2024 Hyundai Kona & Kona Electric Review

When Hyundai engineers began building the 2024 Hyundai Kona, they were allowed to make the subcompact SUV bigger. Indeed these small SUVs are 5.7 inches longer and an inch wider. Plus the wheelbase grew by 2.3 inches. Even the touchscreens grew in size to 12.3-inch displays.

All of that extra space could have been enough to satisfy shoppers. However, designers knew they could do more. The front seats are 30-percent slimmer than those on the 2023 Kona. A Curve seatback style is used to maximize space for passengers and the cargo behind them.

The final result is an interior that defies its subcompact SUV categorization. The once 95-cube cabin is now 101.2 cubic feet. Even with a sunroof, passenger volume is over 99 cubes. The second row has grown to provide adult-sized headroom (38.3 inches) and legroom (38.2 inches).

2024 Kona cargo capacity has grown in a similar way. Up from 19 cubes, it is now over 25 cubic feet .Up from 48 cubes, it is now around 63 cubic feet when the second row is folded flat. If you visit your Earnhardt Hyundai - San Tan dealer Phoenix AZ, our knowledgeable team can show you how easy it is to switch from passenger space to cargo space in the Hyundai Kona or Kona Electric.

The second-generation Kona has a new look. With its longer, larger body, engineers had to work even harder to make it resist the wind. Sculpted wheel arches help keep air moving under the car A drag coefficient of .27 was achieved by shaping the nose for aerodynamics and altering the rear liftgate to prevent drag

The many nips and tucks were done carefully to enhance and not detract from its iconic design. Setting the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric apart, designers utilized a pixelated seamless horizon lamp and pixel graphics. The new build was specially designed to accommodate the electric motor.

A rainbow of exterior colors help shoppers personalize their choice Pearls are offered in Abyss Black, Ecotronic Gray, Soultronic Orange, and Denim Blue. Metallics are offered in Ultimate Red and Cyber Gray

Other colorful choices include Mirage Green and Neoteric Yellow . N-Line models offer a black contrast roof with specific exterior color options. Please check with our staff about a color you want that you don’t see listed in our inventory.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric can offer 201 horsepower and an estimated range of 260 miles. The 64.8 kWh battery packs can be recharged to 80 percent capacity in about 45 minutes at a fast charger. These electric cars enjoy nearly instantaneous torque from the electric motors.

Obviously the EV is the most efficient in the lineup. However, the SE and SEL have a smart 2.0-liter four cylinder engine. Idle stop helps drivers save fuel at redlights. The front-wheel drive models earn 35 mpg on the highway. An intelligent variable transmission makes the most of the 147 horsepower output.

The N Line and Limited powertrain uses its turbo technology to increase output to 190 horsepower. However, the engine still manages to claim 32 mpg on the highway. This fast mover generates 197 lb ft of torque. The N-Line 7-speed double-clutch automatic adds more fun to the driving experience.

Front-wheel drive models have as much as 6.9 inches of ground clearance. That rises to a maximum of 8.3 inches with all-wheel drive.

Providing the most up-to-date tools, the cockpit is anchored by a 12.3-inch touchscreen. This is augmented by a 4.2-inch color driver display. A long list of driver assistance is standard. This is covered in the final section of this 2024 Kona Electric Review.

Important tools include an electronic parking brake, push button start, a USB data port, a USB-C port, and a 12-volt outlet. Android Auto and Apple Carplay are wireless. HD Radio is on board, and SiriusXM is available. The Bluelink Connected Car system provides more features.

The rear seats have quite a list of dedicated amenities. Two USB-c ports face the back via the center console. Rear heater ducts are standard. An armrest with dual cupholders can fold down if the middle seat isn’t occupied. Tie-down points are standard in the cargo hold. Rear seats recline for passenger comfort or fold down for cargo.

The Kona Electric SE has more standards, including a 1-cube front trunk compartment. SE AWD adds all-wheel drive with a useful snow mode. It changes the regular suspension for an independent multi-link set-up.

Building on the SE FWD trim, the 2024 Hyundai Kona SEL has many exterior extras such as rear privacy glass and roof side rails. With roof cross rails, the roof can hold up to 220 pounds. Special aerodynamic wipers and heated side mirrors assist the driver. Special 18-inch aluminum alloys dress up the exterior.

The driver’s cockpit is more comfortable with the addition of an eight-way power chair with power lumbar support. Leather covers the steering wheel and shifter. The front passenger gains a height-adjustable seat. The black cloth upholstery can be exchanged for a gray color scheme.

Dual-zone automatic temperature controls make it easier for the driver and front seat passenger to regulate the air conditioning. Second row air vents help spread the cool air quicker.

A cover adds more privacy for the cargo hold. The SEL AWD model adds the same upgrades as the SE AWD trim.

The SEL Convenience Package packs the 2024 Kona with technologies, including the 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster. Navigation and Dynamic Voice Recognition are part of the advanced infotainment system.

Driver tools and toys include an auto-dimming rearview mirror, paddle shifters, and a wireless charger. More advanced driver aids are on tap to keep you safer. An underfloor cargo tray is added to the hold.

The new Digital Key 2 Touch is in a new generation of its own and provides even more connectivity between your smartphone and Kona vehicle. You can leave the real key in a drawer when this app is active on your phone.

LED interior lighting and one-touch power windows are among the many small upgrades that bring more refinement to the 2024 Hyundai Kona cabin. Heated front seats help with winter cold. A Wi-Fi hotspot allows multiple devices to utilize the internet even when you are on the go.

Limited and Limited AWD models set themselves apart with a more distinctive exterior. Extensive driver assistance includes the remote parking system, a rear collision autobrake, and front-side-rear parking sensors.

Of course, it’s the cabin that will attract most shoppers. Softness covers the doors and other touch points. H Tex leatherette adds its rich touch to both rows of seats. Ambient lighting and a sunroof add more fun to the design.

Ventilated front seats are a welcome amenity when the Phoenix AZ summers are bearing down on us. A heated steering wheel and heated front seats are ready to help when winter is at its worst. A hands-free smart liftgate makes it easier to load and unload the sizable cargo hold.

With its turbo power, the 2024 Hyundai Kona N Line is definitely fun to drive. The look incorporates a distinctive grille, different bumpers, and body color side cladding. Sport details include 19-inch alloy wheels and a twin-tip exhaust. The N Line AWD model is similarly equipped.

The interior looks the part with its N Line scuff plates, metal sport pedals, and special N Line steering wheel design. Alcantara and leatherette cover the N-line sport seats. A power sunroof is overhead. Eight speakers surround the cabin with Bose premium sound.

If you want a black roof for contrast, it can be paired with Atlas White, Ultimate Red Metallic or Ecotonic Gray Pearls.

Every 2024 Kona has an incredible list of standard driver aids and technologies. These include ways to avoid forward, side and rear collisions. Other aids help protect the transmission or provide help with parking. Standard safety features include:

Automatic Headlights

Blind-spot Collision Warning

Downhill Brake Control

Driver Attention Warning

Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA)

High Beam Assist

Individual-Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Intelligent Speed Limit Assist

Lane Following Assist / Lane Keeping Assist

Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection with Avoidance Assist

Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist

Even with all the changes to the Kona, the model has earned the Top Safety Pick+ award from the crash experts at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. That's reassuring to anyone considering upgrading to this smart new SUV.

SEL Convenience, N-Line and Limited trims have additional systems, including the Hyundai semi-autonomous system and the advanced navigation based smart cruise system. Driver assistance includes:

Junction Turning & Direct Oncoming FCA

Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go Capability

Highway Driving Assist

Limited models have so much parking assistance that drivers are sure to find life less stressful. Remote parking, as the name suggests, means that the driver uses the keyfob and stands outside the Kona Limited as it parks itself. Important driver aids include:

Blind Spot Camera System

Remote Smart Parking Assist

Front, Side, Rear Parking Sensors

360 Degree Camera System

Reverse Collision Avoidance Assist

There’s much more to explore. You’ll find the 2024 Kona and Kona Electric at your Earnhardt Hyundai - San Tan dealer Phoenix AZ. You are invited to check out the technology and take a test drive.