Finding the right vehicle, especially for young drivers, can be a challenge. Safety is paramount, but you also want something that is appropriately sized. Recently, while considering options for my own college-bound daughter and advising a friend about vehicles for his teenage sons, I had the chance to test drive the 2024 Hyundai Kona. This compact SUV seemed to hit a sweet spot, blending safety with practicality in a stylish package. This review will delve into my experience with the Kona, highlighting what stood out and who might find it the perfect fit.
Space and Comfort: Surprisingly Roomy for a Compact SUV
One of my initial concerns with a compact SUV was space. For a trip from Silicon Valley to UC Santa Barbara, we had luggage to pack, and I wanted to ensure everyone was comfortable. The Kona pleasantly surprised us.
All of our bags fit neatly in the Kona’s trunk. For a vehicle in this class, the cargo space is quite generous, proving practical for everyday errands and longer trips alike.
Legroom in the back also proved to be ample. Even with the driver’s seat pushed back to accommodate my height, rear passengers had comfortable legroom, making longer journeys pleasant for everyone on board.
The interior of the Kona felt bright and spacious, contributing to a comfortable and airy atmosphere. The design and layout made the cabin feel larger than expected for a compact SUV.
Standout Style and Design
The 2024 Kona boasts a distinctive exterior design that certainly catches the eye. It has a modern aesthetic, with a slightly futuristic vibe that grew on me throughout the week.
The Kona’s styling is modern and unique, setting it apart from more conventional SUVs. It’s a design that appeals to a younger demographic while still being sophisticated enough for wider appeal.
Safety Features: A Major Highlight
Safety was a key consideration, especially given my thoughts on young drivers. The Hyundai Kona truly impressed in this area, particularly the Limited AWD trim I tested.
The Kona Limited AWD is packed with advanced safety technologies. Features like the Blind-Spot View Monitor and adaptive cruise control with curve control significantly enhance driver awareness and safety on the road.
However, it’s worth noting that some of the most advanced safety features are not standard on the base Kona SE model.
The test vehicle, a Kona Limited AWD priced at $34,695, included a wealth of premium features such as ventilated seats and a Bose sound system in addition to the advanced safety tech. The base SE model, starting around $25,000, is more affordable but lacks some of these high-end safety features like the Blind-Spot View Monitor.
Interior and Tech: User-Friendly and Modern
The Kona’s interior features a modern and user-friendly design. The gear selector is a distinctive twist-style dial, adding a touch of contemporary flair.
The twist-style gear selector is both stylish and functional, contributing to the Kona’s modern interior feel.
My teenage daughter, whose opinion I value, appreciated the Kona’s styling. While she might not exuberantly praise it to her friends, her positive reception was a definite win in my book.
The Kona manages to strike a balance in styling that appeals to different age groups, including the discerning tastes of teenagers.
Size and Safety Ratings: A Good Balance
The Kona’s weight, ranging from 3000-3500 pounds depending on the version, is notably lighter than the average vehicle in the US. This is a beneficial factor when considering safety and maneuverability.
The Kona’s lighter weight contributes to its nimble handling and is a safety consideration, especially in urban environments.
Furthermore, the Hyundai Kona boasts impressive safety ratings.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a testament to its robust safety features and crashworthiness. This rating provides significant peace of mind, especially for parents considering this vehicle for their family or young drivers. You can see more details on the IIHS website.
Driving Experience: Comfortable and Capable
On the road, the Kona delivers a comfortable and capable driving experience. The handling is generally good, although the steering isn’t sports-car tight, which is expected for this type of vehicle.
The Kona offers a comfortable ride, well-suited for daily driving and longer road trips. Steering is accurate and responsive, making it easy to handle in various driving conditions.
The Bose speaker system provided rich and clear audio, and connecting our phones via Bluetooth was seamless. Ample charging outlets are conveniently placed throughout the cabin, a practical touch for modern connectivity needs.
The Bose audio system enhances the driving experience with its high-quality sound, and the Kona is well-equipped with charging options for devices.
The Blind-Spot View Monitor and curve control were particularly helpful during our extended drive.
The Blind-Spot View Monitor provides an extra layer of safety by displaying a live video feed of blind spots when signaling, and the curve control assists in maintaining lane position during highway driving.
Even our dog Maisie enjoyed the ride, further highlighting the Kona’s comfortable and family-friendly nature.
The Kona’s comfortable ride is enjoyable for all passengers, including pets, making it a versatile vehicle for families.
Base Model Safety and Engine Performance
Even the base Kona SE model comes equipped with a solid array of standard safety features.
Standard safety features on the Kona SE, such as Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, offer a good level of protection even at the base trim.
These include Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. These technologies are reassuring for parents of new drivers.
The 190-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine in the Limited model provided ample power for confident highway driving and maneuvering.
The 1.6L turbocharged engine in the Kona Limited AWD delivers responsive power and makes highway driving effortless.
However, it’s important to note that some lower trims of the Kona come with a less powerful engine.
Final Verdict: A Well-Rounded Compact SUV
Overall, the Hyundai Kona is an impressive compact SUV. It strikes a great balance between size, safety, features, and style.
The Hyundai Kona is a well-rounded compact SUV that offers a compelling blend of features, safety, and style.
It’s lighter and more nimble than many vehicles on the road, without feeling too small. The abundance of standard safety features, along with the advanced technologies in the Limited trim, make it a strong contender for safety-conscious buyers.
I would confidently recommend the Kona for my teenage daughter and for my friend’s sons.
The Kona is an excellent choice for families, young drivers, and anyone seeking a safe and practical compact SUV.
It also works well as a practical and stylish family vehicle, offering a bit of personality in the compact SUV segment.
The Kona’s design is both practical and stylish, making it an attractive option in the compact SUV market.
For budget-conscious buyers, the base Kona SE presents a strong value proposition.
The Kona SE model offers excellent value, retaining many desirable features at a more accessible price point.
While you might miss out on the more powerful engine and some top-tier safety features of the Limited AWD, the SE still provides a well-equipped and safe vehicle at a more affordable price, especially considering potential lease deals.
Overall, my family and I were thoroughly impressed with the Hyundai Kona after our time on the road in California. It’s a compact SUV that delivers on multiple fronts, making it a vehicle well worth considering.
The Hyundai Kona is a highly recommendable compact SUV that combines safety, practicality, and style in a compelling package.
