2018 Hyundai Kona 1.6T - Turbos Make Everything Better

[@moraskovich]

Love this car. Purchased Kona Ultimate in May for my daughter in college (upstate NY). Liked how it drove so much, purchased another Kona Ultimate in August for my youngest driver. Drove many cars before purchase including the Mazda CX3, Subaru Crosstrek, Subaru WRX, VW Alltrack, and Jeep Cherokee. Hands down, the Kona has the best driving experience and has the best warranty (5yr/60,000 miles bumper to bumper). It is small and hatch space is limited. Takes some work to stuff a bike in the back with the seats down. The 1.6T engine is fantastic and in sport mode is responsive and great for mountain driving. The all-wheel drive system has been unstoppable so far in the snow (did fit it with snow tires). What sold me on this car was the drive experience, warranty, and loads of safety features. The DCT is much more enjoyable than a CVT - especially in the mountains. I would NOT recommend it for off-roading though as it can overheat the DCT under heavy load. The look of the Kona is unique - either love it or hate it. My daughters love it and sets it apart from the sea of Subarus in our mountain town. Just my 2 cents.

[@whatwhat8524]

Mark O Thanks, thinking of buying for my 17 y/o daughter. I don't know why any parent would buy a car for their kids w/o all the safety features offered today. Daughter wants it because of the crazy green color and quirky appearance. Son got the Rav4.

[@omardelatorre3359]

Mark O what do you do for a living? Lol

[@Young_Travels]

Spoil much?

[@waffle2489]

thats a weird flex but ok thanks

[@kylemontano228]

Mark O wrx would have been cooler but I see the appeal of the kona

[@kridreklaw]

Love my Kona have had it almost 6 months now. Solid build quality, fast 7 speed dual clutch, good infotainment system and comfy leather seats.

[@Artecus]

Hello, DW, your comment is now four years young. Do you still have the Kona and has it been reliable? I have the same engine in my Tucson 1.6T; the turbo cracked at 43,000 miles and it was replaced under factory warranty. Otherwise, no power train issues. And yours? Cross shopping against CX-30, RAV4, Corolla Cross hybrid.

[@jomarstreeter4080]

Your reviews are so calming, I actually watch them on my lunch break and eat my food lol. I'm thinking "oh cool a new episode"! I can't be the only one who does that haha

[@thearousedeunuch]

You aren't the only one who does that. I do that with car and electronic product reviews. :)

[@matthewgeneclayander]

Im doing this right now

[@Hypnodog_]

I always save redline videos for lunch, it's almost as long as a full TV episode

[@chrisohara4777]

I do this every day at work.

[@gabrielrogers5271]

Jomar Streeter I do too

[@mr.2cents.846]

I love the Kona. It look muscular. Great proportions. Not too big. And with the 1.6L turbo it is zippy. Likes to corner thanks to Hyundai's own high strength steel. Which is why it is not so heavy yet stiff and nimble. I tried three time to get the Unlimited versions at three different dealerships. Sorry, my credit history didn't allowed it.

[@dygardion9130]

I love watching people complain about the dashboard being hard in a entry level vehicle and proceed to bang on it, like the average person ISNT going to do that or care....

[@ryanlittleton5615]

It's quite refreshing to finally have a subcompact crossover with some *ACTUAL BALLS*

[@shuritgaming8038]

It only makes 147 hp only about 7 more then R18 civic ... wouldn't call that having balls

[@lukescholey5872]

@@shuritgaming8038 just picked up a 2023 Kona N-Line with the 1.6T. 195 HP & 195 TQ. Still in the break in period but so far I haven’t felt any power lacking for daily driving!

[@shuritgaming8038]

@@lukescholey5872 ya n line defiantly has more power

[@envious4504]

One of the if not the best review channels out there! Such well created content and very informational! Thanks Redline!

[@datchulo1085]

Garrett Ritter agreed! They do a great job!

[@midnightmystery544]

Very honest and to the point... Lots of other review channels have lost their way...

[@midnightmystery544]

I really like the Kona... Glad to see that Sofyan enjoyed it!!!

[@firstdondiego]

I tell you what...I bought this car and I DO NOT AT ALL regret that purchase. Mine is a lower trim but It still has more features than even some base model luxury vehicles. And last year when we had that snowstorm and every vehicle was stuck on the road unable to move, my Kona went through that snow like it wasn't even there. I can just imagine the WTF stares I got as I passed everybody who was stuck. The only thing I am disappointed about with this car is that they couldn't get me the color I wanted and how slow at take off it can be if not in sport mode. Definitely getting this car again when my lease is up (and in the color I want).

[@angelobrattoli4663]

I own a 2018 Kona Ultimate in Sonic Sliver. I'm a long time Hyundai owner so they were first on my list when I was looking for a smaller SUV with AWD. That said, I am a big fan of the look of the Kona. Hyundai has done a much better job with the "split headlight' design than Jeep did. The flat front grill IMO provides much more continuity between the upper and lower headlights. As opposed to to the triangular front look for the Grand Cherokee look that Jeep went with. I've written other reviews of the Kona, so I won't repeat myself here. Suffice it to say that for an MSRP of under $30K you get A LOT.

[@Artecus]

Do you still have it? Has it been reliable? Would you own again?

[@sayckeone]

lol Looking for an SUV, buys a crossover. 😂

[@brianbfree2328]

I didn't care for it at first but its grown on me. I like how Hyundai made it peppy enough to zip around in traffic. They do need to reduce the hard plastics inside though (and not just the upper door panels). Its selling really well from what I've read.

[@johnholst]

I understand everyone complaining about all the hard plastic inside. But let's be honest, they had to cut something somewhere. If you want fun and performance in this class, the Kona is the best....by far!! If interior quality is your top priority, buy the CX3. Apparently, you can't have both at this price.

[@JohnJones-ri1lh]

I bought a 2018 limited 1.8 turbo fwd June 2018. Love it! Not one inkling of buyers remorse yet. I wanted a Mini Cooper, but reviews of the clubman are all over the place (plus the cooper I wanted was close to $40,k) so I went with the Kona. We call it the “Korean Mini Cooper”. It’s quick, comfortable, loaded with features, and gets really good mileage if you keep your foot out of it. This is my first Hyundai, and I’m still seriously impressed. I would replace it with another if something happened to ours.

[@zest167]

@@JohnJones-ri1lh my god, your comparing a kona to a mini cooper? From where I came from, the price difference is almost 3 times.

[@JohnJones-ri1lh]

光Zest Exactly, the mini cost more than twice as much as the Kona. The Kona was a better choice for me.

[@XavierUrbinaturtles]

We love our 2018 Kone Limited! Great car, great fuel economy, fun, and perfect for someone who is retired and doesn't drive much! :)

[@kW_789]

Yeah because if you drive it a lot itll break

[@ppgliderbrigmatiusmostcold5120]

@@kW_789 Tell me which Hyundai hurt you

[@gz9975]

Nice wheels. 2 inches makes a huge difference, just ask my wife.

[@katieducky23]

Oh god. 😧

[@clairekennedy8767]

How your boss is reading through the comments you disgusting fool.

[@RAAUUULLLL4268]

I am assuming that 2 inches is after you are hard tho.

[@gz9975]

@@RAAUUULLLL4268 Of course. 2 inches of American steel baby.

[@adoreslaurel]

Greg Gammago. Now Now Greg Keep it nice.

[@Arnold_X3]

8:04 - Camera guy getting PISSED!! Lol

[@midnightmystery544]

OK... Never seen them make that mistake before...

[@seunghkim7]

what was it about?

[@midnightmystery544]

@@seunghkim7 Sofyan was filming the infotainment/nav and the camera guy that does the exterior shots was in front of him, look over the hood during the infotainment part...

[@deus_ex_machina_]

@@midnightmystery544 He's asking why he was frustrated.

[@justinnegron4843]

Camera guy is his fiance

[@larryrogers9060]

I love it! Best review of the Kona to date! You’re very thorough With your reviews and allow us to actually see each part of the vehicle

[@Betamax954]

How many other reviews have you watched? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH-ulYWmop1qabs

[@mkel0385]

I love these reviews. Not 45 minutes and not 5 minutes. It’s the perfect time. You get all the needed information and don’t dilly dally

[@jeffsloane8628]

Love the exterior design of these. Would totally belive the front is an Audi and the back is an Alfa Romeo. The Korean's are really stepping up their game.

[@Stichting-AAP]

I really like design if the Kona. Not just as a car, but especially as a Korean car. Hyundais really aren't the same as 10 - 15 years ago. Great cars

[@DJOgurchik]

You asked to tell you what I think of the design: I effin love it!

[@mkel0385]

I saw it in person for the first time this week and fell in love

[@Snakeyes11123]

MKEL03 That’s how I was with the Tucson. Saw on at the auto show and fell in love with it. Going to test drive and perhaps buy one soon.

[@leywhite2268]

MKEL03 me too

[@S2XCREW]

I love the design, it's different and looks amazing 🙌

[@Czech801]

Bought 2020 Kona SEL AWD last 6.1.2020. Love it.

[@nassirhussein9438]

Did you get the 1.6 turbo or the 2.0? How's mpg? And in snow? On the highway?

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

@@nassirhussein9438 +1

[@Mohankeneh]

i really like the styling of the kona :)

[@SonyEnthusiast]

Like the Aztec and Juke too?

[@Mohankeneh]

@@SonyEnthusiast no, those were hideous. theres a difference

[@SonyEnthusiast]

@@Mohankeneh to each his own, but the Kona is in the same ugly category of the Aztec and Juke

[@Mohankeneh]

@@SonyEnthusiast i can respect that of course

[@jakethesnake3596]

@@SonyEnthusiast So do you use a calendar to base your 0-60 times? LOL .. How about the "Sport" HRV? SPORT? LOL .. See, any car can be made fun of, just a matter of when people get a kick out of going to other car reviews and doing it to make a person feel good is what is bad. Grow up.

[@MaxSpeedMike]

This styling is actually really nice. Not too weird, not too out of line, just right.

[@nexushexus4365]

You must be drunk

[@SonyEnthusiast]

To each his own, but you probably think the Juke looks good

[@PoorDog69]

@@nexushexus4365 You must be drunk

[@jacobbio]

MaxSpeed no, it’s weird. ugliest car on the roads so far

[@PoorDog69]

@@jacobbio Suck your own opinion.

[@ftfproduction7174]

it would be even better if they take off take off some of that body cladding there just way to much for my taste they should have that as an option for people that go off-roading but for average consumers it should body colored cladding

[@mgjmiller1995]

2:57 - if they had only put cladding along the actual arch-lines, the plastic mass would have been reduced ~50% and resulted in a much handsomer side profile! (The silver streak @ bottom of doors could have gone away too -_-)

[@jvokaltheofficial]

Right. Shits overkill

[@justind4723]

they removed some of it on the Kona Electric but it also looks like it has no nose lol

[@willnye9788]

Or you could just buy a real truck and call it a day

[@Reallyraywhat]

Jeep has left the chat..

[@plausibleg.3170]

Happened across your car reviews and must say they are concise. Your style is relaxing and enjoyable to take in so don't change.

[@rickfowler5342]

I'll bet this is an awesome car. I own the Kia Niro Hybrid and the only thing I'd change on it would be to add a turbo. The basic 1.6 non-aspirated model is pretty gutless and inefficient. I love everything else about it!

[@evanhamblin3432]

I love the design of this car and how you show all the features perfectly in this car so thanks for that redline.

[@lexmaximaguy8788]

wow...this looks cool. This is what the jeep baby cherokee should have looked like.

[@devongee1776]

Now that you mention this undeniably looks like it was torn straight out of Jeep's sketchpad but with a Korean twist

[@lexmaximaguy8788]

@@devongee1776 All car makers do this...One makes a new design and soon everybody uses something similar.

[@devongee1776]

@@lexmaximaguy8788 yeah of course that's true. I'm just agreeing with above comment. This looks like it could be mistaken for a cherokee by a less informed person outside the car community

[@nexushexus4365]

Looks like a Chinese knock off of the Jeep Cherokee but even uglier.

[@SonyEnthusiast]

@@nexushexus4365 I agree

[@ianrugg]

Dude, you’re killing it with these new videos. Keep up the awesome reviews!

[@PJAY701]

It's a very nice car.... I love the design and the curves

[@Ajoolem]

Owned the 1.6T AWD for 6 months now. And yeap, it’s quick for its segment. Passing power is decent and overall a good comfortable vehicle.

[@TheExotich1]

Just test drove this yesterday! Thank you for your review today sofyian!

[@Vex595]

Honestly I like a lot of aspects of the Kona. I just wish it had like a single chrome tipped exhaust pipe and some more soft touch trim.

[@ynp1978]

I wish someone would make a sub compact SUV with the good looks of the Mazda CX-3,the turbo engine of the Kona and the cargo space in the Honda. It seems like each brand has a little bit that is good but nobody has put it all together. If they did they would hit a home run with it!

[@PerryCaulkins]

At first i didnt like the juke-esque front facia. After seeing these run about, im a changed man. Dont know how well they will age, but i love the look of these little crossovers. I had the pleasure of driving a 1.6t and was pleasantly surprised. This car has a lot of character, which is the most important thing

[@SonyEnthusiast]

To each his own, but you probably think the Juke looks good

[@PerryCaulkins]

HRVex i do lol

[@denisep1026]

I think these looks amazing, but Juke is a no-go for me.

[@JetsetMikey]

Love the Kona so much. It’s so different.

[@3mariusx]

The design is amazing!!!! Period!

[@NuhanHidayat]

Can you make a video about the EV version of Kona?

[@frankgallagher2262]

When it comes out in the US

[@BKNets51]

Check out The Straight Pipes video on it

[@123mell101]

Yesss please

[@theredline]

Nuhan Hidayat we’re working on having Hyundai send us one. Currently, it’s only available in California.

[@dustinm8800]

@@theredline did you get married? I saw a ring!!

[@dav3917]

How is the dual clutch lagginess in stop and go traffic?

[@darriontunstall3708]

Great video man!!! I love the 2018 Hyundai Kona it's very nice!!!! I can't wait for your next video.

[@marktuyet]

Saw one today in orange . It was good looking but when I saw it had a 1.6 with a turbo , it turned me off . Prefer a 2 liter without a turbo and no direct injection .

[@1209MArky]

Lol 2 years later but they answered your prayers

[@isaac198428]

They brought back the plastics of the Honda Element, Pontiac Aztec, Jeep Liberty, Nissan Pathfinder and others. Those things are ugly when they fade due to elements like hot sun. Hopefully next years model won’t have so much plastic especially around the wheel arcs. Besides the plastic moundings, it’s a nice car.

[@johnsonl3656]

bravo to Hyundai for offering a more powerful engine in this subcompact car! Its base engine and those of the competitors are seriously sluggish.

[@SonyEnthusiast]

Nope master the paddle shifters in S mode. Downshifting is the key and my 0-60 test is pretty good kzbin.info/www/bejne/r2HQg2x7d5mWfNU

[@Betamax954]

@@SonyEnthusiast I like Hondas too, but the Kona has 174 HP and 195 lbs-ft torque vs. HRV 141 HP and 127 lbs-ft. The power difference is considerable and undeniable.

[@SonyEnthusiast]

@@Betamax954 learn power to weight ratio. The Kona is heavier than the HRV. I have no problem passing others easily in sport mode with Eco off

[@ScribblyPoppo]

Treasure is not required when there is harmony in the family.

[@dominiquee901]

I have a 2013 Elantra but I’m dying to get the kona. Right now I’m not into anything spectacular when it comes to cars and so far with my Hyundai for being 6 years old (I’ve only had it for a year) I’m very impressed with my Hyundai and would love to continue with this company. I had a mercury mountaineer and I do miss something big but I actually love the size of this

[@colingoldthorpe5918]

I was at the dealership today looking at this, it was $38,000 Canadian cash price, unreal pricing on new cars.

[@lloydgarth1]

That's insane!

[@malcolmgraham2893]

I don't understand the all of the cheap looking plastic on the exterior but love everything else about this crossover.

[@jansingh9680]

Nice exterior design and it sure looks cool, great detail review Sofyan.

[@sakswerd]

Seeing you next to it in the side view shot of the Kona really proves this little Ute to be a perfect fit proportionally to a dude your size!!! :)

[@dafordkidfilms2264]

My 2016 Ford Escape goes back in 6 months from the 3 year lease. I'm looking to get something smaller with AWD. I'm looking at the Kona and i kinda like, yea i do see the hard plastic, but the way it drives seems more important. I wanna look more into this car. The engine itself is a huge turn on

[@Eli-kq7qt]

I like it I think it’s sharp.... for some reason it’s reminding of the old Land Rover Lr3... witch I loved

[@latetothegames3165]

Why do looks matter in a vehicle? At the end of the day it comes down to a personal preference for the buyer. If this is what they want they will buy.

[@marcellinusahamefula1513]

The face is good, actually not looking bad. It's very unique

[@peterhong526]

I saw a blue civic R in the back of the parking lot...did you do a review of that on the same day, too?

[@theredline]

Peter Hong Not yet but it’s coming soon! We have a special comparison planned for that car.

[@hamerplayer1229]

N drivetrain with AWD and a manual option would make that Kona irresistible

[@houseofprayer55]

Good car believe me one of the best car in 2020

[@jamesivan2877]

I think the Kona looks good. I really like the front styling and the plastic wheel wells. Ugh, no spare tire? Fix a flat doesn't work on side wall tire flats. The electric version of the Kona makes the vehicle a lot more appealing to me.

[@letsseeif]

Keen on Kona's own eccentric/eclectic styling. My wife drove an Kona Elite demonstrater in '17 Hobart Australia & only opted for an Elantra Turbo (here an i30SR Premium Turbo 1.6 DCT 201hp) purely as it had 'radar' cruise control) at that time.

[@drd6416]

These aren't bad but I wish that hyundai and kia would move the rear turn signals to the same level as the lights. In the UK you're gonna have a few near misses as they can't always be seen as easily as you think.

[@samuellotz8304]

I have the Limited. I think they did the Cherokee but the way it should have been. It does have a spare tire (the donut) its just underneath that tray thing. He's definitely right when he says its like a lifted hatchback.

[@johnjude2685]

I believe repair work for the turbos would kill my love for it Perhaps it will not have repair, perhaps.

[@alfreddeneumann]

I like this design. Looks better than the previous Jeep Cherokee imo.

[@saewonyi]

Waiting out to see the refreshed Kona N. Rumored 275 HP?? Definitely interested

[@rafaljankowski2807]

oh golly about $30K for cute ute?this money could get you in RAV4 or CRV

[@brocklanders6969]

He is quoting MSRP which you never pay with Hyundai. They discount heavily. You can get the Limited with 1.6 turbo and AWD for $22500. The Ultimate is not a good value. A comparable RAV4 or CRV are going to run $5k more.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Yea, have fun driving around in that woefully underpowered old ass normally aspirated 4 banger in the Rav4.

[@GamerNxUSN]

@@oldtwinsna8347 test drove one recently and it sucked. Felt like I was pushing a pile of rocks with a dolley.

[@JAaron1986]

Dirk Diggler how lol

[@geigerzoola6642]

Don’t normally say this to Crossovers but this looks pretty cool to me

[@jonnieinthe256]

Looks a lot better than the Honda hrv!

[@smartkid1201]

Great job Hyundai! Seems to be selling very well too.

[@alexm5209]

Scotty Kilmer disliked this video

[@MDKN22]

I really love the Kona. I have a Tucson and if I would trade it in, the Kona would be my pick.

[@contagiousjoy4life630]

I loved this review so much i’m going to the dealership tomorrow was trying to decide between this a tucson and sante fe thanks 👍🏾

[@BlackJeepConvertible]

Get the kona

[@TheKwizzleDizzle]

The front end isn’t too bad. Although I rather have my lights grouped together, I could get used to this design language.

[@NvrchFotia]

The dual clutch is a win 100%. Puts it ahead of all of the shitty CVTs of its competition.

[@fraxonthefurry21]

Duel clutch is a let down for me. Only time will tell if it's truly reliable

[@vince7349]

Probably wont be reliable

[@johnholst]

Dragon...your concern is understandable. But keep in mind that this transmission has been in Hyundai/Kia cars for more than 6 years now, and there haven't been any major problems. In fact, they have been constantly tweaking it to make it better. So, maybe not the best DCT. But not the worst either, and certainly more reliable than a CVT.

[@n_u001]

@@anonymous00117 DCTs in general or the ones by hyundai?

[@japekto2138]

I hope this one doesn't get added to the Hyundai/Kia recall for 4-cylinder engines that caught fire.

[@henryd1981]

Those were the Theta II engines that were involved in that recall. Kona uses the Nu and Gamma engines.

[@dankuettel5063]

Hyundai......make a small pickup truck with all this. That would be a winner.

[@OsojiNosferatu69]

I like the front end of the Kona, but without the fake scoop.

[@AndrewKNI]

Great review of the Kona 1.6t. Looks like a nicely balanced car.

[@mkel0385]

It had AUTO wipers definitely nice because most luxury cars don’t even have them

[@trippplefive]

wish they would update the looks on the Tucson

[@superglue46]

I've gotta give this segment to Mazda in the looks department. The CX-3 is a genuine stunner.

[@devongee1776]

I'm not too huge on automakers making full-on separate assemblies and locations for their lights at the front of the car and THIS car takes the cake for the most extreme I've seen so far. 3 separate lights? I would hope at the very least this makes the car easier to work on and isolate lighting issues but it just does not look good (at least not yet). Nissan did the same type of thing with the Juke and I hated it on that car. This is a step closer to the right direction, maybe, but jeez... seeing 3 different pairs of lights on the front of a 2018 car, and not all of them being LED just hurts the consistency and appearance overall.

[@franc587]

Are good quality for the price?? I like em but not sure if worth the money

[@JamAudiox]

WHAT?? The door didn't sound relatively solid when shut??? OMG

[@jmen8888]

One reason I stay away from Hyundai and Kia.

[@DigitalYojimbo]

@@jmen8888 entry level toyotas sound worse, must stay away from them too.

[@ciscovolkswagen8853]

That didnt sound tinny at all...

[@jmen8888]

@@DigitalYojimbo I won't buy entry level Toyota's either. My brother has a 4-Runner and that is a solid good vehicle. Had Acura's in the past which were great, but the newer TLX became way too expensive and cheaper all around

[@MEAMERIE]

Meanwhile most hyundais/ kias get top safety ratings...

[@coo1rim]

Given Kona's hight and short wheelbase, it's not the best setup for blasting through traffic on the highway. I'd play to its strength in the city or climbing steep grades, which requires the 2.0L engine with regular toque converter automatic. It'd be interesting if N version is good enough to upsell those who'd prefer the usability of the base engine.

[@moonlim33]

I don't like your negative attitude toward car. but I check out this at Car fair. It was one of the most popular car with pack of technology with nice looking and good price and good MPG. Seeing is believing.

[@Lucky8s]

Negative attitude? Mate, are you watching a different video?

[@drangstveitmark]

Quick tip. Want more power? Get the 2.0 and supercharge it. Thats what id do at least. Ive seen on other reviews that the transmission is terrible for any type of offroad and overheats like crazy. Idk if you got to test this or not

[@irishuwould5185]

I’ll be glad when the big wide open grill fad goes away that a lot of auto makers are doing

[@JuanPassiveMenis]

But an EV they dont need a grill to cool engine

[@SG-sz5vh]

Are the roof rails removable? Many will never use them and the design will be much sleeker without them

[@decarloswilliams6099]

The Mazda CX-3 is better looking but the Hyundai Kona has the better powertrain and infotainment. IMO

[@gevorgnazaryan8720]

When are you going to review the crosstrek?

[@theredline]

Gevorg Nazaryan Very soon. Next week we’ll be in Cali to review the new Crosstrek hybrid.

[@loveitorscrapit6673]

Looks a great car. Thumbs up.

[@helenpaul4886]

Really great review.

[@lwstallsmith]

Halogen fog lights with LEDS just look incongruous/ cheap.

[@Detz0325]

lol you said fwd is optional and awd is standard 11:50

[@theredline]

Ginjabredman Whoops! It’s the other way around lol.

[@psewgobind]

Given the lighter weight, hard plastic is secondary, especially when not highly priced. If Hyundai can figure out a way to shorten the over-hang even more (trunk space secondary), it'd destroy the competition. Length is a major factor for us big city slickers. An extra 6inch or so would do the trick.

[@n.a.3734]

Can’t wait for kona N🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑...;( need to buy a hot run around, ASAP! 🙏 🙏

[@gabrielrogers5271]

I don’t know why I want this car so bad

[@MarkG-up6wh]

Like the look better than the jeep designers did.