2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD - Bottom Line Review
GRANDE SECOND CUP OF KOPE FOR URBAN ROAD : Exported berry bearing plants and the brew made from their beans preserve their heritage no matter their destination. Just over 200 years ago the arabica plant made the 10,000 mile propagation from East Africa, by way of the Dutch East Indies, to the volcanic soil on the Big Island of Hawaii, yielding the Kona bean. By the time the first cup of steamed brew from the newly yielded Kona bean was poured the local name for the beverage "Kope" was derived from the Dutch "Koffie," having originated in the Arabic "Qawha."
In 2018 Korean automaker Hyundai first served its own brew of Kona, a distinct blend of "cute" and "ute." By coffee house measurement it was decidedly "Tall." For their second blend of subcompact crossover utility vehicle the 2024 Hyundai Kona is served up artfully in the greater quenching "Grande" size.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
WHAT: The new second generation SX2 2024 Hyundai Kona sub-compact sports activity vehicle has a 2.3"-inches longer wheelbase than the OS first series Kona. Expected to soon be available with either petrol Namyang Performance and battery electric powertrain, the 2024 Kona shares a platform with the SG2 Kia Niro hybrid / PHEV / EV.
| 2024 Hyundai Kona 1.6T Limited AWD | notes | |
| Curb weight (pounds) | 3505 lbs. | |
| Powertrain - petrol / compression ratio | transverse 1.6L turbocharged DI 16V DOHC gas I-4 / 10.0:1 | Std. engine: 2.0L DI 16V DOHC gas I-4 engine / 12.5:1 |
| Drivetrain / Final drive ratio | 8-Speed, torque converter automatic planetary transmission, front wheel drive(opt. on-demand viscous clutch differential all-wheel drive) / 3.73:1 | Std. drivetrain: 8-Step Continuously Variable Transmission |
| Horsepower petrol / Torque (pound- feet) | 190 hp / 195 lb-ft @ 1700 r.p.m. | Std. power rating: 147 hp / 132 lb-ft @ 4500 r.p.m. |
| Fuel Economy - miles per gallon combined EPA / Range (max. estimated) | 28 m.p.g. (observed), 463 miles | Std. powertrain: 27 m.p.g. (estimated) |
| Performance: 0-60 m.p.h / top speed | 7.5 sec. / 120 m.p.h. |
Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2024 Roadblazing.com
WHAT (A) STYLING DIFFERENCE(S): Sergey Konkov, European design lead, brings the Mk. 2.0 Hyundai Kona in line with the electrified Ioniq series. The former stubby elevated hatchback shape, trapezoid grille tiger shark nose, with upright liftgate has been supplanted by a saddle spill-over clam shell hood, a dark solid middle grille, hemispherical roof descending to a bulbous curved rear end, parroting the Porsche Macan.
√ Thin segmented DRL lightbar spans the hood to front fascia seam; √ Rectangular wheel well cladding; √ Prominent dark clad flaring side skirts; √ Taller beveled belt line; √ Tangential front to rear rising cheatline crease; √ Spill over roof; √ Matte metallic lower greenhouse trim traces up "D" pillar, forming roof spoiler, and nuanced "bow tie" effect.
√ Curved edge bulbous Kammback deep liftgate; √ Slim mid tailgate & wrap around raceway LED character light bar; √ Prominent lower center liftgate "KONA" lettering; √ Subtly concave lower body color fascia registration plate bowl; √ Dark clad simulated lower rear diffuser; √ Concealed exhaust tail pipe;
√ Front & rear wheel arch cladding integrated split LED headlights and taillamps; √ Layered triple tandem directional lamps (similar in theme to Genesis sedans).
WHY: Grande is the preferred Kope size for artful cute ute brew.
WHEN: On-Sale (in the U.S.) early Summer 2023
WHERE: Hyundai new vehicle dealers
WHERE MADE:Ulsan, Korea
WHERE TO: √ H-Trac PTU to wet clutch rear differential on-demand all wheel drive; √ Differential Lock; √ Snow drive mode; √ Traction control, Stability control, ABS;√ Downhill brake control; √ Touring tires limited to light slushy snow and tamped down dirt trails; √ Ample ground clearance to hop a curb
HOW ROADWORTHY:
The 2024 Hyundai Kona's optional turbocharged 1.6 liter twin-cam straight four included(included on Limited and N-Line) has been carried-over. The previous grabby (and malady prone) in-house dual clutch gearbox has been swapped for a conventional torque converter eight gear automatic, redacting off-the-line stutter for a smoother experience. However, the added weight implies that the unchanged 195 pound feet of powerplant twist, available at cellar low engine speed, is just adequate to skip through surface traffic. A cabin with improved isolation now masks the raspy timbre of the direct injected mill.
| 2024 Hyundai Kona 1.6T Limited AWD | |
| Ground clearance (inches) | 8.3" |
| Approach / Departure / Breakover angles (degrees) | 15.0o / 20.0o / 18.2o |
| Suspension F:R | F: Strut + Lower A-arm / R: Torsion beam, anti-sway bars + dampers |
| Brakes F:R | F: 12.0" vented disc, 1-piston caliper R: 11.2" solid disc 1-piston caliper |
| Tires / Wheels | 235/45-V Kumho Majesty 9 Solus TA91 A/S M+S / 19" alloys / doughnut spare tire |
Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2024 Roadblazing.com
Substantially longer wheelbase in the 2nd generation Hyundai Kona has benefitted in improved deflection of abrupt impacts, despite low profile tires on 19" alloy wheels. Damping is tuned for improved compliance, however the the torsion beam rear suspension fumbles tracking on uneven pavement or in tighter turns. Steering, devoid of road feel, manages pleasantly reasonable resistance. Grip is impressive on dry pavement, and roll is reigned in, even as the HTRAC all-wheel drive combats understeer. Consistent slowing from the four-wheel brake rotors, however, doesn't derive driver confidence from an initial pedal response dead spot.
HOW FAR:29 combined miles per gallon significantly exceeds EPA estimates; The typically small (for segment) fuel capacity nets 390 miles highway range.
HOW BIG/ LITTLE: This subcompact crossover will impress 4 adults with mid size occupant space.
| 2024 Hyundai Kona 1.6T Limited AWD | Mazda CX-30 2.5 AWD | |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 104.7" | 104.5" |
| Dimensions Length x Width x Height | 171.3" x 71.6" x 63.6" | 173.0" x 70.7" x 56.9" |
| Headroom Row 1, 2 (inches) | 38.3", 38.3" (w/ moon roof) | 38.1", 38.3" |
| Legroom Row 1, 2 (inches) | 41.7", 38.2" | 41.7", 36.3" |
| Cargo Capacity (nom. - max. cubic feet) | 25.5 cu.ft. - 63.7 cu. ft. | 20.2 cu.ft. - 45.2 cu.ft. |
| Curb weight (pounds) | 3505 lbs. | 3408 lbs. |
| Towing / Roof support (pounds) | N.R. / N.L. lbs. | N.R. / N.L. lbs. |
Manufacturer Provided Specifications @2024 Roadblazing.com
√ Kona 2nd Generation vs. Kona 1st Generation = +2.3" WB, +7.3" L, +3.6" 2nd Row Legroom; +32% nom./ +40% max. cargo; +178 lbs.
HOW USEFUL: Cargo space in the 2024 Hyundai Kona has also increased noticeably.(see above) √ Low load floor + 60/40% split 2nd Row seatbacks; √ Removable rigid parcel shelf; √ Power liftgate; √ Row 1 passenger dashboard shelf; -1 Limited front & rear door pocket storage; Tow Rating: Not Rated.
HOW SAFE: √ IIHS 2024 Top Safety Pick Plus ; √ 6 airbags; √ Rear camera - 360° Surround view cameras (available); √ Forward & rear sonar park assist; √ Blind Spot Warning; √ Forward collision avoidance braking; √ Full adaptive cruise control; √ Lane departure warning, keep assist √ Lane Change collision avoidance; √ Rear Cross Traffic Alert; √ Automatic high beam headlamps; √ Rain sensing windshield wipers; √ 2nd Row occupancy / parcel reminder & motion sensing remote app notification; √ Side Exit approaching vehicular and bicycle traffic 2nd Row lock-in.
+1 Surround camera can select slightly elevated vehicle movement view; +1 Outward visibility from shallow cowl, narrow side pillars, tall greenhouse & tailgate window.
HOW PEOPLE FRIENDLY: Since the re-designed Hyundai Kona is expected to resume a battery electric variant, cost control dictates that the cabins of petrol versions share common task reduction layouts. Systems multi-tasking reduces switchgear. Upsized high definition LED displays can inform, and entertain all the while reducing the constant need for visual scanning. To this end the 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited delivers, regardless of the propulsion. The slimmer depth dashboard face is crowned by twin contiguous convex curved instrument and media displays. Climate ducts are cleverly spaced out within the triple tandem lateral metallic banding. Fans of twist steering wheel stalk transmission shift selectors will appreciate the additional liberated center console space.
√ H-Tex simulated leather seating, front buckets; √ 4 power windows = front full express; √ Driver's seat 8-way power adjust; √ Height adjustable manual front pax seat; √ Tilt & telescoping, cross-stitched leather wrapped steering wheel; √ Steering wheel dorsal shift paddles(SEL w. Convenience pkg. 2+); √ Physical climate & media display switches; +1 Knurled metal barrel integrated steering wheel spoke controls;
- +1 Easily accessible left lower dashboard dimmer & driver assist switches; +1 Wind & road noise isolation;
- -1 Stiff seat cushions
Cool Gizmo(s): √ 12.3" inch ultra-wide landscape, slightly concave, LCD digital instrument panel (contiguous to media screen)(replaces TFT dial cluster + 4.2" MFD on SEL w/ Convenience pkg. 2) ; √ Twist steering wheel column stalk transmission selector similar to Ioniq EV; √ Remote park assist insertion + extraction; √ Twin blade style retracting 1st Row center console cup holders, converts to large parcel tray.
Details Done Right: √ Contrast color dashboard cover, curved edges; √ Knurled metal barrel steering wheel controls; √ Metallic vent bezels, media display switches; √ Variable color ambient night cabin illumination; √
Nearly Non-Descript: -1 Hard dash top and door panels; -1 Monolithic smooth hard dark plastic door panels; -1 No center console saddle cushions
HOW "APP" -LICABLE: √ Landscape mid dash-top 12.3"-inch concave capacitive touch, LCD infotainment screen; +1 Triple pane skin display, 80:20% split pane app displays, variable right pane; √ Voice learning hands-free communications; √ Native GPS cloud navigation w/ voice commands & guidance(SEL Convenience pkg. 2); √ 6-speaker, 240 W w/ streaming audio & HD radio; √ SMS w/ predefined replies; √ Blue Link Apps; √ Android Auto & Apple CarPlay wired projection
How Audibly: √ 8 speaker Bose Spatial Sound audio system = more solid bass than stock, but highs roll off
By Subscription: √ Sirius XM & Sirius XM TravelLink (90 days included trial); √ Blue Link Connected telematics (3 years included); √ Wi-Fi 2 GB within 90 days trial by Verizon
√ USB-C x 4(including 2 in 2nd Row), 12V x 1; +1 Deep lower center stack mobile device pocket; √ Qi wireless charging.
HOW MUCH: $34,695 = 2024 Hyundai Kona 1.6T Limited AWD(from $25,585 for SE 2.0L FWD CVT)
WHAT'S MISSING: More soft cabin panels; More supportive seat cushioning; Instrument panel anti-sunwash hood; Cargo bay power supply
ANY COMPETITION: Kia Seltos: +1 "Truck-like" look; Honda HR-V: +1 Pleasant operation, Fuel economy; Mazda CX-30: +1 Cabin finish; Handling; Toyota Corolla Cross: +1 Brand's reliability factor; Volkswagen Taos: +1 Teutonic think, DCT
RB BOTTOM LINE: Second Kope of cute ute brew is served artful size Grande.
Comments ()