Hyundai announced updates to the 2020 Kona, its popular compact SUV, bringing enhanced technology and fresh style options to the lineup. The 2020 Kona models are available for purchase now, offering buyers more features and choices in this competitive segment.
Key Updates for the 2020 Kona
The 2020 model year introduces several notable changes to the Kona, focusing on technology and interior aesthetics. A significant addition is the inclusion of Smart Cruise Control, now standard on the top-of-the-line Ultimate trim. This advanced driver-assistance system enhances convenience and safety for highway driving.
2020 Kona Sunset Orange color option with newly available orange interior accents
Another key change involves the SEL trim level. The previous SEL with Tech Package has been renamed to SEL Plus. This trim now benefits from features previously exclusive to the Ultimate trim, including a 4.2-inch color multi-information display and wireless device charging. This repositioning makes these sought-after features more accessible to Kona buyers.
For those seeking a bolder interior look, Hyundai is offering new orange interior accents on the Limited trim when paired with the Sunset Orange exterior color. This provides a vibrant and personalized touch to the Kona’s interior.
Notably, the Iron Man Edition of the Kona is no longer available for the 2020 model year.
Powertrain Options: Efficiency and Performance
The 2020 Kona continues to offer a choice of two efficient and responsive gasoline powertrains, catering to different driving needs and preferences.
The standard engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine. This engine delivers 147 horsepower at 6200 rpm and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at 4500 rpm. It is paired with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The Atkinson cycle design is key to this engine’s efficiency, optimizing the expansion ratio within the cylinders to maximize fuel economy. The six-speed automatic transmission features SHIFTRONIC™ manual-shifting mode and an overdrive lock-up torque converter, further contributing to fuel efficiency, especially at higher speeds.
For those seeking more spirited performance, the Limited and Ultimate trims offer a Gamma 1.6-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine. This engine produces a robust 175 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, available from a low 1500 rpm and sustained up to 4500 rpm. This broad torque band provides excellent responsiveness in everyday driving situations and a clear advantage over competitors. The turbocharger’s design prioritizes quick response, and an electronic wastegate ensures precise control of pressure. Internal piston-cooling oil jets and a specialized water jacket design further enhance engine durability and efficiency.
The turbocharged engine is matched with a seven-speed EcoShift® dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Hyundai’s in-house developed DCT provides quick and seamless gear changes, contributing to both performance and efficiency. Compared to continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) found in some competing models, this DCT offers greater torque capacity, minimal power interruption, and a more engaging driving experience.
Chassis and Handling: Tuned for Urban Agility
The 2020 Kona is engineered to deliver engaging driving dynamics, well-suited for urban environments and varied road surfaces. Its design, characterized by a long wheelbase, short overhangs, and a wide track, provides a stable and planted feel, enhancing agility in city driving and promoting linear stability and ride comfort on the open road.
The front suspension utilizes a MacPherson strut system with innovative sub-frame bushings. This design focuses on reducing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) while enhancing ride comfort. Gas-filled shock absorbers and a hollow stabilizer bar contribute to reduced weight and improved responsiveness. Available 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 235/45R18 tires further enhance the Kona’s agile handling and confident road grip.
The rear suspension design is differentiated based on drivetrain configuration. Two-wheel drive (2WD) models feature a rigid torsion beam axle for overall stability and control. All-wheel drive (AWD) models utilize an independent, dual-arm multi-link rear suspension. This sophisticated design optimizes ride comfort and stability, particularly in off-road conditions and when encountering uneven surfaces. The geometry of the AWD suspension is specifically tuned for refined body control on rough roads and varied terrain.
The 2020 Kona also features Drive Mode Select, allowing drivers to tailor the vehicle’s dynamic responses to their preferences and driving conditions. Two distinct modes, Normal and Sport, adjust steering feel, transmission behavior, and powertrain responsiveness. Sport mode prioritizes acceleration with earlier downshifts during braking, while Normal mode favors fuel economy with a more conservative shift schedule.
Steering System: Responsive and Efficient
The Kona’s motor-driven power steering system is engineered for both efficiency and responsiveness. By eliminating the parasitic losses associated with traditional hydraulic systems, it contributes to improved fuel economy and quieter operation. The steering system is specifically tuned to provide precise and rapid adjustments to steering feel, adapting to changing driving conditions. The steering wheel itself offers a wide range of tilt and telescopic adjustments, ensuring driver comfort for a variety of body types.
Advanced Safety Features: Hyundai SmartSense
The 2020 Kona comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies, providing a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features designed to enhance safety and peace of mind.
Standard Hyundai SmartSense Features:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) uses the Kona’s front-facing camera and radar to detect potential collision situations. It can warn the driver and, if necessary, apply emergency braking to mitigate or avoid an impact. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) helps prevent unintentional lane departures by monitoring road markings and providing steering intervention if needed. Driver Attention Warning (DAW) monitors driver behavior to detect fatigue or inattentiveness and provides alerts to encourage safer driving.
In addition to these standard features, the Kona offers available Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW). BCW uses radar to detect vehicles in the driver’s blind spots, while RCCW helps detect vehicles approaching from the side when reversing, such as when backing out of a parking space.
As mentioned earlier, the 2020 Kona Ultimate trim now includes newly-developed Smart Cruise Control. This system functions like traditional cruise control but adds radar sensors to maintain a set following distance from vehicles ahead, further enhancing driving ease and safety, especially in highway traffic.
Infotainment and Connectivity: Stay Connected on the Go
The 2020 Kona offers a comprehensive suite of infotainment and connectivity features designed to keep occupants informed and entertained. The standard infotainment system includes a seven-inch color LCD touchscreen with AM/FM/MP3 audio, auxiliary input jacks, voice command recognition, and a rearview monitor. Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ are standard, providing seamless smartphone integration. SiriusXM® Radio, HD Radio, and Blue Link® LTE-powered connectivity are also available.
An upgraded eight-inch touchscreen navigation system is available, featuring Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Car System, real-time traffic information via HD Radio, and an Infinity® premium audio system with eight speakers, subwoofer, and Clari-Fi™ music restoration technology. Smartphone integration is also included in this premium system.
Understanding that some Kona buyers may be downsizing from larger SUVs, Hyundai has equipped the Kona with features often found in larger vehicles. These include a four-inch color LCD electroluminescent gauge cluster, power driver’s seat, leather heated seats, automatic air conditioning, and proximity key. A Heads-Up Display (HUD) is also available, projecting key information such as speed, navigation prompts, Lane Keeping Assist status, and audio system details onto a transparent panel in the driver’s line of sight, minimizing distractions.
Wireless device charging is another convenient feature offered on the 2020 Kona. Compatible smartphones can be charged simply by placing them on the wireless charging pad in the center console. The system provides charging status updates, reminds occupants to remove their phones upon exiting the vehicle, and detects foreign objects that may interfere with charging.
Blue Link® Connected Car System
SEL Plus, Limited, and Ultimate trims of the 2020 Kona are equipped with Blue Link®, providing complimentary Blue Link services for three years. Blue Link offers enhanced safety, diagnostic, remote, and guidance (Ultimate trim only) features. It brings seamless connectivity to the vehicle, including functionalities like Google Home® integration, Remote Start with Climate Control, Destination Search powered by Google®, Remote Door Lock/Unlock, Car Finder, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Stolen Vehicle Recovery.
Blue Link can be accessed through buttons on the rearview mirror, the MyHyundai.com web portal, the Blue Link smartphone app, Amazon® Alexa Blue Link skill, and the Blue Link Google Assistant app. Select features can also be controlled via Android Wear™ and Apple Watch™ smartwatch apps. The latest Blue Link smartphone app update includes widgets for quick access to remote features, access to notification settings, and a direct link to the Hyundai accessories website.
For more information on Blue Link equipped vehicles, visit www.hyundaibluelink.com.
Hyundai Motor America Commitment
Hyundai Motor America is dedicated to providing customers with better vehicles and experiences. From design and manufacturing to customer service, Hyundai focuses on continuous improvement. Hyundai’s diverse lineup of cars, SUVs, and alternative fuel vehicles is supported by Hyundai Assurance, reflecting the brand’s commitment to customer satisfaction. With over 830 dealerships across the nation, Hyundai continues to serve American drivers, with nearly half of the vehicles sold in the U.S. being built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Hyundai Motor America is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, and is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea.
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