2024 Hyundai Kona N Line AWD: New Stylish Design, More Tech And Roomier

 

Highlights:  An all-electric model is also available. An unlike most shared gasoline and electric vehicle platforms. The Kona was designed with the electric vehicle being primary and other existing powertrains being secondary.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $34,790 (Base SE Model: $25,625)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a stability control system; a rear camera; forward collision brakes; lane keep assist system; a high beam assist system; a driver assistance warning system; a heated side mirrors with turn signals; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (SE): 17-inch tires; 2.0-liter, 147-hp engine; bodycolor outside mirrors; a LED daytime running lights; an integrated rear spoiler;  a 12-inch infotainment system; cloth seats; manual operated front seats; 60/40 split rear seats; rubber floor pedals; a single temperature control system; a keyless entry system; and a push button start ignition system

Standard Equipment (N Line): 19-inch alloy wheels; a 12-inch navigation system; a premium Bose 8-speaker audio system; SiriusXM; a wireless phone charger; a digital key; and Wi-Fi hotspot; navigation system; metal sport pedals; dual exhaust pipes; a dual automatic temperature control system; second row a/c vents; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; paddle shifters on steering wheel; heated outside mirrors; high beam assist headlights; a power sunroof/sunshade; N-line design seating surfaces; a power driver’s seat with lumbar support; and cargo cover

Options: carpeted floormats

Other Trim Levels:

SEL gasoline model

Limited gasoline model

All-electric

Standard Audio On Base Kona: a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

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

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower N Line: 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine/190-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Towing: 2,000 lbs 

Standard Fuel Mileage: 24-city/29-hwy

What’s New:  The roomier second-generation Kona is all-new for the 2024 model year.

Why:

A sporty exterior design w/ a fascia lightbar replacing traditional headlights

Front wheel drive or AWD

A variety of powertrains/motors

An all-electric model is available too

Peppy engine – 1.9-l turbocharged engine in the N Line

Loads of technology available

A large, easy-to-use12-inch infotainment screen

Due to the size, the Kona is easy to maneuver.

A rotational cupholder with the ability to accommodate large bottles

Heated steering wheel available

A well-thought-out layout of the instrument cluster

A power driver’s seat with back support

A high level of safety driving aids

Co pilot assist with a radar activated cruise control system

19-inch wheels

Roomy cargo area with privacy area

A premium and clear Bose audio system

A power sunroof/sunshade

Dual temperature control heated front seats available

Ventilated and heated front seats available

An automatic climate control system

One of the best new vehicle warranties in the industry

A wireless remote smartphone charger

A brake-hold system

Ability to lock and unlock doors using one’s smartphone

A navigation system available

Leather seats available

A 360-degree camera available

An optional automatic remote parking assist system

But: 

A little pricey, as in the case of most of today’s vehicles. We were expecting a lower base price for the model.

Design by wire gear selector looks out of place for a vehicle targeting a more youthful client base

2.0-liter engine is noisy and underpowered

We would have preferred if the 1.6-liter engine in the N-Line was tuned for a high performance

 

Verdict: The sporty second-generation compact crossover has grown this year. The futuristic five passenger crossover, with its light bar fascia, which serves as a substitute for traditional headlights, is available in several trims.

The Kona is also available in a front wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration with a variety of driving modes.  

At a price point under $26,000, one can step into a base trim Kona SE. The Kona, with a high level of standard and optional tech features, offers something for everyone, whether they’re seeking a gasoline, all-electric or a performance-oriented package. Unlike many of its segment competitors, this year’s Kona has made great strides to cater to a broad spectrum of customers.

Although we spent time behind the wheel of the Kona N Line, we must note it has a peppier engine than other trims, but its not a sports car. However, the 19-inch wheels and other features make it a standout in the segment.

Kona Competition: Chevy Trax; Buick Encore GX; Ford Escape; Kia Soul; Subaru Crosstrek; Toyota Corolla Cross; and VW Taos

Kona N Line Competition: Mazda CX-30