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The Hyundai Kona: A Complete Guide to This Innovative Crossover SUV

Looking for a stylish and versatile crossover SUV? The Hyundai Kona might just be the perfect fit for you. Read our complete guide to learn more.

The Hyundai Kona: A Complete Guide to This Innovative Crossover SUV

Looking for a stylish and versatile crossover SUV? The Hyundai Kona might just be the perfect fit for you. Read our complete guide to learn more.

03 April 2023

The Hyundai Kona: A Complete Guide to This Innovative Crossover SUV

The new Hyundai KONA and Hyundai KONA N are subcompact SUVs that has been in production since 2017. The KONA is known for its stylish design, practical features, and affordability. It has quickly become one of the most popular vehicles in its class, thanks to its combination of stylish design, impressive features, and reasonable price point.

The KONA also comes with a range of advanced safety features to keep you and your passengers safe, as well as a variety of technology features such as a touch screen display, smartphone integration and rearview camera.

Table of Contents

Exterior design

One of the most notable things about the KONA is its exterior design. It has a distinctive, almost, futuristic look that sets it apart from other SUVs on the road. The front grille, in particular, is a standout feature, with its sharp angles and sleek lines.

Hyundai KONA white front
Hyundai KONA white rear

Interior Design

One area where the KONA really stands out is its interior. Despite its compact size, the KONA has a surprisingly spacious cabin that can comfortably seat up to five passengers. The materials used throughout the interior are of high quality, and there are plenty of standard and available features to make the driving experience more comfortable and convenient.

KONA N in white
Hyundai Kona in White side view

Does the Hyundai KONA have good performance?

Yes. This SUV has received positive reviews for its performance, especially with the available 1.6 litre turbocharged engine. It provides a responsive and smooth driving experience with good acceleration and handling.

Fuel efficiency

In terms of fuel efficiency, the KONA's traditional ice engines are competitive with other vehicles in its class. The standard engine gets an EPA-estimated 27 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the motorway, while the turbocharged engine gets up to 28 MPH in the city and urban environments, and up to 32 MPG on the motorway.

Can the KONA come in a Hybrid and Electric versions?

Yes, the KONA Hybrid SUV, and the KONA full Electric SUV's are both available options.

How long does it take to charge the KONA?

The charging time for the Hyundai KONA can vary depending on the charging method. Based on using the slowest Level 1 120v chargers, it will take around 28 hours to fully charge the battery.

If you move up to a more powerful Level 2 charger at 240V, this will decrease to between 9 - 10 hours to go from 0 - 100%. However, if you move to DC Fast Charging - which is currently the fastest charging method available - and your model of the KONA is compatible, this can charge the battery up to 80% in around 54 minutes.

How to connect Hyundai KONA to Apple Carplay?

To connect your KONA to Apple CarPlay, we have put together this handy setup guide.

  • First, make sure your iPhone is compatible with Apple CarPlay and that it is running iOS 7.1 or later. Once you have, please connect your iPhone to the KONA's USB port using a high-quality Apple lightning cable.
  • Next, on the KONA's infotainment system, select "Apple CarPlay" from the main menu.
  • If this is your first time connecting Apple CarPlay, you may then be prompted to download and install the CarPlay app on your iPhone. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to set up CarPlay on your iPhone, including giving the app permission to access your phone's contacts and other data.
  • Once CarPlay is set up on your iPhone, it should automatically launch on the KONA's infotainment system. If it doesn't, select "Apple CarPlay" from the main menu again.
  • You can now use the touch screen or voice commands to access CarPlay's features, such as making phone calls, sending messages, playing music, using navigation, and more.

How to connect Android Auto to the Hyundai KONA?

  • Firstly, like connecting the Apple CarPlay, please make sure your smartphone is compatible with Android Auto and that it is running Android 5.0 or later.
  • Next connect your smartphone to the KONA's USB port using a high-quality USB cable, and on the KONA's infotainment system, select "Android Auto" from the main menu.
  • If this is your first time connecting Android Auto, you may be prompted to download and install the Android Auto app on your smartphone. Now it is installed, please follow the on-screen prompts to set up Android Auto on your smartphone, including giving the app permission to access your phone's contacts and other data.
  • Once Android Auto is set up on your smartphone, it should automatically launch on the KONA's infotainment system. If it doesn't, select "Android Auto" from the main menu again.
  • Now use the touch screen or voice commands to access Android Auto's features, such as making phone calls, sending messages, playing music, using navigation, and more.
N Badge On Hyundai KOna
Alloy wheels KONA

What awards has the KONA won?

With over 20 awards under its belt the Hyundai KONA has won many awards over the years. A sample of which include:

  • Autotrader 10 Best Car Interiors Award
  • Best Buy in the Subcompact Crossover / SUV segment by Consumer Guide Automotive
  • Best Small Utility Category Winner at the MotorWeek Drivers' Choice Award
  • Best Subcompact SUV for the Money Award from the News & World Report
  • Best-in-Class Subcompact Crossover SUV Award at the AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards
  • Car and Driver 10 Best Trucks and SUVs Award at the Car and Driver awards
  • Euro NCAP 5-Star Safety Rating from the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP)
  • Finalist in the North American SUV of the Year Awards
  • Good Design Award
  • Green SUV of the Year Award at the Green Car Journal Awards
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Awards (IIHS)
  • Motor Trend SUV of the Year Award at the Motor Trend awards
  • North American Utility Vehicle of the Year at the North American International Auto Show
  • Red Dot Design Award
  • Subcompact SUV Category Award Winner at the Edmunds Editors' Choice Awards
  • Texas Auto Writers Association Best Value Award
  • Texas Auto Writers Association Crossover of Texas Award
  • Urban Car Category Winner at the Women's World Car of the Year Awards
  • Wards 10 Best User Experiences Award from WardsAuto

Safety features

The KONA also has a variety of safety features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a driver attention monitor. Higher trims come with additional safety features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert.

A sample of these features include:

  • Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
  • Downhill Brake Control (DBC)
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
  • Forward Attention Warning (FAW)
  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
  • High Beam Assist (HBA)
  • Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
  • Parking Distance Warning
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning (RCCW)
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
  • Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines
  • Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
  • Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
  • Surround View Monitor (SVM)
  • Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
  • Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)

What colours can a KONA come in?

The KONA can come in 1 of 7 colours. These include:

  • Abyss Black Pearl
  • Atlas White Solid
  • Cyber Grey Metallic
  • Drive Blue Solid
  • Ecotronic Grey Pearl
  • Galactic Grey Metallic
  • Ignite Red Solid

What models of the KONA are available?

The Hyundai KONA comes in 6 model versions. These consist of:

  • KONA Hybrid Premium
  • KONA Mild Hybrid Premium
  • KONA N Line
  • KONA SE Connect
  • KONA SE
  • KONA Ultimate

How do the different models of the KONA differ from each other?

The 6 different model versions differ in key ways, these include:

KONA 48V Mild Hybrid SE Connect Key Features

The key features of this model include:

  • 10.25 INch Driver’s Digital Supervision Instrument Cluster
  • 17 Inch Alloy Wheels
  • 8 Inch Touchscreen Display Audio
  • Air Conditioning – Manual
  • Apple Carplay™ & Android Auto™
  • Cruise Control
  • eCall
  • Lane Follow Assist (LFA) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
  • LED Daytime Running Lights
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Rear Spoiler with integrated LED brake light

KONA 48V Mild Hybrid N Line Key Features

The key features of this model include that of the SE connect plus:

  • 10.25 Inch Touchscreen Satellite Navigation+
  • 18 Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Air Conditioning – Climate Control
  • Bluelink® with 5 year subscription
  • Interior Ambient Lighting
  • KRELL Premium Audio
  • MapCare and LIVE Services
  • N Line Design Pack
  • Power Folding Door Mirrors
  • Privacy Glass
  • Rear LED Lights
  • Silver Rear Skid Plate
  • Wireless Charging Pa

KONA 48V Mild Hybrid Premium Key Features

The key features of this model include that of the SE connect plus:

  • 10.25 Inch Touchscreen Satellite Navigation+
  • 18 Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Air Conditioning – Climate Control
  • Bluelink® with 5 year subscription
  • Interior Ambient Lighting
  • KRELL Premium Audio
  • MapCare and LIVE Services
  • N Line Design Pack
  • Power Folding Door Mirrors
  • Privacy Glass
  • Rear LED Lights
  • Silver Rear Skid Plate
  • Wireless Charging Pad

KONA 48V Mild Hybrid Ultimate Key Features

The key features of this model include that of the Premium plus:

  • Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
  • Driver and Front Passenger Seat Electric Adjustment
  • Head Up Display (HUD)
  • Heated Rear Seats (Outer)
  • Leather Seat Trim (Seat Facings Only)
  • LED Headlights
  • Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
  • Sunroof – Electric Tilt and Slide
  • Ventilated Front Seats

KONA 48V Mild Hybrid Ultimate Key Features

The key features of this model include that of the SE connect Premium plus:

  • 10.25 Inch Touchscreen Satellite Navigation+
  • 18 Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Bluelink® with 5 year subscription
  • Body Garnish – Painted Anthracite
  • Electric Parking Brake
  • Front Fog Lights
  • Front Parking Sensors
  • Heated Front Seats
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW)
  • KRELL Premium Audio
  • LED Rear Lights
  • MapCare+ LIVE Services
  • Privacy Glass
  • Smart Key with Start/Stop Button

KONA Hybrid SE Connect Key Features

The key features of this model include:

  • 10.25 Inch Driver’s Digital Supervision Instrument Cluster
  • 16 Inch Alloy Wheels
  • 8 Inch Touchscreen Display Audio
  • Air Conditioning – Climate Control
  • Apple Carplay & Android Auto™
  • Cruise Control
  • eCall
  • Electric Parking Brake
  • Lane Follow Assist (LFA) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
  • LED Daytime Running Lights
  • Rear Parking Sensors
  • Roof Rails

KONA Hybrid Premium Key Features

The key features of this model include that of the Hybrid SE connect plus:

  • 18 Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Bluelink® with 5 year subscription
  • Body Garnish – Painted Anthracite
  • Front Fog Lights
  • Front Heated Seats
  • Front Parking Sensors
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW)
  • KRELL Premium Audio
  • Privacy Glass
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
  • Smart Key with Start / Stop Button
  • Wireless Charging Pad

KONA Hybrid Ultimate Key Features

The key features of this model include that of the Hybrid Premium plus:

  • Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA)
  • Driver and Front Passenger Seat Electric Adjustment
  • Head Up Display (HUD)
  • Heated Rear Seats (Outer)
  • Highway Drive Assist (HDA)
  • Leather Seat Trim (Seat Facings Only)
  • LED Headlights
  • Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
  • Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
  • Sunroof – Electric Tilt and Slide
  • Ventilated Front Seats

How much boot space does the Hyundai KONA have?

The Hyundai KONA, with the rear seats in the upright position, has 544 litres of cargo space in the boot. This increases to a total cargo carrying capacity of 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded down.

Is the Hyundai KONA available with All Wheel Drive (AWD)?

Yes, the Hyundai KONA is available with all-wheel drive on certain models.

Is the Hyundai KONA good for off-roading?

While the Hyundai KONA is not designed specifically for off-roading, it does have All Wheel Drive available on certain models. This can provide better traction and handling on rough terrain; however, it may not be suitable for more extreme off-road conditions.

What is the towing capacity of the Hyundai KONA?

The Hyundai KONA has a maximum towing capacity of 1,600 Kgs.

How many seats does the KONA have?

This SUV is a 5 seater, and can seat up to 5 passengers.

How does the Hyundai KONA compare to other subcompact SUVs?

The Hyundai KONA is known for its unique design and practical features. It has received positive reviews for its overall value and driving experience, and it competes with other subcompact SUVs such as the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and Kia Soul; to name a few.

Hyundai KONA Conclusion

Overall, the Hyundai KONA is a great choice for anyone in the market for a subcompact SUV. It offers a unique design, plenty of features, and a comfortable and spacious interior, all at a reasonable price point.

Find your nearest Retailer

West Riding Hyundai Bolton
West Riding Hyundai Bolton
59 Bolton Road,Farnworth,Bolton,BL4 7JL
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West Riding Hyundai Colne
West Riding Hyundai Colne
West Riding Hyundai Colne ,North Valley Road Garage,Windsor Street,Colne,BB8 9LJ
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West Riding Hyundai Manchester
West Riding Hyundai Manchester
West Riding Hyundai Manchester,Bury New Road,Salford,Greater Manchester,M7 2YN
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