2020 Hyundai Kona Ultimate: The Korean Brand’s Entry-Level Compact Crossover

Highlight: The Kona is available in all-electric configuration.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $28,980 (Base model: $20,840)

Seating Capacity: 4 (super tight fit in the back seat)

Standard Safety Features:  ABS; airbags; a tire pressure monitoring system; automatic headlights; a blind spot driver’s mirror; a downhill brake control; a hillstart assist control; a forward collision assist system; a lane keep assist system; a backup camera; a remote keyless entry system; stability control system; a traction control system; and a compact spare tire

Standard Equipment (Base SE Model): 16-inch wheels; a 6-speed automatic transmission; a variety driving modes; cloth manually operated front seats; 60/40 rear split seats; rear seat heater ducts; a manually operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a manually operated a/c; a rear center armrest with cupholders; and rear coat hangers

 Standard Equipment (Ultimate Model): 18-inch tires; 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, 175-horsepower engine; a 7-speed automatic transmission; a multi-link rear suspension; LED headlights with low beam assist; foglights; heated mirrors; a blind spot collision warning system; side mirrors with turn signal indicators; premium dark gray body cladding; rear privacy glass; power sunroof; black roof rack; high beam assist lights; a rain sensing windshield wipers; leather seats; a power driver’s seat; heated front seats; heated side mirrors with turn signals indicators; a rear privacy glass; cargo area, under floor storage tray; sliding sunvisors; auto dimming inside rearview mirror; a leather-wrapped shift knob; an automatic temperature control system; a leather wrapped steering wheel; an 8-inch infotainment screen; an 8-speaker AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM; a heads up display system; a wireless device charging system; one-touch auto up/down power mirrors; a push button ignition starter system; a lane keep assist system; a lane change assist system; a rear cross traffic warning system; a reverse parking distance warning system; and a forward collision avoidance system with pedestrian protection

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: carpeted floormats

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

Android Auto & AppleCarPlay: Standard

USB Connectivity: Yes

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder/147-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular Unleaded

Standard Fuel Mileage:   

27-city/33-hwy

What’s New: The Kona was introduced during the 2018 model year. With the exception of a few changes in the content, the big news for the 2020 model year is the addition of a radar-activated cruise control system being added to the top of the line Ultimate trim.

Why: Hyundai’s compact crossover is entering into its third model year. The entry-level compact crossover has captured a buyer that escaped the larger Tucson and the Santa Fe crossovers. The Kona is available in both a front wheel drive and an all-wheel drive configuration. Hyundai’s compact crossover is available in a variety trims: SE, SEL, Limited and Ultimate.

The stylish crossover, which is easy to maneuver, is available in a variety of driving modes, at a starting price point under $21,000. Unlike many of today’s crossovers that seemingly appeal to more women than men, the Kona’s exterior design team hit a sweet spot, with its ability to connect with all genders. From its subtle athletic exterior design to all of the creases in all of the right places to its sporty wheels, the Kona casts a wide net to buyers who would have landed at other brands.

The compact Kona, with its stylish grille and cat-like headlights, was outfitted with many of the safety features one could expect to find in more premium models. Those features ranged from an electronic blind spot system to a forward collision braking system with pedestrian protection to now to a radar-activated cruise control system. The Kona was available with many safety avoidance features typically reserved for more premium sized vehicles.

Also the layout of the instrument panel made all of the gauges and features incorporated into the standalone infotainment center easy-to-use. We were equally impressed by the attention to detail the interior design team added to the brand’s entry-level crossover.

But: The rear seating area is super tight. Kona needs to take a page from the Nissan Kicks, which has one of the roomiest rear seating areas in terms of legroom. 

Moreover, there are a lot of hard plastic surrounding the instrument panel. For the top of the Ultimate, Hyundai’s interior design team needs to consider adding more soft touches to vehicles instrument panel.

Lastly, the more powerful 1.6-liter turbo charged engine seems to be a little rough around the edges. Its not as refined as it should be.

Verdict: The Korean brand’s entry-level crossover is available with a host of high end features and safety aids. During its first full model year, over 30,000 new Konas made its way into the driveways and parking lots of America’s car-buyers seeking a nimble and fuel-efficient crossover. Since its introduction, Hyundai’s strategic planning team has been able to hold off on raising the price of the Kona.

Competition:  Chevy Trax, Ford EcoSport, Jeep Renegade, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-3, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Nissan Kicks and Toyota C-HR