The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a favorite in the compact crossover segment, drawing in happy customers with its fun-loving drive, quick turbocharged engine, and generous features list.
Outside, this little crossover is strikingly modern:the standard equipment roster includes automatic headlights and LED daytime running lights. Along with sunshade band solar glass is standard for the front doors and windshield, shielding you from an overly bright summer day. As you climb the trim levels, the Kona attracts more attention with options like the tilt-and-slide power sunroof and high-gloss black trim.
There’s a lot to love about the Kona’s homey cabin. To start, the driver and front passenger enjoy roomy, supportive seating—the kind that lends itself to long-haul comfort. The back seats are equally cushy, with adult-friendly head and legroom so even extra tall passengers can fit in the backseats. Not to mention, the Kona’s smooth, quiet ride only adds to daily comfort levels.
Hyundai’s small crossover is well known for its sporty performance. Both engine options have plenty of kick, with more than enough chutzpah to speed away when the light turns green or merge into quick-moving highway traffic. In addition to its relatively speedy drive, the Kona also delivers a fun-loving performance, with surprisingly athletic handling. Around curves, you’ll feel secure, because the Kona keeps body roll to a minimum.
Although subcompact crossovers aren’t exactly known for their towing prowess, the Kona is a major exception. Properly equipped, this nimble, little crossover can tow up to 5,000 pounds. That’s equal to plenty of big toys, from family boats to off-roading four runners.
Besides being sporty and capable, the Kona is also fuel efficient. No, really—depending on powertrain and equipment, Hyundai’s fun-loving crossover earns up to 30 mpg combined (28 city/32 highway mpg).
Since the road can be a dangerous place, the Kona is loaded with high-tech safety aids. Systems like lane keeping assist and forward collision-avoidance assist can even jump in and gently guide you back to safety. As you drive, the driver attention warning system monitors you and lets you know if you need to pull into a rest stop.
Just when it seems like the Kona couldn’t get any better, it does; the standard tech lineup is as impressive as any other aspect of this all-star crossover. Hyundai’s infotainment interface, which comes standard with a 7-inch touch screen, and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is easy to use and supplies plenty of hands-free control options. Every Kona comes standard with two USB ports, one that connects to the infotainment system and one that’s charge-only. Optional features include a bigger 8-inch touch screen for the infotainment system, HD radio, and a premium audio system.
The Kona’s entry-level model comes standard with so many features that you may find you don’t need to spend any extra money to get everything you want in a daily driver. The SE is comfy, safety-minded, and tech-savvy.
The SEL adds to the SE lineup with some upscale touches. Inside, heated front seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel add to your daily comfort. Roof rails and heated exterior mirrors boost day-to-day convenience, especially if you’ve got kayaks or surfboards to haul. Extra safety aids, including the blind-spot collision warning system, help you spot trouble on the road, as well.
The SEL Plus adds to the aforementioned features with even more luxuries so f you’re looking for a sunroof, this is a good place to start.
In addition to an expansive view of the sky, the Kona SEL Plus makes driving after hours safer with an auto-dimming rearview mirror and fog lights to help you maintain visibility.
This special model is available with your choice of three exterior paint colors: Ultra Black, Chalk White, and Galactic Gray (the latter is exclusive to the Night trim level). Indeed, this Kona is home to a long list of exclusive styling details, from gloss black exterior trim to semi-gloss black alloy wheels. Inside, this Kona throws some classy features into the mix, like a premium Infinity audio system and a power-adjustable driver seat.
The Limited starts with the SEL Plus features and adds luxury features, inside and out. Flashy 18-inch wheels, chrome trim, and full LED headlights and taillights make the Kona look better than ever; inside, leather seating and automatic climate control add even more style.
The Kona Ultimate starts with the Limited features and adds innovative technology that make your drive even more luxurious. One of our favorite features is the heads-up display, which projects data onto your windshield to keep your focus on the road ahead.
The Ultimate also includes some safety upgrades. Its adaptive cruise control system automatically adjusts your speed so that you maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, and its forward collision mitigation system is upgraded to include pedestrian detection.
Cargo Package
Your Kona was built to last, but life can be unpredictable, which is why Hyundai comes with one of the best warranties in the business—especially in terms of powertrain coverage. Every Kona trim model includes:
The 2022 Hyundai Kona is set to get a major update, inside and out. The upcoming model features a new front-end design that’s sleeker and even more eye-catching than the current model. Inside, the 2022 Kona’s updated dash adds to the model’s cutting-edge vibe and a new digital gauge display keeps track of vital stats. A bigger 10.3-inch infotainment touch screen will be optional, along with a wireless smartphone charging pad and heated rear seats.