think most people would love those features.

[@oldshowfanatic77]

Alex, you were dead on in explaining the DCT. I was so done with TFL when they did that video of the Kona on "Gold Mine Hill". Keep up the good work. Your reviews are always detailed and informative.

[@btrswt35]

The video was a bit long, but hands down the best review video I've seen on KZbin. The explanation of the dual clutch transmission and the comparison at the end helped clarify a lot.

[@mcalebeb]

Best subcompact powertrain. Hands down.

[@rleung2001]

Your interior review is better than others. The popup message box is nice too. Viewers can read the number easily.

[@ThatWasherNerd]

I hated the styling of the pre-refreshed Cherokee, but I absolutely love the styling of this thing.

[@JakeDrives1]

Trunk comfort index .. YAASSS ALEX, YAAAS !! I’m so glad you brought it back. This Kona Ultimate In this radioactive green is SOO “want”. Such a cool little car. Another great review. Thank you !!

[@runforit420]

Alex, your reviews are class-act! It's been incredible to see how much your reviewing style has changed over the years (the first one I watched was the Chrysler 200 review a long time ago).

[@pierrelescouflair450]

Maybe it was the car. Lol

[@runforit420]

He even gave a somewhat positive review of the first generation of Chrysler 200 too. That is hard to do anyways!

[@DriveAndBeDriven]

Great review, as always, Alex! The Kona definitely seems like it is amongst one of "the cars to beat" in the pretty competitive Sub-Compact Utility Vehicle segment. From one car reviewer to another, keep up the impeccable work! I can't wait to get my hands on the all-new Kona, as well.

[@themidimachine]

Not particularly a fan of the exterior look of the Kona, but I drove one today and was shocked at how good it was. I also drove an Elantra Sport, and it felt a bit boring in comparison to the Kona. Plenty of power and great handling. The interior, while a touch basic, is also well done. I've given up on getting an Elantra GT Sport, since my dealer is unable to get one this year. Kona 1.6t Ultimate is in my sights now. It's a big pricey for the size, but I think it's a car that I'm going to want to drive for fun, rather than because I have to go somewhere, which is how I feel in my current wallowy Santa Fe.

[@pepstein]

Nice job describing and demonstrating the pros and cons of dual clutch transmissions.

[@davidgiles9751]

I can't put my finger on it, but there's something about this 1.6l turbo AWD Kona that I really like. Oh yea, it's the 1.6l turbo with AWD.

[@Daniel-xg3ul]

Got mine a few days ago and love it. I have the Limited and the 1.6 turbo has plenty of get up and go.

[@troyboy6969]

I purchased the exact vehicle that you test drove and I love it. Fun to drive and tons of technology features.

[@BanBiofuels]

Alex, I like the looks of the Kona and somehow this vehicle suits you. It looks like your vehicle.

[@swanblake]

For this class, I'd say the 1.6L turbo equipped Kona is the best in segment followed by the Volvo XC40 as the best in this segment for the luxury end

[@KirkKreifels]

Blake Swan until the Lexus UX cones this winter 😉

[@dkk4169]

LEXUriouS Kirk I think the upcoming UX looks promising, but that car will likely cost $10,000 more than a loaded Kona so not a true comparison.

[@KirkKreifels]

D K K agree. I was responding that it will beat the xc40 ;)

[@darexdarex]

MINI Countryman S beats UX in every way.

[@gregrandall1928]

The Kona 1.6T is 3 seconds faster to 60Mph than the Crostrek and 7 seconds faster to 100Mph. The Hyundai drives better, has a better warranty and is cheaper. Hyundai kicks Suburu butt all day long.

[@michaels5691]

I like the Kona but the XV will run circles around the Kona in the dirt.

[@gregrandall1928]

@@michaels5691 The Crostrek is so slow it could never catch up to the Kona which is 3 secs faster 0 to 60MPH, If by some miracle it ever did catch up it would not run circles around the Kona it would drive off into the trees. As the Crostrek I test drove before buying my Kona understeered so badly it skidded straight ahead whilst trying to go around a tight bend. The Kona on the same bend powers around the corner and goes exactly where its pointed. Its why the Hyundai Kona won small SUV of the year 2020 in the USA and Australia and the Crostrek won the " Ill still sell because people dont test drive and think subuar's are still a good car award"

[@michaels5691]

@@gregrandall1928 "IN THE DIRT". Kona's transmission will overheat if it tries to keep up with a Subaru. I like the Kona and I'd probably buy one if I was in the market for a small suv but Subaru shines off road.

[@TheAdventureAuto]

I like the front end. It has a lot going on, but it works in a futuriatic way.

[@timothyrobson3325]

Very accurate review. Great little car. Too much noise but really only a problem in the back seat at highway speeds.

[@ugeneroca]

I’ve been looking a the Impreza Sport hatch with the CVT for my next purchase, this video inspires the curiosity I already had for the quirky looking CUV with the awd Kona.

[@JamesRussoMillas]

You know Alex likes the car when he hops into the trunk 😂😂

[@tedfoster2823]

My wife and I just purchased a Kona Ultimate this past weekend after we test drove a CX3 and the Rogue Sport. Hands down, the Kona won among the three. Fun, loaded, and quick little ride. If you are in the market for a sub compact SUV be sure to test drive one of these. You will be surprised that the little Hyundai is a top contender.

[@fiveofever2971]

I opted for the CX3..The Kona cheap looking interior, uncomfortable seats and dual clutch transmission, combine with it's lack of ergonomics compared to the CX3 made the choice for me.. The only advantage to the Kona is the turbo.

[@tedfoster2823]

@@fiveofever2971 Good choice as well. The CX-3 had cramped legroom in the drivers side and the infotainment is falling behind. Im currently hitting 36mpg and the DCT is a little odd feeling but the turbo Ultimate makes a huge difference. No regrets at all with the Kona. Mazda is due for some updates and if they do, Im sure it will be the top choice in the future.

[@dman1848]

Happy Kona owner here. Highly recommend

[@kens97sto171]

Great review as always. There is a EV version of the Kona . Bjorn is testing one now. Long range. 300 miles I think. Be cool if you can test one once they get here.

[@pepstein]

250 mile EPA range, not 300, which is still pretty impressive. It's a bit more than Chevy Bolt, at 238 miles, and a decent bump over the short range version of Tesla Model 3, at 220 miles. But that's got Supercharging, which is far more valuable than an extra 30 miles of range. It'll be interesting to see how this compares to the longer range Nissan Leaf, that's supposed to finally get a proper battery thermal management system.

[@3lilcaboys]

Just wish you would have added the safety ratings.

[@Joshtheman99]

Wow excellent informative review. First time watching one of your videos. Impressive format.

[@adoreslaurel]

The dual clutch set up is going to suffer premature wear if the have a lot of stop/start in traffic jam situations, also any turbo with direct injection is going to suffer 'Fur" lining the manifold and surface of the inlet valves and may require expensive maintenance and the miles build up, this applies to just about any make, however Toyota and one other, I think are fitting manifold and direct injection to try and keep the inlet tract clean.good argument for a "catch can" like is touted for use in Diesels.

[@adoreslaurel]

@Jorn Navarre Well if that comes through inly into the combustion chamber, how can it get near the surface of the valve guide area?

[@Jpee123]

Its funny when my elantra sport rolls backwards, I would always say this thing needs hill assist,,lol but the way you broke down the explanation about the transmission makes so much sense now, thanks 👍👍

[@aztek431]

Great review, Alex! I appreciate your details and vehicle comparisons as well.

[@lawl3zz]

very in-depth review...loved the emphasis on the transmission; its perks and drawbacks

[@dretech]

It looks incredibly attractive to my eyes especially in this lime green persona!

[@tonywilliams9796]

Good overall review. He lets the user know about positives and negative aspects of the Kona and the other small utes. Value bang for buck! But of course, it's really about all what the driver wants and feels. If it's not the Kona great... if it is... so what if the owners are happy about their purchases. Happy driving either way!

[@juliodg2139]

hi man i enjoy all your videos very professional, i have a question about compact suv like this hyundai kona regarding reliability, which do you think is the best option, it is for my mom and she wants something reliable in the long term, thanks

[@fitzgoblin81]

I like the Kona - nice for trips to the Mt. or beach! Great video. Wonder how it handles in the snow?

[@leeg3784]

I heard VERY WELL. I test drove one, I'm in MN, and sales people all said it was a beast in the snow. 6.7" ground clearance and good tires with AWD.

[@theodorekell]

Alex, do you know what is fast vs quick? Faster is the car with most top speed. What you talking is "quicker", like 0-60

[@EM.1.]

Alex, which is the better model? A)2019 Mazda CX-3 B)Hyundai Kona C)Nissan Rouge Sport

[@dhruvasingu2895]

Kon

[@lannyfreshman961]

Am strongly considering a bright red Kona in the high trim. Very much appreciate the thorough review. In my area (Syracuse , NY) I don't think I have seen any 2018 versions on the road. Does this suggest that our local dealers would like to give a good price to get their product where it can be seen? I would also add that the 5yr./60,000 mile warranty on a new model is very attractive.

[@carlosh7166]

Great review makes me want to trade in my 2013 Hyundai Accent HB which I love.

[@Peppermint1]

It is an interesting car smaller on the outside but pretty wide inside and with a good driving position, minivan like. Leather seats are very good, I'm 6ft and I am comfortable. Same for the rear seats. Alex, you are 6ft tall: if you can sit behind yourself it means there is quite a good amount of rear leg room. Maybe less than the competition, but it doesn't matter: most tall drivers will only have a child behind. I question the idea of sliding the front passenger seat all the way back, inclining it too much backwards, and lowering it as much as possible. That is a sitting position for a 6'3" tall person. I've seen other reviews slamming the Kona with 'small rear legroom' when it's actually quite the opposite. Car reviews have this issue of comparing too much: what really matters is if it's good enough for the average person and separately for the taller persons. The trunk IS small, not good for luggage trips to the airport. Surprisingly, the glove box sits quite low which makes the legroom for the front passenger limited. Fabric seats comfort is so-so, have to slam to close the doors, GPS only on the Ultimate trim (big mistake), heads-up display is useless, bad blind spot on the left side, hard center arm rest. Worth mentioning the Kona EV has no spare tire and no emergency jack, while also being quite low to the ground: only 6.5in clearance. Overall, to me the Kona feels more solid and more mature car than the typical Honda/Toyota/Mazda.

[@mustafakoseoglu2823]

DURING THIS MISERABLE TIMES OF KORONA VIRUS I FOUND OUT MORE ABOUT MY KONA !!! WHAT A GROUSE CAR TO EXPERIENCE !!!

[@OsojiNosferatu69]

I drove one of these pretty hard the other day. I was impressed for a CUV but not for an overall vehicle.

[@deba8069]

This is a great video review, especially the section that compares the Kone to similar vehicles. I am in the market for a sub-compact SVU (looking to upgrade but downsize from my 2002 Forester) and knowing what other vehicles are the competition and should be considered is a HUGE help.

[@islandgirl103]

Hi Alex, enjoyed this review. How do you think the turbo Kona compares to the turbo Soul? Also, have you heard if the Soul is supposed to get AWD in 2019?

[@johnholst]

Love your reviews Alex! You're the best! There was one very significant omission from this review however. Part of the reason that top model handles so well is because it comes with a fully independent rear suspension. To my knowledge, only the 1.6T with AWD gets it. It makes a big difference. I tried the 1.6D FWD and the 1.6T AWD and it was day and night on twisty roads.

[@fredbillie]

My understanding is that ALL Konas with AWD have the independent rear suspension.

[@damnhockey]

Nice looking car. Great review

[@SG-sz5vh]

I agree with you. Combine lamp modules, front AND rear, and ditch the black cladding...it is excessive and needs to be toned down a lot

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

I'm thinking of buy a used 18' Hyundai Kona.

[@mountainhobo]

15:20 [Car rolls backwards] - DCTs need traditional handbrakes. Electronic Auto Hold parking brake is overly complicated and too binary in operation. It's a fiddly solution to a problem better remedied by a simple handbrake.

[@timfranko8354]

mountainhobo that’s dramatic.

[@paulpurington8637]

I think it looks really sharp!

[@LuisMendoza-qv1er]

Looks awesome, wish it would come to my country though :/

[@centernyc]

Pls test more the active safety equipment, auto breaking, blind spot, lane assistant and auto driving

[@mostly_normal_man]

It works really really great.

[@patrislemair1754]

Looks nice. I just got mine. Really fun to drive.

[@nrcg2317]

Hyundai Kona...Top choice all the way around!!

[@mrla6240]

the Hyundai Kona Ironman Special edition looks really nice

[@schmo7777]

Yes, definitely better than the rest of the options! Especially that horrid cheap and ugly ecosport!

[@arthurguillaume5977]

Thanks Alex for another very detailed review about a pretty good subcompact vehicle. My Hyundai dealer did a big promotion on the Kona about 8 weeks ago, had hot dogs, drinks, chips for those who showed up to kick tires or test drive. I personally don't like the headlight treatment that Hyundai has gone to for this and the new Santa Fe. My wife liked the 2018 more and we bought one (loaded) instead of waiting for the 2019. One comment about your gravel road. I wonder how many people (not off-roaders) actually drive on that type of road? I don't think you should ding ride quality on vehicles based on that "over the mountain road" you have to travel each day.

[@laurenappa7233]

IMO the Kona EV solves many of the design “challenges” of the gas version. I hope it’s as much fun to drive.

[@shotgunz124]

How your Kona doing

[@siraff4461]

For the price and mpg you're as well off going for the next segment up. Much better choice of motors, more space and not a great deal different in cost in a lot of cases.

[@legambaz]

This is a very beautiful car. Inside and out.

[@pauleyebomb5850]

When comparing to the Honda HR-V you said the Kona doesn't have an adaptive cruise control but the Ultimate trim actually does. It's called SCC (smart cc). And unlike the Kona, the HR-V doesn't offer blind spot assist (also Honda only finally added Android Auto in 2019). After considering the HR-V for it's practicality I've come to conclude that the Kona is hands down the better car. It performs much better with similar fuel economy. Yes I would love the extra cargo space but that's not something you use everyday. However Kona only shines with the better engine on the Limited and Utlimate trim levels, don't bother with lower trims. AWD vs FWD is a pracitical choice but FWD is lighter and cheaper, get AWD only if necessary.

[@Combat556]

Looked at a new Kona Night edition, and the all new Tucson recently. The new Tucson has an 8 speed wet dual clutch vs the 7 speed dry dual clutch in the Kona. The AWD Kona rides better than the FWD version because of the independent rear suspension. If we go Kona, it will be the AWD Night.

[@mselliott7475]

Great review I like the comparisons .

[@jimtigrett5231]

Thank you for the price breakdown/options list! It's very helpful!

[@thatguy7119]

This was an extraordinarily good review. Well done.

[@Don-lw4cb]

A good comprehensive review.

[@lydiapollock5431]

Alex, how do you feel about the dual clutch transmission? Will it hold up over time? My husband and I are considering this vehicle. Believe it or not we might trade in our 2017 Honda CRV.

[@janlavallee4418]

I'm very leary of a DCT due to the 2012 Ford Focus I had. The transmission was in for repair four times, I finally dumped it. Lawsuits over it too. I don't want to end up in that situation again.

[@mahahazim9767]

Waiting to see another report about Sonata 2020! Thanks.

[@ryansherman3743]

i love the look of this kona

[@zaitcev0]

No shortie has empathy for taller people, but I think Alex should understand intellectually than drivers with longer legs will have knees higher off the floor, and therefore they cannot sense if the cushion long or short. It was the case for me.

[@Pikminiman]

And best of all, the Kona is getting an all-electric variant!

[@merlisangui8067]

Comprehensive information and I really appreciate the comparison between like cars.

[@peters1969]

Not abig fan of the separate light set up in the front and back. Also, don't understand why the front lights are separated differently then the back ones? In the front the blinkers are on top, while in the back they are at the bottom? This switch is just confusing to p]other drivers. I have driven a Kona in Europe as a rental and it was a very nice car to drive- firm, responsive, comfortable.

[@lv4689]

Thank you for all the information you divulge. Very informative

[@ElroyMcDuff]

Ergh, partial LED's? It's time to go all in guys. +1 for the rear turn signals being amber though =D

[@mikeperez5567]

The all new Iron Man edition has a full led light setup.

[@earlpainter2143]

I like the front end design, also like the previous Cherokee.

[@DarenSpinelle]

Nice video. Good job getting into the trunk #commitment. Appreciate the comparison charts. Would be nice to include pics of those comparative vehicles when coursing around the car. Thanks again.

[@johnmichaelMTBC]

I realize the Niro is a hybrid, but would you compare the Kona and the Niro? How do they stack up against each other?

[@ws7608]

Great review Alex... very detailed and I like the words you use on this like "divorced tail lights"... ha ha nice...

[@dr007md]

This is the first time I've heard Alex choose something over the Mazda 3 as far as fun in driving is concerned. =) Would you please do a review of the 2019 Hyundai Veloster? Would appreciate it much!! Thanks!

[@elil6758]

Great video. Super informative.

[@Sarkus01]

Alex, in both your previous Kona video and the this one you talk about the front end but fail to note that the next Tucson and Santa Fe are also adopting this look. The Kona isn't going to be unique in the Hyundai lineup.

[@swanblake]

Sarkus01 I disagree with you. The Santa Fe shown already over seas is much more subtle than this design. The Kona is much edgier

[@Sarkus01]

I'm not suggesting they are exactly the same, but the basic idea of marker lights on top separated from the headlights below, a very similar grill shape, etc., are very similar. As soon as I google 2019 Santa Fe I see what is, in general, the same front end look. Same with the 2019 Tucson. A few of the details vary is all.

[@techpappee]

Sarkus01 You're correct, it's the new 'design language' for Hyundai SUVs, every model. Top DRLs with separated lights in one fashion or another. Hyundai specifically mentions it in the US reveal of the bew 2019 Santa Fe and refreshed Tuscon along with Kona electric...

[@JakeDrives1]

Blake Swan the new Santa Fe is already available here and it wears this same design language. Pretty unique looking SUV. Can’t wait to see the ultimate trims with the high end lighting.

[@efavuzza73]

Alex I would like comparison with Buick Encore or Subaru Impreza

[@joskjj3625]

Awesome video Alex Hyundai is amazing estate the new kona

[@chrgav1286]

Joshua Jacob You know you can edit your own comment.

[@joskjj3625]

Chr Gav not a huge fan of editing but thanks I like to keep things original you know

[@polaris13]

Surprising that the Crosstrek was not mentioned. That's a great compact suv.

[@bradcreber75]

The reason the Crosstrek was mentioned is because the subcompact class Crosstrek is much better than the Kona and all its competitors. Best all wheel drive, best by far as resale value goes. All Subaru's have the least depreciation of most, if not all its competitors. Safest, 5 star IIHS crash test results. The only subcompact class vehicle that can tow 1500lbs, 1000lbs without brakes on the trailer. Not one subcompact class vehicle is recommended for towing other than the Crosstrek. Better fuel economy than some front wheel drive, 29MPG combined with 33 highway. CVT transmission is one of the best in the business. They are not the junk CVT transmission your thinking about years ago and the awful CVT transmission that Nissan had such problems with. No more rubber band effect and truly mimics the 7 gears ratio. The WRX and STI use the CVT. The new compact Lexus uses CVT and Audi has used CVT. The new Ascent Subaru 7 seater uses CVT transmission and tows 5000lbs. Crosstrek is a proven light off road vehicle with 8.7 inch of ground clearance. That's the same as the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, which is much more expensive and unreliable. The X-Mode system in the Crosstrek will get you out of pretty much everything, mud, deep snow. Subaru vehicles have the least depreciation than most any other vehicle. After 80,000kms or 3 years you'll get $1000 CDN more for your Crosstrek than the Mazda CX3. That's just one example, as the Mazda CX3 is rated as the top competitors to the Crosstrek. They say it's slow, yet the Honda HRV and Toyota subcompact class vehicle is slower than the Crosstrek. It's quite quick off the start and has no problem passing on the highway. Cruising nicely even at 80mph which is on USA where they allow that speed limit. If you want a bit more speed and need to pass or gear down or up, you can use the paddle shifters that work extremely well. Kona looks good and is a nice car. It's not of the quality as the Crosstrek especially the interior where the Kona looks pretty cheap and too much plastic in the interior. Doesn't have the space of the Crosstrek either. The Crosstrek is in the subcompact class yet many compact SUV class competition is comparing it the Crosstrek because of the size, and just how good it is. I've seen many KZbin video comparisons against the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and of your it's bigger Forester. If it can compete with these compact SUV class, than I see why the Crosstrek gets in a class by itself and beats the subcompact class vehicles by a long shot

[@bradcreber75]

I meant wasn't mentioned

[@Дмитро-х2г]

Crosstrek is compact, not subcompact. It's same size as Hyundai Tucson and Rav4. That's why it's not mentioned. But keep those conspiracy theories going.

[@bradcreber75]

@@Дмитро-х2г No, it's not the same size, it's in the subcompact class. The Forester, RAV4, and Tucson are compact class. The Crosstrek is in the subcompact class. Although it is a bit bigger than most of its other subcompact class. Such as the Kona, Honda HRV, although the HRV has more interior cargo space. Crosstrek is a subcompact class vehicle. IT IS NOT A COMPACT SUV CLASS, such as the RAV4, Tucson, Kia Sportage and the compact Honda CRV or the Forester. These are all Compact SUV class. Even though the Crosstrek has some larger dimensions it's still in the subcompact class. I didn't make the Crosstrek a subcompact class. The automotive industry has labelled it as such

[@Дмитро-х2г]

Brad Creber Crosstrek is 176"x71"x64" Tucson is 176"x73"x65" Kona is 164"x71"x61" Crosstrek is compact CUV based on Impreza which is a COMPACT sedan.

[@adoreslaurel]

In Australia, we normally get full size spares on SUV's from Hyundai/Kia, but they went lousy on the Kona and gave us an undersize spare, it's about 37 MM LESS in O/D, so you limp along tilted to one side, hence the need for proper spare, as its $800 for a new alloy rim.OUCH.