The 2025 Hyundai Kona arrives as a tech-loaded and stylish small SUV, building upon its significant 2024 redesign. This review focuses on the gas-powered Limited model, showcasing its features, performance, and overall appeal in the competitive SUV market. While the Kona platform now accommodates both EV and gas powertrains, this evaluation delves into the specifics of the well-equipped, gasoline-only variant. For the 2025 model year, the Kona carries over its updates, maintaining its position as a compelling option in its class.
Striking Exterior Design
The Hyundai Kona’s exterior immediately hints at its electric vehicle underpinnings, particularly in its front fascia design. The Limited trim stands out with its distinctive seamless horizon LED daytime running light, stretching across the front – a feature unique to this top-tier model.
Hyundai Kona Limited Front Grille Review
The Kona Limited’s sculpted bodywork is showcased beautifully in Mirage Green. The bold 19-inch geometric-style wheels are sure to provoke a reaction, making a strong visual statement. Abundant black body cladding is a defining characteristic of the Kona’s robust design, a familiar element also noted in the 2024 model review. Standard exterior features include bright LED headlights, LED combination taillights, and convenient heated side mirrors.
Hyundai Kona Limited Profile View and Design
At the rear, a seamless LED taillight echoes the front design, complemented by further black cladding on the bumper and an upper spoiler with an integrated brake light. Practical roof rails are included for added utility and adventurous styling.
Performance and Powertrain
Under the hood, the Kona Limited boasts a potent 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This top-of-the-line engine delivers a robust 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, providing excellent performance for this small SUV. This engine choice is significantly more powerful and responsive than the base engine, which offers a less inspiring 147 horsepower. Paired with a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic column-mounted shift-by-wire transmission, complete with paddle shifters, the Kona offers a refined driving experience. The tested model also includes Hyundai’s available All-Wheel Drive system for enhanced traction and control. Remote start comes standard across all Kona trims, adding to convenience.
Interior Space and Technology
Stepping inside the Kona Limited reveals a spacious and modern open-concept cabin. The lighter two-tone interior in this model is a welcome change, offering a brighter and more airy feel compared to darker interiors. The quality of the switchgear and trim is commendable, with door handles that feel substantial and well-made. While there are some hard-touch plastic surfaces, typical for this vehicle class, the overall impression is one of quality and thoughtful design.
Hyundai Kona Limited Front Row Interior and Features
Comfort is prioritized with H-TEX leatherette-trimmed front seats that are both heated and ventilated. The driver enjoys an 8-way power-adjustable seat, while both driver and passenger benefit from the heated leather-trimmed steering wheel. A clever storage tray above the glove box adds to the interior practicality.
The Kona Limited features impressive dual-screen displays. The digital instrument cluster is clear, bright, and easy to navigate. The 12.3-inch multimedia system touchscreen stands out with its next-generation graphics and responsive interface. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are now standard, enhancing smartphone integration.
Hyundai Kona Limited Steering Wheel and Digital Display
Hyundai’s Dynamic Voice Recognition system is a standout feature, offering highly accurate and intuitive voice commands. Navigation maps are displayed with excellent clarity, complemented by a high-resolution backup camera. The Limited trim further enhances visibility with a Surround View Monitor. Audiophiles will appreciate the 8-speaker Bose sound system, delivering rich and immersive audio. Connectivity is well-covered with a WiFi Hotspot, Hyundai’s Digital Key, four USB-C ports, and convenient over-the-air updates.
Hyundai Kona Limited Center Console and Controls
The center console design, while open and modern, might be prone to collecting clutter due to its lack of enclosed storage. It houses an available wireless charger, drive mode selector knob, seat climate controls, and controls for the Remote Smart Parking Assist.
Rear “stadium” seats, while providing a higher seating position, do slightly reduce headroom in the back. However, the seats themselves are comfortably cushioned. The 60/40 split-fold rear seats recline and feature a slim drop-down center console with cupholders. The second row incorporates more plastic trim, and the Kona’s design results in smaller rear windows, though a sunroof helps to brighten the space with natural light.
Hyundai Kona Limited Second Row Seating and Space
Cargo space has been improved with the 2024 redesign. The cargo area is well-organized, featuring a dual-level cargo floor and a cargo cover. The Limited trim is exclusively equipped with a hands-free liftgate for added convenience. A spare tire is also included, a practical feature often overlooked in modern vehicles.
Hyundai Kona Limited Cargo Area and Features
Standard features on the Limited trim include dual-zone climate control, a power moonroof, and ambient interior lighting, enhancing the overall premium feel.
Ride, Drive, and Daily Use
The Hyundai Kona excels in ride and driving dynamics. Acceleration is brisk and responsive thanks to the turbocharged engine, steering is precise, and the ride quality is comfortable and composed. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver and park in urban environments. The Kona shines as a versatile daily driver, equally adept in city traffic and on highway commutes. It’s an enjoyable and smooth SUV to navigate daily life.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety is a priority in the Kona, featuring standard Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies. Rear Occupant Alert and Safe Exit Warning are standard across the entire Kona lineup. The Limited trim further enhances safety with advanced features such as Blind Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Smart Cruise Control, and Highway Driving Assist. Highway Driving Assist is particularly noteworthy, considered one of the top semi-autonomous driving systems available.
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The Limited also includes Hyundai’s impressive Remote Smart Parking Assist system, allowing for remote maneuvering into and out of parking spaces using the key fob.
Value and Pricing
The tested Hyundai Kona Limited, with its sole option being carpeted floor mats ($210), has a total MSRP of $35,005. This price point represents excellent value, especially considering the extensive list of features and technology included in this top-of-the-line trim.
Final Verdict: Is the Hyundai Kona a Good SUV?
The Hyundai Kona is far from mundane, offering a compelling blend of technology, safety, and driving enjoyment. Its bold styling and open-concept interior will appeal to those seeking a distinctive small SUV. Combined with its attractive pricing, the 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited presents a strong case as a top contender in its segment.
Pros:
- Comprehensive Technology Features
- Eye-Catching and Modern Design
- Engaging and Enjoyable Driving Experience
Cons:
- Open Center Console Design May Attract Clutter
2025 Hyundai Kona Limited – Key Specifications:
- Official Color: Mirage Green
- MSRP: Base price $33,400 / Total MSRP: $35,005 (as tested)
- Fuel Economy: 24 city/29 highway/26 combined MPG
- Weight: 3,505 pounds
- Spare Tire: Compact temporary spare
- Dimensions (L/W/H): 171.3”/71.9”/63.4” (63.6” with roof rails)
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 gallons
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain
In Summary: The 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited is a well-rounded and appealing small SUV, particularly for buyers who prioritize technology and distinctive styling. If you can embrace the bold exterior design with its extensive black cladding, the Kona offers a lot to appreciate.
