Hyundai Kona Hybrid Review

Hey there everyone and welcome to my review of the new Hyundai Kona.
The first Kona arrived back in 2018 and allowed buyers to have a choice when it came to powering their small crossover. They could look at hybridisation or even a full Electric version.
Even though this was great for new buyers and the first generation was a great all-round crossover, it couldn't get out of the shadow of its Kia equivalent, the Niro.
So for this latest generation Kona, Hyundai have listened to their customers and what they wanted from the new car. Essentially more passenger space in the back, a bigger boot and more tech. Boy have we not been disappointed!
This latest generation is bigger, bolder and packed full of more tech.
Now available as a full ICE, Hybrid and EV, buyers still get to be able to choose the best version suitable for them.
For review is the new N Line Hybrid version of the Kona.
The EV will be reviewed in 2024.

[@hovelad]

Ordered ours over the weekend. Great review and look forwards to owning one once it is built. Good to see with software updates it does now have wireless Apple CarPlay!

[@Ambienfinity]

I thought the original was a bit generic, to be honest, but I agree, the new model looks somehow more solid and grown up. The interior also seems better than the previous model I drove a couple of years ago. Fantastic review, as ever, Dave.

[@DavidLewis555]

Great review that raises points no other reviews seem to have picked up. The regen in eco mode was interesting!

[@xXYellie12Xx]

Have test driven the 1.6T n line twice and absolutely love it - the totally right combination of tech, space and features for my needs and love the design - it feels more like a sporty hatch compared to its competitors. The hybrid isn’t available to test drive yet where I live, and so was really up in the air about the 1.6T or the hybrid. This is the first review I have seen of the hybrid and it’s completely convinced me that the 1.6T is the way to go, despite the far worse fuel economy. 11 seconds from 0-100 is SO SLOW compared to the 7.9 seconds in the 1.6T and the 6sp DCT compared to the 8sp torque converter also sounds far inferior. Hybrid would be best for people really wanting to be frugal, but if you are really wanting to be frugal I would be buying a far cheaper car like an MG haha.

[@AlanMacdonald-on6nd]

You have just made my choice harder between the Niro and Kona, having already driven both, my wife prefers the Kona I prefer the Niro 3, mind you she supports Celtic me Rangers so never going to agree lol😂

[@AutoBears]

Hi there Alan. I'm sorry to hear that I have made your choice more difficult. But which ever way you go you will have a great car to live with. Once the dust has settled, you'll have o let me know which car you went with. I'm happy to try and answer any questions you might have. Thanks.

[@AlanMacdonald-on6nd]

Thank you

[@philipreece4648]

I have an NLine S 1.6T on order in Alpine White with Two Tone Roof and Lux Pack - Hopefully delivered Late November - Test drove the Hybrid, Lovely car to drive. Only downside No Spare Included in the UK (everywhere else get it) and only 3 years subscription to the connected services (USA get lifetime) ?.

[@ysadeh]

Amazing car and great review

[@keithnewton8981]

Let look the drl its very similar to vw golf the preproduction ev i drove it lit day and nights will be interesting to see if ev retains full light bar.

[@ianross7150]

Thank you for a very comprehensive review. I'm very impressed with the fuel figures, but somewhat concerned about the hybrid performance. How does that performance affect overtaking and merging with 110kph highway speeds as we have in Australia?

[@scraverX]

I understand you need to plan your overtaking as it tends to “run out of legs”, so if you are a more aggressive over taker and don’t like sitting at or below the speed limit you might prefer something other than the hybrid Kona.

[@scraverX]

I will extend that by saying that if your regular daily commute is on highways at 110kmh then there are better options than a hybrid which tend to excel more at the stop start suburban type of driving.

[@michaelmashiter368]

Great review! What is the sound quality from the speakers like? Would I have to plug in the phone to play internet based music eg. Mixcloud, KZbin?

[@AutoBears]

Hi Michael, thank you so much for your comment. At present you would have to have your phone tethered to play internet based music. Or try via Bluetooth. The speakers in the Kona are decent and provide a clear sound. If you go for the N Line S you do get Bose sound system.

[@scraverX]

CarPlay is available via patch downloaded from the Hyundai website for all early manufactured (2023)vehicles new builds (Q2 2024 and beyond) will have it from the factory.

[@user-ny7rt6rt2e]

I wonder why they took the rubber out of the shelves? I love the reverse cameras perfect I have the 2021 kona which I do really like just the annoying beeps when you do something it doesn’t like. I’m ready to get a new car so I’m really interested in this new one.

[@stephenwakeman3074]

Great review - really thorough. Interested in your comment about economy though. You mentioned the MPG figure and said it was frugal but not as efficient as some other rivals. Which rivals in the same segment did you have in mind when you said that?

[@burtoburto4418]

Only thing that comes to mind would be a Toyota Yaris cross hybrid in Australia , but the wait for them is not worth it Tbh here , Kona is futuristic, perfect size for a family of four . I just bought one and will be deliver in 4 weeks , can’t wait 😎👍🏻

[@burtoburto4418]

Google Australian Kona Nline hybrid , looks sick with the wing at the back 👍🏻

[@PeteMc3]

Great review!

[@scraverX]

@@burtoburto4418it does, and comes in Neoteric Yellow which has emergency vehicle levels of visibility. (I’m on the list for a Premium, N-line Hybrid in Neoteric Yellow.)

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

waiting to get the spec's and prices here in Australia for the EV. Couple of week's we hope cant wait. Slighly downsizing from our Touson [IX35] 10 yr old, that has been faultless, but its Diesel and has to go.

[@grasho]

I really want that regen adjustment while in Eco for my Tucson HEV... exactly what I was thinking would be great, and they delivered that... but on another car :(

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

bit of wind/road noise, please explain....

[@bry120]

Which one should I buy, hybrid niro or hybrid kona?

[@paullongworth9607]

Thanks for the review. I have the Nero hybrid on order. However I had my Tuscon in for recall work last week and saw the kona, looked really nice. Yesterday I test drove the n line and lovely. Now I’ve got a real quandary. Do I stick with the Nero or change for Kona N line S. Very little price difference Help!!!

[@amoat7]

get the kona. I testdrove both. the kona has more features and is less expensive

[@paullongworth9607]

@@amoat7 have changed and ordered the N line S same price as Nero 3 more or less 👍

[@Ghostintheshell-wn5ej]

Imagine in my hillbilly country people are hating the looks! I love it!

[@DylanVR28]

Is this the Ecotronic grey colour?

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

very easy to line those area's with rubber diy.

[@mnj640]

I just can't get past the location of the head and tail lights just seem too low to me

[@ThaPietjah]

I like the cleaner interior look of the Niro more.

[@user-eb5nf8qe5d]

Hi, you did not mention anything about towing capacity. Can you pls give your thoughts? Thanks

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

standard 600kg unbraked, 1300kg braked.

[@Steve_in_NJ]

It took me about 20 seconds to realize that this is in Australia! The driver's side is on the "wrong" side for us in the U.S. and sadly, we won't be getting the Hybrid version any time soon. I'm driving a 2022 Kona Limited FWD ICE (that's Front Wheel Drive, Internal Combustion Engine) and it's my 2nd. Love the 2022 a whole lot more than my 2019 version, but would lease again in late 2024 (2025 model year) IF I could afford the new car. I'd take a hybrid over EV for now but lots can happen with the American economy in a year left of my current lease.

[@AutoBears]

G’day Steve! I’m sorry to inform you but, you’re about 9,500 miles away from where this review is coming from. The UK. Where we too drive on the right side of the car and left side of the road. It’s ok. You’re forgiven. I’m happy to hear you’re loving your Kona also. Hopefully you’ll be able to enjoy the 2023 version. In the meantime, sending you big bear hugs while I put a shrimp on the barbie with a nice cup of tea! 😉 Hugs.

[@jasonwright9405]

Uk Sth Africa Australia New Zealand right side. Don’t understand why Europe except uk use left. Bizzare.

[@gerihayes2659]

​@@jasonwright9405google it.

[@Colintetts]

No this is the UK

[@caskraker]

As a Tucson owner I can see the similarities on the outside. But inside this Kona falls way back in space and quality. That centre console is just cheap. It really is more than one step below the Tucson. I would never consider an N-line on these crossovers. Go for the top spec (named Premium in the Netherlands) and you have a choice for the light grey interior which is way nicer than this boring black.

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

the 2 tone interior with sunroof is much lighter inside. Black interior is for younger people imo.

[@timothybush7050]

I don't want the every car ever black either

[@caskraker]

@@timothybush7050 do hou want every ever ver every?

[@CelareOfficial]

@@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834The only thing about white interior is the cleaning. Thats why i prefer black due to being easier to clean

[@joeleung6835]

Beside the sunroof, any other difference between N Line S and ultimate?

[@brianiswrong]

Ultimate has full leather seats, you can however get the ultimate with the N line S seats and red stitching

[@joeleung6835]

I quite like the sunroof, but the front and grill looks a lot better at N Line S

[@exex9378]

When to see one and It looked fantastic on the outside but sadly the interior hard plastics didn’t make me feel I was in a luxury car

[@scraverX]

If you follow at a safe distance the tail lights are at an acceptable height, this is a crossover, after all. Look at it side by side with say an i30 and they don’t look so low.

[@Gotwald77]

you say there are cars more comfortable at this segment. May you say which ones are more comfortable?

[@AutoBears]

Yes of course. The Skoda Kamiq comes to mind. Also the Citroen C3 Aircrews.

[@noraderbedrossian4352]

Where on earth you can drive at 110 Kim’s. We have 50 km or less all over Toronto and 100 on the 401.

[@AutoBears]

You best hop over to the UK and enjoy the A15.

[@lilxsweet]

NZ and Australia ❤

[@EmilAlexandru]

Yet no heads up display on the newer Kona compared to the previous model.

[@keithnewton8981]

The moss grey leather interior really does make the interior of the car a more pleasant place to be. The dark, trims do nothing for this car. The two tone interior really make the car look and feel more premium. I hope hyundia offer the two interior. As the black of your car look cheap and date when compared tomwhat Chinese brands are offering and lower prices.

[@CelareOfficial]

Dont get Chinese cars. They are insanely unreliable

[@gordonmccartney5648]

Apart from the dial screens the rest of the interior looks pre gen maybe even pre pre gen

[@keithnewton8981]

What to believe i drove this model back in may2023 along with ev . The car been in the mediq for 8 month so most people know what it is they dont have to believe we can see it .

[@AutoBears]

Hi there Keith. That’s great to hear. What’s your publication?

[@keithnewton8981]

Why are you asking about publication. You don't have to be a car reviewer to get these vehicle am I glad I am not because I can be honest I don't have to keep them sweet but then I don't share my major critisms outside the manufactures and Import agents.. but the kona been in the showroom since July the about 8 running in my lock area the ev is being delivered to customers as we speak. I do feel sorry for car reviewer because you cannot be totally honest as you want get invited back . When they had the car down at London show in May vfor general public to look at they where still think about interior colour so I told ask the people which one they would like. Manufacture are learning people do want black. The Chinese listen better than the established brands and the act quicker

[@Hicham017]

Why dont you do some accelertion man, drive around kick down it so we can see what it can do. maybe add 0-62 in your videos

[@AutoBears]

Sounds like I should add a pov video of the Kona which includes a 0-60. Thanks for asking.

[@CaptainKA320]

it's a real pitty, great looking car outside, however too much hard plastic inside. It makes the car look below a premium standard. This alone has put me off, plus no wireless CarPlay? Thats a big misstake, shame as I am looking to change my car in the spring of next year.

[@scraverX]

Wireless CarPlay is available via update (USB) for all 2023 delivered versions and comes from the factory on all 2024 assembled versions.

[@WingMan1]

Yeah agreed. Might be a deal breaker for me as well. Such a shame.

[@jestoshin7903]

Indicators are placed very low 🤦🏻🤦🏻

[@scraverX]

There are indicators on the wing mirrors too. Also, if you are in a standard sedan and following “at a safe distance” they are perfectly visible given this is a crossover and sits a little higher than a sedan or hatch.

[@AxTenTen]

I have taken this car for test drive, its not comfortable nor drives smooth! Feels bit stiff.

[@marksweet8740]

Sorry gorgeous and SUV don't belong in the same sentence. Also its not bad on the outside but inside it looks cheap and a bit shabby it looks a bit like an old computer game console in a couple of areas.

[@scraverX]

Old game console… ha! That’s why I like it 😂

[@joe80ss]

Kia Niro inside looks better.

[@CelareOfficial]

So you are saying you like the white plastic on the doors? You have to be lying. The kona premium has ambient lighting compared to some chinese counterpart

[@joe80ss]

@NelsonGamesAndTransport are you on about the old model. I have the new model there's no "white plastic doors"

[@dancooper2072]

That interior looks cheap and meh...prefer the Renault Austral

[@AutoBears]

Thanks for your comment Dan. I think you mean the Captur as that’s a rival to the Kona.

[@dancooper2072]

@@AutoBears ok. Take your pick

[@caskraker]

@@dancooper2072Tuareg? Macan? Just a few senseless picks.

[@dancooper2072]

@@caskraker meant take your pick from my preference, don't know or like any of the cars you just mentioned.

[@DJAYPAZ]

The Austral is much more attractive. The Kona is probably cheaper though.

[@stephenlaw9827]

Ugly car😢

[@rivergladesgardenrailroad8834]

so not for you then