Unveiling The Unbeatable Hyundai Kona Hybrid 2024: Does This Small SUV Reign Supreme? | Drive.com.au

[@lee-annemouritz2632]

I bought my Premium N Line hybrid 6 weeks ago, and I love her so much. I only fuel up now every 2 to 3 weeks, around $35 to $50 depending price on fuel. Yes, the speed alert is a bit annoying, but it only takes 20 seconds to turn off each time, it's not that bad. Yes, it has a couple things that Hyundai need to fix, but other more expensive cars have problems as well. My boss just bought a new $175K Range Rover, having so many problems with it, has been back to dealer 5 times to fix problems. Anyway my Kona is a really lovely car to drive, seats are so comfortable. I did test drove the Toyota Koba Hybrid (too claustrophobic in the cabin) Nissan Qashqai (not that impressed, fuel consumption not very good and a little uncomfortable to drive), Kia Sportage( was border ok, the Hybrid variant will come out soon but will be pricy) and Skoda Kamiq, which the Kamiq was my second choice, but I liked the Kona, it looks funky.

[@bradleyhill8293]

The star buttons in the vehicle can be customised. Allowing you to head straight to the drivers assistants menu. It's not ideal, however it definitely speeds up the deactivation process.

[@Jacobdagunner]

14:34 - The driver attention warning and traffic sign recognition/speed limit warning issue is significant and Hyundai needs to urgently fix it. Give customers an option to permanently turn it off. I wont consider buying this Kona until this is fixed as I'm sure most of you are in the same boat.

[@HuyTranimal]

Have the Ioniq and it doesn't bother me anymore. We will be buying the hybrid Kona too this year to replace an ageing i30.

[@davidtaylor3]

Totally agree Hyundai needs to address this issue urgently. How can anyone think it’s a good idea? It’s the one thing that spoils the new Kona for me.

[@johnduong2710]

I have a palisade and i told you, super annoying. Hope they fix this issue soon.

[@HuyTranimal]

@@darthmelbius tried that and it doesn't work for me in Ioniq. Still beeps and bongs.

[@benthompson6326]

@@johnduong2710 its the only thing thats made me hold of wanting to buy it

[@shanestone2349]

We test drove the Hybrid, I was really impressed how it drove. Very smooth, and zippy off the line too.

[@ausme1]

I test drove the 2024 kona hybrid today in Australia (2nd time driving the car) and was able to mute the alarms completely for speed limit, once you have set your sound preference it remained after I'd turned the car on and off. It made it much more pleasant to drive and you still have the flashing signals on the dash as a warning if you go over speed. It still pinged for the driver attention warning on mute but I did not find this distracting as it rarely went off. I'm not sure whether this function can be muted in another section of the settings but this has not stopped me putting in an order.

[@jessiexm90]

How did you mute the alarms?

[@phizzle24]

​@@jessiexm90🔨😂

[@ozcurly1]

I spoke to a Hyundai salesman and he said even though you can't turn off the speed detection system, they have worked out how to turn the volume of the alarm down to zero so you don't get the audible alarm. I haven't seen it done so can't confirm.

[@ausme1]

I test drove today and can confirm you can mute the volume and this preference stays in place, even if you turn the car off and on again

[@AdrienPierret]

@@ausme1 Does it mute anything else though? Like a technical problem alarm or something like this that you wouldn't want to mute?

[@ausme1]

I only test drove the car so can't say for certain but the driver alert system still beeped even when on mute. The flashing signs of the speed limit warning were sufficient when driving even if the alarm was on mute. Hope this helps!@@AdrienPierret

[@vickieveitch]

@@AdrienPierretthat’s my qn too 👍🏼

[@davidtaylor3]

Totally agree about the annoying speed alarm! I can’t believe Hyundai would allow such an under-baked system on a production car. It’s a great way to annoy and frustrate your customers and spoils what is otherwise a great car! I’ve actually ordered this exact model and I really hope Hyundai does something about this ridiculous feature via a software update soon. The US-spec model allows you to turn off the audible warning permanently, so they can definitely do it!

[@adamslattery5445]

I have a petrol kona and have just set the volume to mute and now leave it on as just a warning on the dash

[@davidtaylor3]

@@adamslattery5445 I was under the impression that the warnings couldn’t be completely muted, but if that works then I’d be happy with that. I should be getting the car in a couple of days, so will try it out, thanks!

[@adamslattery5445]

@davidtaylor3 yes in the settings you have tge volume setting which you turn down to nothing

[@jessiexm90]

@@adamslattery5445how did you do that?

[@haitchbee880]

3:15 Remote Smart Parking Assist. This would be really good for drivers that have narrow carport parking spaces.

[@TheMaxmachete]

What is the size of the fuel tank? I think it is information that is needed in order to calculate range

[@Drivecomau]

The Kona Hybrid range is equipped with a 38-litre fuel tank, at the claimed consumption of 3.9L/100km the theoritical driving range is 974km, but if you used 4.3L/100km like we did on test that drops to 883km per tank.

[@TheHayabusa09]

Great review! Question: What is the blank space to the far right of the instrument binnacle? I can only guess it might be a speaker??

[@Drivecomau]

It's styled to look like a speaker, but it is just a plastic panel with a fabric overlay. A little styling detail.

[@saligaurav]

Does this have an option of heads up display? Thanks

[@Drivecomau]

The Kona Hybrid range isn't fitted with a head-up display in Australia, however the Kona Electric Premium is the only model in the range to have a HUD fitted as standard.

[@saligaurav]

@@Drivecomau thank you

[@nickyp7467]

Just got mine in Barbados two days ago. Love it!

[@cnf92]

Couple months later… still love it?

[@steveberg2685]

Nice to get an opinion that's not sugarcoated.

[@HuyTranimal]

This is the model we're getting! Same colour too. Looks like you guys were in Rhodes. No mention of the HUD which is a game changer for safe driving/navigating unfamiliar roads.

[@davidtaylor3]

The HUD is only available on the EV model as far as I’m aware

[@HuyTranimal]

@@davidtaylor3 you're right about that. EV Premium has it. Shame... Because it's really handy. I have it in my Ioniq. We will still go ahead with the Hybrid Premium purchase regardless.

[@davidtaylor3]

@@HuyTranimal agreed, I have it on my CX-5 and it is very handy for keeping an eye on your speed without having to take your eyes off the road. Shame it’s not on the Kona hybrid, but at least the drivers display is clear and easy to read at a glance

[@yetiboy01australia23]

@@davidtaylor3 What are Hyundai thinking, thats a huge omission, I use it all the time on my CX30 & rarely have to take my eyes off the road to look at the dash anymore.

[@sirmcsquid5781]

Review for the hybrid i30 sedan incoming?

[@Drivecomau]

The i30 Hybrid range is set for an Australian launch in February, and we'll have video from that event plus a dedicated single car review (on our own terms) coming soon

[@therealjeffg]

Great review, thanks. Well done for pressing the point home re the speed sign recognition system. Hopefully Hyundai will take notice and fix it. It is commented on by most car reviewers. If these safety systems aren’t accurate then they won’t be used so what is the point of them? Toyota’s RAV4 speed sign recognition system works well. But I do like the efficiency Hyundai are achieving with these hybrids so hats off to them for that.

[@EarthlyHabits]

Awesome review. Is the speedo out by 5-7 kms like our 2021 model???

[@jayson8118]

All cars are speedos read 3-4 less so if you creep over the speed limit by that much you don't get hit by a speed camera. However here in Australia Qld Brisbane area people don't seem to give a shit about speed limits. However you shouldn't be out by 5-7 or is that in Miles per hr ?

[@benjidaniel5595]

It actually is wireless for Apple CarPlay. Not sure about Android Auto

[@timothybush7050]

I want it. But my grioe with it is heated steering wheel instead of a cooling steering wheel. Its hot 3/4 of the year where it burns your hands . Need cold steering wheels

[@TheRoyp80]

The question is . Will the fix be something that would get later on as a firmware update etc to people that buy it now ?

[@benjidaniel5595]

I don’t know but would expect so. I believe you can update the firmware yourself wirelessly

[@sachah2400]

NCAP europe crash tested the new kona and it just made 4 stars. This was 5 weeks ago. So this video is out of date. Only 1 point from getting a 3 stars crash rating. So ANCAP will be the same. Chest protection for the driver was marginal. You can look up the results. A very poor result was the statement on the press release from NCAP.

[@davidtaylor3]

Was it marked down because it’s missing some electronic nanny aids? Which ones specifically? And how does it compare with other cars in the small SUV segment with regards to those specific safety features? It’s hard to do a direct comparison with other cars in the segment when it was tested against a different set of criteria, which makes a total mockery of the star ratings.

[@crunchynetto6979]

you going for race on the road mate? 😅😅 joking~

[@alanclarkeau]

Ours, I believe, come from Korea, not Czech like EU. Could be very different car.

[@GlendaSinging]

Great review, thanks. I'm collecting my new one next week, appreciate the tips in the comments about muting the warnings. Test drive was great, can't wait!

[@Drivecomau]

Glad you enjoyed the review. You've made a good choice there, so enjoy your new car when it arrives!

[@salehtaha826]

I love the car it's a wonderful to have but as you said sometimes it gives you wrong information and the beeb is a bit annoying I hope they can fix it sooner

[@grantericson9245]

I have a new N Line, the best car I have ever owned, except for the speed sign recognition. I live near a few schools, and it dings every time I go past out-of-school hours. FIX IT HYUNDAI

[@chrisgray4239]

Thanks for highlighting problems with sensors...yes they are annoying and intrusive with everyday commuting. X1 😢

[@wednesdaygirl7]

Very well presented....

[@peterasmussen2933]

I would not buy a hyundai because of the mentioned problems with the sign reading. I can read road signs without help so why have that crap going on?

[@avid-ii4vk]

Why spend this much money for an alert system that drives you bananas?

[@shanea9613]

What's it like on rock steps Sam? 😊

[@Drivecomau]

Haha, I'm not game enough to find out! -Sam

[@dann5515]

i'm so glad the physical buttons and knob is back on separate from touch screen!

[@benjidaniel5595]

Note that there is no knob for navigating through the infotainment UI - you are forced to used the touchscreen unfortunately

[@dann5515]

@@benjidaniel5595 If they dont have physical buttons for climate control and ride modes and knob for volume and wind power they dont get my vote. who ever thought of every controls in touchscreen on driving vehicle are idiot. Same thing for the airforce flights if all in one touch screen. i am dead already in the war.

[@Kevinnice-rh2mq]

I was estatic to read that the over the air upgrade in my 2023 Setltos, now allows me to turn off the speed warning tones. I mistakenly thought I would be able to turn off the whole thing, but how wrong I was. Although the annoying bongs can be muted the speed sign recognition still works and flashes constantly albeit without noise. It still bongs when approaching roadabouts etc,. What we need Kia is a short cut or the option to turn off this annoying tool off permenantly. I will be selling my Seltos as soon as I find something that does not try to nanny me! Kevin.

[@chrishardy6720]

I test drove the 2 litre base model and found the whine of the engine an cvt far more annoying than the safety tech. Would be interesting to see the comparison back to back with the hybrid

[@AnnPullen-y7t]

I've had my hybrid Kona since March 2024 (uk) and I'm really pleased with it after giving up my beloved ageing Jagusr F'pace. However, the traffic sign recognition issue is really irritating and I've been back to my local dealer several times who have told me a fix is coming. I don't think it will ever come. This is one more step by a manufacturer towards autonomous driving cars and it meets the UK and Europe's requirements for all new vehicles to have a speed warning system. I think we are stick with the dawned bonging so I turn it off EVERY time I start the car or should I forget, just turn the radio/usb volume up!! I'd give it back if I could but I can't be without a car. Hyundai..... you disappointment me!!!

[@tonybennett638]

I own a cheapo base model petrol ive done 11,000k now and showing 6lt to the 100ks and I'm thinking that's OK ... would have rather a Toyota RAV hybrid but couldn't cop the waiting list that saying I reckon the Hyundai hybrid system may be problematic in the long run.

[@Aetisdios]

Hybrids seem complex if they break. Fine for maybe 5yrs but after that won’t they just become expensive 😊

[@alanclarkeau]

Not Toyotas - not sure about Hyundai though. The Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive is an extremely reliable system - will last the life of the car with minimal service. Brakes too, as most is regenerative braking. And Toyota puts a 10 year warranty on the battery.

[@gregroles69]

Yep, spot on. The Kona is the perfect size, price and spec for me, and I'd buy one tomorrow ( son in law is a Hyundai sales rep too! ), but for the dumb arse safety tech. Missus has a new Tucson, and it does my head in, even with as much turned off as I can. Why should I confirm, turn off and adjust the car every start, and have no options for over zealous radar cruise and seat belt brake locks when I just want to back it out on the driveway? Total nanny car, and a hard pass for me, just on safety crap.

[@RandomGuy-j8t]

All great until you a rock impacts the battery and they wanna 'charge' (see what i did there?) you CAD$60k to fix it, like with Ioniq5!! Hyundai wont help their customers

[@adi2082]

Shame it has DCT, the eCVT in the Toyota is much better and refined off the line, also more reliable. Would not trust Hyundai/Kia with the decade of engine issues they have had and the documented issues they have with their DCT.

[@Die-Sideways]

Pairing the hybrid power unit with a DCT seems ridiculous to me. Hybrids excel in stop-start urban driving, the very driving environment that DCTs are least suited to! The cynic in me thinks Hyundai are only interested in looking good on paper. DCTs can use less fuel than other transmissions, especially in the way the “official” testing is done. But in the real world I would’ve thought a DCT is NOT the best transmission for a hybrid. I’m really keen to see a comparison of the Kona hybrid with a Toyota Corolla Cross to see which drives better in a stop-start urban environment and which car has the better fuel economy.

[@davidtaylor3]

@@Die-Sideways have you actually driven the Kona hybrid? The electric motor helps get the car off the mark and it is extremely smooth. You can hardly tell when the petrol engine kicks in without looking at the dash display. I think it’s a great setup and perfectly suited to the hybrid.

[@andrewlavender4311]

Well I’ve driven both the Kona & cross hybrids & the transmission in the Kona is light years ahead of the cross. The cross wailed like a banshee every time I put my foot on the accelerator.

[@Die-Sideways]

⁠​⁠@@davidtaylor3 no I haven’t driven a Kona hybrid yet. I’m really keen to hear an engineer’s perspective on the difference between the Toyota and Hyundai hybrid systems. VW, Ford and Hyundai have given dual clutch transmissions a bad name so I’m wary of buying any car with a DCT. And it’s my understanding that DCTs are most problematic in start-stop conditions. Toyota without question are the leaders in hybrid technology, so there’s got to be a good reason why they don’t use a DCT or even a conventional automatic transmission. I think the Kona is a great car (except for the annoying speed alert system) so I’m more than happy if someone reputable can allay my concerns about the Hyundai DCT. Then I’d consider cancelling my Corolla Cross order and buying a Kona; once Hyundai fix that annoying speed alert system.

[@Die-Sideways]

@@andrewlavender4311 I can understand where you’re coming from but that’s the price you pay for a superbly engineered hybrid system. I can live with the sound of the eCVT, knowing that it is delivering super efficiency and reliability. The Toyota hybrid system really is a work of art as explained so well in this link kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWeUiJyegreXoK8si=EV1HcmvMpR3Qh_Fy The Toyota hybrid system is so much better than Hyundai’s in terms of longevity, reliability and maintenance as discussed here kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIundpl8jbKcd9Usi=uf5KnM1eOVrxoGEi

[@sachah2400]

Only the new MG 5 is much worse. A zero with ANCAP. Just pure landfill. Chinese junk.

[@johnmckay428]

omg why bother, just buy electric

[@GlendaSinging]

It's $10k cheaper than the electric. It doesn't require a charging station to be installed at your house or finding a charging station when travelling.

[@scraverX]

@@GlendaSinging Not only is the HEV around $10k cheeper... some of us can't also afford another few thousand to upgrade our power supply to handle charging an EV. Even snail charging it from a power outlet I would have to switch off a bunch of other stuff to not overload my circuits.

[@jayson8118]

Plus , frankly I don't trust the charging of batteries in fully electric cars either! There have been countless electric cars catch on fire in people's garages while charging !!

[@vickieveitch]

Because those of us in inner city houses only have off street parking. I’d love to have a garage or even just a driveway. When I ask car dealers what the solution is for us - they say “no idea”. I don’t think that’s good enough. If you want to sell a more expensive car I think you should at least be informed or invested in understanding the issue and potential options now and in the future. If govt’s were serious about our environment they’d ensure those of us without garages or driveways had greater options for charging close to home. Perhaps council-led facilities that recognise registered residents.

[@DjNikGnashers]

Unbeatable ? Look at the state of it, is absolutely disgusting to look at, hideous in fact. It actually offends my eyes, it is revolting.

[@jayson8118]

Yes yes ; well done trying to do your bit for the environment with your 300plus hp BMW !! ( Slow Clapping)

[@DjNikGnashers]

@@jayson8118 Yes Yes ; Well done for being so gullible that you drive a shitbox EV because you have been brainwashed into thinking your efforts make any difference whatsoever to global warming or the environmental global emissions (slow clapping).