2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD | Better than the Alternatives

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Sat in this "Yellow Submarine" last week when I took my 2022 Kona Limited in for it's annual oil change/tire rotation. Very comfortable and love the larger size and super high tech interior. I'm into all the "bells and whistles", so the heated AND cooled seats, side mirror cameras, power lift gate, heated steering wheel, navigation, over the air updates, all come standard! Oh, and the AWD version includes a SPARE TIRE! Unlike the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (WTF?). Can't wait to freak out my neighbors with the Self Park feature as I stand in my driveway while the car self parks into the garage. Okay, so 26 mpg really SUCKS (no hybrid version selling in North America, boo hoo) but after 2 years of driving my 2022 Kona Limited, I just turned 8200 miles so the low mpg won't really matter to me.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@primemoverRR]

Awesome and thorough review of a car we are seriously considering for our next lease in five months. Hopefully by then they have updated the software so that it comes with the wireless Apple Car Play. I LOVE that you showed that you'd been listening to the Ray Conniff "Christmas With Coniff" album, one of my all-time favorite Christmas albums! Kudos!

[@GTGarageTalk]

Happy to help. Should have the updated software within that time.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

Kona has Over-the-air updates available so even if the Apple Car Play isn't there yet, it will be super easy to download when ready (I hate using a flash drive every 6 months to update my 2022 Kona software/navigation).

[@chris-fm6jp]

Agree on the gauge cluster settings. It'd be nice if there could be a central / digital speedo in the middle with supplemental info off to each side as desired. It is a large display for instruments that unless you put it in the pseudo analogue setting leaves a ton of basically blank or black space. My idea would be that they could put the trip stats to one side and perhaps (if desired) put the htrac layout on the other. or stack the fuel, engine temp or other engine-related gauges in a bar format of some type - sort of similar to what I've seen the Elantra N line cluster show in format / approach. In terms of the ride quality, the problem is Hyundai (along with other car mfgs) seem obsessed with putting very large wheels with low aspect ratio tires that simply don't have enough sidewall height to effectively function as part of dampening road imperfections. If I were to get one I'd look to swap out these 19"s with a set of the base trim 17" wheels and tires (if they would clear the brake rotors / calipers). I've watched reviews of that base trim level Kona and the reviewer reported a fairly compliant ride without harshness.

[@cindykeselowski899]

I really like this new Kona Limited but the mileage isn't great. I'm comparing it to the Kia Niro which does get great mileage. AWD doesn't matter but not sure the Niro has enough punch/acceleration...your thoughts please?

[@GTGarageTalk]

We recently got out of a Kia Niro plug-in hybrid, and thought it had the same level of acceleration as this Kona

[@GTGarageTalk]

Video coming soon

[@Steve_in_NJ]

I compared the Kona Limited to same model equivalent in the Niro and the Niro adds about $6000 to the cost!?!?

[@cindykeselowski899]

​@@Steve_in_NJComparable EX Touring Niro is priced very close to the Kona

[@richdc7654]

I would buy the hybrid version of this they sell in other countries. Disappointed they dont sell it in USA.

[@GTGarageTalk]

I even asked them about it, no current plans.

[@ckyung1312]

It would be great if they mounted the turn signals above bumper level instead of on the bumper. Just one thing, but it looks weird, seems less practical in terms of safety, and any low speed rear bumper accident could be much more costly.

[@tedrik1346]

Would have liked the review in any other exterior color..cyber gray with light gray interior looks really classy.

[@GTGarageTalk]

Lucky for you…kzbin.info/www/bejne/iGjEaXyfeKafrZosi=tP5YWr3y4YsCQUo-

[@mattgiunt]

Low profile tires are a miss for Hyundai. Potholes or street cracks will destroy these tires. Yes they look good but should be offered as an option. Give me regular tires and I might consider a purchase.

[@allaboutmyart5706]

What's up with the cr*p mileage? I was all set until I saw 26mpg 😢

[@GTGarageTalk]

The vehicle was designed as an EV first and foremost. I asked if they plan on a hybrid or PHEV and they said there are not currently plans.

[@floriankrill650]

Here in Germany, they sell a hybrid (no PHEV) version that has decent fuel economy. I own the 1.6 T-GDI FWD and am somehwat fine with the 30mpg i get from it. What i'd like is a bigger fuel tank

[@NIKEB0ARD]

EV's are still literally selling at 50% YOY.