2024 Kona & Kona Electric Review

Still called a subcompact SUV, the 2024 Hyundai Kona is much bigger than the 2023 Kona. The two are built on the same K3 platform, but the 2024 exterior stretches an extra 5.7 inches. It’s about an inch wider too. Passenger volume went up from 95 cubic feet to 101.2 cubic feet.

This six-cube increase is enough to secure a spacious adult-sized back seat. Headroom is 39.9 inches up front and 38.3 inches on the second row. Backseat legroom is excellent at 38.2 inches.

Engineers and designers worked together to find even more space in the second generation Kona. This resulted in slimming the backs of the front seats for more knee room. They designed a special Curve backseat that helps with second-row legroom.

In addition, the Curve backseat helps preserve the maximum cargo space. In this case, the 2024 hold is 25.5 cubic feet, compared to 19.2 cubes in the 2023 Hyundai Kona. This difference grows even more when the 60/40 split seat back comes into play.

The 2023 Hyundai Kona has 48 cubic feet with the seats folded. Greatly surpassing that, there’s 63.9 cubic feet of space in the 2024 Hyundai Kona. The fact that the rear opening is now taller and wider is another plus in the 2024 model year’s column.

The opportunity to build the Kona from scratch really suited the engineers involved with the electric architecture. They worked to keep the weight down and to give the interior as much room as possible.

With the battery pack spread underneath the vehicle, the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV has an excellent center of gravity. The weight is more evenly distributed between the front and the back.

Standard batteries offer an estimated 197 miles of range. However, the 64.8-kWh battery pack has an estimated driving range of 260 miles. That’s a bit more than the 2023 Kona’s driving range of 258 miles. Horsepower is rated at 133 or 201 ponies. The torque rate is 188 lb-ft.

At a roadside fast charger, 400v-architecture allows the 64.8-kWh battery pack to charge up to 80 percent in 43 minutes. That’s about the time it takes to order and eat a meal.

The 2024 Kona N-Line and Kona Limited are equipped with a smart and speedy turbocharged engine. It kicks out 190 horsepower, approaching the electric Kona’s output. It exceeds the Kona EV in terms of torque, producing 195 lb-ft. So clearly this gas powertrain is competitive.

Focused on fuel economy, the standard four-cylinder GDI engine produces 147 horsepower, slightly more than the standard EV battery pack. It is paired with an intelligent variable transmission. This system works electronically to adjust responses to match speed and conditions.

Even with the improved power outlay, the turbo four engine manages to maintain above-average fuel economy. It earns 26 mpg in city driving and 32 mpg on the highway. Still, it can’t quite catch the regular four-cylinder. The city rate is 30 mpg while the highway rate is 35 mpg for this standard internal combustion engine.

Gas-powered SE, SEL, N-Line and Limited AWD trims are available. H-Trac all-wheel drive is known for its ability to handle difficult weather conditions. Front-wheel drive ground clearance maxes out at 6.9 inches while AWD models may have 8.1 or 8.3 inches of clearance.

Beyond the powertrains, how do the gas-powered and electric Konas differ? In terms of trim levels, the Kona Electric packages are more richly furnished than the gas-powered trims of the same name. Plus, the 2024 Kona Electric definitely offers some tricks that simply aren’t possible with the gas-powered engines.

New for 2024, the Kona EV offers vehicle-to-load capability. With a V2L adaptor, the owner can reverse the power in the battery and send it to appliances or tools. This can be used on the campsite, and it comes in handy when the house electricity is out.

Typical of many EVs, the 2024 Hyundai Kona has a frunk. This lockable small compartment is located ahead of the cabin. It can hold about .95 cubes of gear.

Another new feature for 2024 is iPedal driving. This electric car capability allows the driver to use the accelerator as both throttle and brake pedal. It’s quite handy in busy traffic. This system helps you avoid constant braking and saves energy in the process. If you are ready for a better ride, you can value your trade with this Kelley Blue Book valuation tool.

Every 2024 Hyundai Kona now has a 12.3-inch display. This large, easy to see system includes HD Radio, SiriusXM connectivity, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Drivers have a 4.2-inch display to monitor internal systems.

The driver’s seat gains 8-way power adjustments with the Kona SEL. This trim adds a gray upholstery option that shoppers may prefer instead of the standard SE black color scheme.

All models emphasize second-row comfort with reclining seatbacks and adjustable headrests. Backseat passengers can access dedicated heater ducts, rear-facing USB ports, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders.

Kona SEL models add second-row air conditioning ducts and rear privacy glass. The cockpit adds dual-zone automatic temperature controls and a leather-clad steering wheel. The roof gains roof rails, and the cargo hold gains a cover. The Hyundai Kona Electric SE is more like the gas-powered SEL.

The SEL Convenience Package is a favorite for its more advanced dash technologies and cutting-edge driver aids. Refinements include one-touch windows, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, an underfloor cargo tray, paddle shifters, and LED interior lighting.

Navigation adds maps and directions to the two-screen dash. Behind the steering wheel, the driver has a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster. Owners benefit from a wireless charger, over-the-air system updates, and an available WiFi Hotspot. Kona Electric SEL models are more like the SEL Convenience gas-powered models.

With more horsepower, the 2024 Hyundai Kona N Line is all about driving fun. It has the same features as the SEL Convenience, but it has a unique interior and exterior style. In fact, you can get one of three exterior colors paired with a black roof for contrast.

N-Line exclusives include the sport seats, steering wheel, and scuff plates. Upholstery is offered with Alcantara inserts with unique N-Line cloth. Other favorite features include the sunroof, heated front seats, and Bose 8-speaker audio system.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona comes packed with an amazing array of standard safety features and driver aids. Automatic headlights also have high beam assist. The blind spot collision warning and lane keeping assist try to keep the Kona out of side collisions.

While traveling, the FCA system watches for forward collision dangers, pedestrians and cyclists. It may react with an emergency autobrake or help with steering. Advanced parking aids include a rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist

Additional tools include a driver attention warning, an individual-tire pressure monitoring system, and an Intelligent Speed Limit Assist. Protecting the transmission and addressing safety concerns, both Hill Start Assist and Downhill Brake Control are standard.

Stepping up to the SEL Convenience and higher trims, the Kona FCA system is upgraded. This improves the forward collision watch to include junction turning dangers and direct oncoming traffic dangers.

Smart Cruise Control interfaces with navigation, allowing it to anticipate the way the pavement twists, turns and rises. Stop-and-go capability means you can use it if you get stuck in a traffic jam.

Best of all, Highway Driving Assist is standard. This essentially combines the lane following assist and the smart cruise control for a semi-autonomous driving experience.

Limited models are the most refined with softer interior touch points. Upholstery is either leather or H-Tex Leatherette. Ventilated seats keep you comfortable on our hottest summer days. Additional amenities include a hands-free liftgate and a heated steering wheel.

Kona Limited standards include camera systems and parking assistance. A live feed from the SUV’s blind spot can be sent to the driver’s screen. This ensures that the driver knows what’s beside them before changing lanes.

Another camera system watches the whole perimeter. It assists you with parking and other slow maneuvers. Likewise, the SUV has front, side and rear parking sensors that warn you when large objects or other cars are in the way of your progress. A reverse collision avoidance assist may hit the brakes for you.

Taking care of everything, the Remote Smart Parking Assist is one of Hyundai’s most popular features. Drivers can sit in the car while the system parks, or they can stand aside with the keyfob in their hand and watch the SUV pull into or out of a spot safely.

Schedule a test drive of the 2024 Hyundai Kona and Kona Electric. Check out your options and try out the technologies at your North Scottsdale Hyundai dealer.