2020 Hyundai Kona Review | The best-driving subcompact SUV

I hope the value of these cars go down quickly

Spending north of 30k for a Kona is a foolish. This is a raised utilitarian small SUV. The SEL + 2.0 tech package for 23K is a superior car in everywhere. No DCT (many have been replaced with low miles, they shudder, and don't like inclines when creeping in traffic. The GDi is prone to carbon buildup ($$$$) since no port injections. The turbo is another failure point. Once you look at Ulimate/Limited trim, for 30K there are much better choices from Toyota and Honda. The only feature worthwhile in higher trim is leather seats, LED lights. Not work 31K. If your buying this for warranty and to run it for 200k or more, buy the 2.0 engine, with 6 speed torque converter and not GDI. They will last forever if take care of. The higher end models will need oil catch can, meticulous service to keep turbos running, and you will need to alter your driving habits to deal with the DCT. If you want a sporty SUV then buy one, trying to make a BWM X suv out of a Kona is not a good idea. Depreciation, and parts failure will disappoint you. Stay far clear of the DCt, GDI, Turbos, and the CTV (Ivt) that hyundai is now having loads of problems (sonata, soul) (in the venue and seltos). Choose wisely.

How does this compare to a Jeep Compass.

I just seen one recently I love it..🥰

THIS CAR IS THE BIGGEST POS EVER. FEELS LIKE 20HP, TRANSMISSION CONSTANTLY JERKING LIKE IT'S A MANUAL EVEN THOUGH IT'S AUTOMATIC. TRIED TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND IT REDLINED AT 80MPH AND WOULDN'T SHIFT UP. DO NOT BUY.

If you buy a Hyundai be prepared to spend minimum of $175-$500 every month on BS problems you will never experience in a quality car like an Honda. Every other month you will have to replace 1 0f 6 to 8 catalytic converters that go out for no reason like clock work one after the other. Your gas line will need replacing, then your gas tank that rotted from the inside for no apparent reason. Your check engine light will be on more than it is off. When you finally replace the entire engine and decide you've had enough, and sell it for next to nothing, you'll buy yourself an Acura and realize that it never needs maintenance, that it isn't normal to be without your car every other month because it's in the shop again, and you'll swear like I did to NEVER buy another Hyundai again!!!

Its "yoon-die" not "hon- day" pronounce it correctly its not english

A pity a bland interior has been paired with an exterior that has great looks.. Enjoyed the review. Thank you.

I hate how I always compare car reviews with old top gear...

Is this a good car for short ppl?

Call me crazy but I would much rather prefer the naturally aspirated engine than the turbo one. Sorry turbo engines just aren't as reliable.

the engine, awd, independent rear suspension, and longer warranty on car and also power train make it well worth your money. i did buy it, and the handling is exceptional, and the mpg is between 30-36 average on regular. i highly recommend it. get the limited, don't need the frills on most expensive one.

Finally, an honest review instead of a review by a salesman who WORKS FOR Hyundai.

Nice music. Is it copyrighted? can we download and use videos?

This guy has no drip

Your Right😬

Just get the SE or SEL... at like $20K

Great review. One thing I would like to recommend all car reviewers add to their analysis is, what type of fuel does the vehicle take? 89-93 octane? That also has a big influence on which vehicles I consider for purchase and I think would be helpful for other viewers. Thanks!

All the other mentioned cars have their plus points, however, NONE are as fast as the Kona.

Paid 23k for a limited last week to replace the 2020 that got totaled by a distracted driver. It's going to be my wife's car but I do 80% of all driving. It's a great car. I am a 8cyl Mustang guy and honestly this is a hell of a grocery getter. Highly recommended if looking for a vehicle in this class and you like to drive.

I just purchased a 2021 Kona, i'm height deficient so SUVs are REALLY intimidating.... The Kona is so comfortable for me to drive.

I just love the look of that car.

Costs too much. Maybe $27,000

Wonder how does my peppi like such a small cars lol barely any room to sit in here lol not even Cherokee size it is

Although it saves gas

So car Guru I can get a 2021 Kona Night edition AWD for $500 more than FWD...is it worth it?

I'm driving one currently as a rental vehicle while my work vehicle is in the shop. Performance wise it's ok. Wished it gets better fuel economy but it's not a Honda. I'm not a fan of the skinny daytime running lights. Not to mention all the hard plastic interior trims. At least It does the job but I couldn't see myself owning one.

It's not fair to compare the Subaru Impreza for price against the Kona, it's a completely different class vehicle. Also, I don't think most people who complain about the Kona "get" the Kona and of course as a result, wouldn't get one. Personally, I don't see the Kona as a 6 foot 4 friend bearing ninja hauler as much as it's a Mom, Dad and one or two younger kids/children/teens or 1 and a small dog type of family road tripping road warrior.

You mentioned the durability and ruggedness of the Jeep but if you look back at who's going to be in the Kona and the abuse it'll be going through, Hyundai made the right choice. They give you comfort and pamper you where it's most needed, a huge overlook from everyone. From the heated seats to the comfortable ride experience thanks to the suspension setup and ultimately in the end, some of the more advanced safety features people in the 90s could have only dreamed of, it's incredibly well balanced. Hell, even a $50k Tesla doesn't offer wireless phone charging.

In the end you get the best of all the worlds for a knockout price but it appears many people want a $50k vehicle for a $20k off price tag then complain that the Kona is too expensive but once compared for features/value to others, the competition generally always falls short.

The Dual Clutch is very pleasant to drive and has relatively low 1st gear so it can climb some hills too!

Anyone else think this suv is ugly?

I purchased a 2022 Kona SEL with AWD yesterday. It will be handy driving it in the Midwest winters we experience.

I just got a 2019 base model last month and coming from a 2012 Veloster this car is a dream 😅 I'm a freelance videographer so it's a perfect car to get to and from gigs, carrying all my gear, going through any condition with that AWD, and I'm actually getting way better fuel economy than advertised. It usually stays between 35-38 mpg

This is a really really good review. Well done

He’s cute!

The Kona Limited with 1.6L Turbo engine and AWD is perfect for me. I don’t have small kids, so I’m actually looking for a shorter & smaller car, as it’s easier to parallel park in cities. However, I still want an SUV for flexible cabin space and AWD for bad weather and occasional dirt road trips. The turbo engine seals the deal because I want a fun and zippy car.

I hate how when I press the gas it takes like 5 seconds to get going lol

You are a great fun classy reviewer. I need a good used car under 13k for a tall big guy. What would you look for if you were me? Great in snow, good fuel economy, with good dash would be nice.

Me that doesn’t like big cars, i see the lack of space as an absolute win!

Price aside, how does this compare with the Lexus ux250h?

My 2006 jeep grand Cherokee got totalled by a drunk driver parked on street a couple years ago,and I bought a 2018 kona,was shocked by gas mileage,it was a awd getting 30 mpg and just about as good in snow as my jeep,plus funner to drive

i have a 2011 hyundai elentra. i want a vehicle with more room as i have a newborn. does this have more room then my iddy biddy car cause thats all i care about🤣 needs to fit a carseat-stroller and subs or its a no deal🤣🤣

I'VE OWNED ABOUT TEN HUNDEE/KIA'S. MY 2003 KIA IS RUNNING GREAT AT THIS MOMENT. ONLY HAD THE SOUL FOR TWO YEARS AS THE SANTE FE TURBO. ALWAYS DEPENDABLE VEHICLES. ONE OF THE KINDA NEAT THINGS OF MOST REVIEWS IS THEY REVIEW THE TOP OF THE LINE. SO MOST OF THE PRICES GIVEN CAN BE BEAT BY GETTING A LOWER MODEL. ALL I KNOW IS I LOVE MY SANTA FE TO DEATH.

The 2.0 base should have had this engine specs smh

$12.00 USD a gallon by October 2024

I love the size of this because I’m someone who has an older house with a smaller garage and we need to fit two cars in there. We have a pick up truck for our other vehicle so we don’t need this car to hold a lot of stuff! I specifically want a car with a lot of features in a small size.

We need a deep review of the KONA Ultimate TRIM with HUD bonus VS the 2022 EUV BOLT by Chevy, which offers the faster level 2 charging at home,

You're associating the size of the car with cost, and that makes no sense. Try and apply that logic with a Porsche 911. This car with its engine/transmission is appealing to a driving enthusiast who doesn't give a crap about the size of the back seat. It's a bargain.

the hyundai kona is a car that i have on my list of cars. i chose the kona because i love the overall shape of the car and how small and compact it is; also because i feel like i wouldn’t have to move the seat up just to reach the pedals. honestly, i would get the hyundai kuna, because i really don’t need all the space, when it’s just me in the car.