Hyundai Kona (2017 – present) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV/crossover that was launched in 2017, sharing its platform with the Kia Stonic. It was updated for 2021, with improved connectivity and a new sporty-look trim dubbed N-Line.
The Kona is currently available with a choice of petrol and hybrid power – diesel versions were axed in 2019. Hyundai also sells the Kona Electric which is covered in a separate report as it is substantially different to this regular version. A Kona N performance model joined the range in mid 2021.
The Hyundai Kona has received mostly average to good reviews from the UK motoring media, with very consistent scores from different sources. Its equipment, especially the infotainment, and its five-year warranty comes in for praise, but the car is criticised for a dull interior and uninspiring drive.
Reviewers point out that the car now faces some high-quality rivals, such as the Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq. “The latest revisions have made it a bit more competitive, but it’s still not the most practical choice – nor the best drive,” comments HeyCar.
The Hybrid introduced as part of the 2021 update does not greatly impress either, Auto Express pointing out that it’s not a lot more eco-friendly than the 1.0-litre petrol version but costs a lot more to buy. Thankfully the hybrid system does not take up boot space because at 374 litres it’s pretty modest compared to rivals.
Even the Kona’s updated looks don’t chime with all – “surely the most outrageously styled Hyundai the world has ever seen,” comments Top Gear.
As of December 2021, the Hyundai Kona has an Expert Rating of 59% based on 30 reviews. That puts it in the bottom half of the small SUV segment, while its electric sibling sits almost at the top of the class.
Kona highlights
- Reasonable value for money
- Good specification
- Quality infotainment
- Long warranty
Kona lowlights
- Dull drive
- Uninspiring interior finish
- Hybrid pricey for modest green gains
- Marmite styling
Key specifications
Body style: Small SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol, hybrid
Price: From £21,265 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2017Last updated: Winter 2020/21
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Hyundai Kona (2021 onwards)
Hyundai Kona (2017 – 2020)
Hyundai Kona (2021 onwards)
Hyundai Kona (2017 – 2020)
Hyundai Kona (2021 onwards)
Hyundai Kona (2017 – 2020)
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
The Car Expert
Score: 7 / 10“Hyundai has done a creditable job of creating a small SUV that offers a little distinction in an overcrowded market.”
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Auto Express
Model reviewed: Hybrid 2021Score: 6 / 10“The Kona Hybrid’s official CO2 emissions are low, to help with BIK rates, while its practicality remains so-so, its scores in these areas are, in truth, in the same ballpark as those of one of its main rivals.”
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Model reviewed: 2021 updateScore: 7 / 10“Updates to the Hyundai Kona improve its overall experience, with an efficient and effective mild-hybrid powertrain, a more composed and comfortable ride, and some useful tech upgrades in the cabin.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Hyundai Kona has funky looks, but the driving experience is firmly in the middle of the pack.”
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Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 6 / 10“Well known engines but an all-new platform beneath them.”
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Hyundai Kona is not a spectacular car to drive, but it feels light and easy around town and secure and stable on the motorway. Although it’s a compact car, it still manages to feel airy with enough space for four to travel in comfort.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: 1.6 T-GDi Hybrid 2021Score: 8 / 10“The Hyundai Kona’s facelift has taken what was already a pretty appealing proposition and sharpened everything up.”
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Model reviewed: Hybrid Premium SEScore: 8 / 10“The Kona is as roomy as ever in hybrid guise, with plenty of room for a pair of 6ft-tall adults on the rear bench even with another two up front.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre CRDi Premium SEScore: 6 / 10“While certainly a decent car, the Kona diesel is the weakest link of the three-strong family. We’d go for a petrol variant over the diesel unless you’re a particularly high-mileage driver.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol T-GDI automatic Premium GTScore: 6 / 10“Ignore the propaganda about a ‘true SUV’ – there is nothing sporty about the Kona’s coarse 1.6-litre engine and little utility in the small boot and compact rear seats. You have to love the way the Kona looks and truly value the long list of standard kit to warrant spending £25,000 on this version, too.”
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Car Keys
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“Updates to the Hyundai Kona certainly make it better than ever. It’s a very good all-rounder, even in this entry-level engine, with a pleasant driving experience, attractive styling and high-quality interior.”
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Model reviewed: HybridScore: 8 / 10“The Kona Hybrid offers an interesting alternative to the standard petrol Kona that will be exceptionally cheap to run. It also retains the standard model’s well-equipped interior, spaciousness and interesting styling. However, you do need to consider if it’s worth the expense over the regular car.”
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Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“The Hyundai Kona is a practical and quirky introduction to the small crossover class. It has a premium feel, and while the £24,995 top-end price makes it quite expensive, it is well equipped.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: HybridScore: 7.6 / 10“Capable of over 50mpg, the Hyundai Kona Hybrid is the pick of the range if your budget doesn’t stretch to the fully electric Kona”
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Score: 6.8 / 10“The Hyundai Kona looks more exciting than the brand’s other cars, but delivers sensible, middling competence rather than excellence in any one area.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 4 / 10“The Hyundai Kona handles tidily and is well equipped, but has uncomfortable suspension and an average boot.”
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Green Car Guide
Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol hybrid automatic Premium SEScore: 8 / 10“if for some reason a pure EV doesn’t work for you (for example you may not have any way to charge at home) then for use in built-up areas the Hyundai Kona Hybrid will be cleaner than the Petrol or Diesel models.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual PremiumScore: 7 / 10“The Hyundai Kona remains one of our favourite cars, but we’re just struggling to find a reason to recommend the diesel over the petrol or electric models.”
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Heycar
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 6 / 10“The Hyundai Kona isn’t in the same league as the Skoda Kamiq or Ford Puma, but it represents reasonable value for money. The latest revisions have made it a bit more competitive, but it’s still not the most practical choice – nor the best drive.”
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Honest John
Score: 6 / 10“As a value-focused crossover, the Kona gets lots of things right, with its low running costs and comprehensive warranty being its two standout selling features. However, the cramped interior and so-so ride quality leave the Kona feeling distinctly short on quality and comfort compared to its rivals.”
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Motors.co.uk
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 8 / 10“For young families with a vibrant outlook on life, or those who find themselves in need of a family car but who aren’t quite ready for a ‘boring’ one, the Hyundai Kona has much to recommend it. It’s a lot more fun and a lot more outgoing than many of its rivals.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 7.8 / 10“Hyundai’s smallest SUV bristles with appeal and funkiness”
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The Sun
“Hyundai’s mission is to convince the world this is a fun car for young and funky people. It’s doing this with bold styling, modern tech and more colour combinations than Elton John’s wedding.”
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: Hybrid Premium SEScore: 6 / 10“In hybrid form, the Kona is a likeable little SUV with plenty going for it, and if it’s a hybrid in particular that you’re after, then this is one of the best. Trouble is, it’s hard to recommend over its more conventionally powered rivals, which offer more for less, despite being more costly to run.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol automatic 4×4 HighlanderScore: 6 / 10“In the class the Kona rates no more than a decent three-plus, but so many of its rivals are worse. In this 4×4, 1.6-litre petrol form it’s good looking, goes well and has a utility that rivals lack. Trouble is, with just a bit more time and money spent on steering and damping it could have been a zillion times better.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Premium SEScore: 6 / 10“The bold styling and high levels of equipment are welcome, but the Hyundai Kona needs more space and a smoother ride to justify the extra star that would put it in contention with the class leaders.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“We like the Hyundai Kona for trying as hard in the handling department as in the styling studio, and rising above the droves of humdrum rival crossovers.”
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What Car?
Score: 6 / 10“Decent engines and infotainment, but the Kona fails to stand out in the small SUV class.”
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Which?
Model reviewed: Hybrid“With the demise of the diesel model, this new hybrid is the more economical of the two Hyundai Kona crossovers that still contain a combustion engine. It’s at its best around town, where its quiet electric-only operation is a real positive. However, despite being easy to live with and use, it struggles to compete with the best compact crossover SUVs available.”
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Model reviewed: “Modestly sized, modestly talented.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2017
87%
ADULT OCCUPANT
85%
CHILD OCCUPANT
62%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
60%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Eco rating
Independent emissions and efficiency ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Hyundai Kona has not been lab tested by Green NCAP. This is a new initiative, launched in 2018 as a sister organisation to Euro NCAP.
As yet, very few new cars have been tested for environmental impact by Green NCAP, and inevitably the testing programme was halted in early 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic before resuming later in the year.
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Keyword: Hyundai Kona