The second-generation Hyundai Kona is bigger, better equipped and more advanced – but it’s also more expensive. Is the Premium model with the regular, non-turbo petrol engine the pick of the range?
2024 Hyundai Kona Premium
The Hyundai Kona has grown up for its second outing.
Based on all-new underpinnings – with futuristic bodywork, a more advanced interior and new technology – the second-generation Kona is significantly bigger than its 2017 predecessor, and closer in size to the Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-30, Kia Seltos and other, newer rivals.
The 2.0-litre front-wheel-drive and 1.6-litre turbo all-wheel-drive versions arrived in June 2023, due to be joined imminently by a hybrid, as well as an electric version – which Hyundai says it designed first, rather than turning the styling of a petrol car into an electric vehicle.
How much does the Hyundai Kona cost in Australia?
The petrol and hybrid Hyundai Kona range is priced from $32,000 to $46,500 plus on-road costs – or about $36,000 to $52,000 drive-away according to Hyundai’s online calculator – across three engines, two trim grades, and an optional N Line sports pack.
The model tested here is the Kona Premium – the top-of-the-range equipment level, without the N Line package – with the 2.0-litre non-turbo petrol engine, CVT automatic and front-wheel drive, priced from $39,500 plus on-road costs.
Our test vehicle is finished in no-cost Mirage Green paint, and optioned with a power-operated sunroof for $1500, and a Light Shale Grey interior for $295 in place of the standard black.
The optional extras bring the price to $41,295 plus on-road costs, or $45,359 drive-away in New South Wales, according to the Hyundai Australia website at the time of publishing.
The price – with or without the sunroof – is competitive with middle to top-of-the-range versions of rivals from Japan, South Korea and Europe.
These include the Kia Seltos GT-Line 2.0-litre petrol ($41,500 plus on-road costs), Mazda CX-30 G25 Touring SP ($40,510 plus on-roads), Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo ($43,490 drive-away), Subaru Crosstrek 2.0S ($41,490 plus on-roads), Toyota Corolla Cross GXL petrol ($37,730 plus on-roads), Volkswagen T-Roc 110TSI Style ($38,890 plus on-roads), and the reigning Drive Car of the Year Best Small SUV, the Nissan Qashqai, in ST-L trim ($42,190 plus on-roads).
All vehicles above are powered by 1.5-litre to 2.5-litre petrol engines with comparable power to the 2.0-litre Kona, and are front-wheel drive with the exception of the Subaru.
Within the Hyundai Kona range, buyers may also consider the lesser equipped but more frugal Hybrid N Line, or more potent 1.6-litre turbo all-wheel-drive N Line, both priced from $40,000 plus on-road costs.
Standard equipment in the Kona Premium includes 18-inch alloy wheels, dusk-sensing projector LED headlights, dual 12.3-inch interior screens, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, an eight-speaker Bose stereo, front and rear parking sensors, surround-view cameras, and a full suite of advanced safety technology.
| Key details | 2024 Hyundai Kona Premium 2.0 |
| Price | $39,500 plus on-road costs |
| Colour of test car | Mirage Green |
| Options | Sunroof – $1500 Light Shale Grey interior – $295 |
| Price as tested | $41,295 plus on-road costs |
| Drive-away price | $45,359 (NSW) |
| Rivals | Toyota Corolla Cross | Nissan Qashqai | Subaru Crosstrek |
How much space does the Hyundai Kona have inside?
The larger exterior dimensions of the new Hyundai Kona – 15cm longer, 2.5cm wider and 6cm taller – have translated to increased interior space.
It is the rear seats where the biggest improvements have been made. At 183cm tall, I can sit behind my long-legged driving position with plenty of head room, knee room and toe room, though I found my ankles quickly hitting the bottom of the front seats when sliding my toes forward, which could hamper comfort on a longer drive.
The wider cabin creates more space when travelling three abreast in the rear, though it remains a squeeze compared to a Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe in the classes above. The floor is not completely flat – there is a hump in the centre, albeit a small one – and the seat base feels quite flat, and could do with more support.
Back-seat passengers are well catered for, with a fold-down centre armrest with two cupholders, rear air vents, map pockets on both front seatbacks, two USB-C charging ports, two ISOFIX anchor points, three top-tether child-seat points, and heating for the two outboard seats.
The door pockets are large enough for a 600mL drink bottle, but it is a tight squeeze and larger drink containers will struggle to fit.
Up front there is plenty of space for taller drivers, and comfortable leather-trimmed seats offering great under-thigh support and ample lateral support in tight corners. In this Premium model, the seats are fitted with heating, ventilation, power adjustment, two-position memory, and adjustable lumbar support.
The power-adjustable seats – and a leather-trimmed steering wheel with tilt and reach adjustment – make it relatively easy to find a comfortable driving position.
However, taller drivers may wish the steering wheel came out further from the dashboard – so the seat can be moved back while remaining at the optimal distance from the steering wheel – and we wish the driver’s seat went a touch lower.
One neat trick: the seats move back automatically when the door is opened to make it easier to enter or exit the vehicle, before moving back to their last position when the door is closed.
The 2.0-litre petrol Kona Premium swaps the base model’s traditional floor-mounted shifter for a stalk on the bottom right of the steering column. It seems unusual at first, particularly when attempting quick three-point turns, but we got used to it in our week with the car.
The wand-like shifter allows for a large, open centre console with plenty of free space for keys, wallets, phones and other loose items, as well as two cupholders, which are better suited to a larger drink bottle than a 600mL plastic bottle that tends to wobble around.
The glovebox and door bins are a moderate size – not small but also not cavernous – while there is a small storage tray on the passenger side of the dashboard.
Hyundai has persisted with cheap-feeling hard plastic throughout the Kona’s cabin, from the top of the door panels to the dashboard and the centre console – and the armrests are not very soft. Other similarly priced cars in this class include leather-like surfaces in these areas for a more premium feel worthy of the $45,000 drive-away price.
Amenities up front include a wireless phone charging pad, two USB-C ports, a 12-volt socket, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless entry and start. There is no sunglasses holder in the roof, but the sun visors extend to block sun glare hitting the side of your head.
Hyundai quotes 407 litres of boot space with the rear seats up – 33L more than the old model, and bigger than a Mazda CX-30 or Subaru Crosstrek, but still smaller than a petrol Toyota Corolla Cross, Mitsubishi ASX and Kia Seltos.
A full-sized suitcase is a touch too long to fit with its wheels facing inwards, but rotate it 90 degrees and there is enough room for it and a few backpacks.
Amenities in the boot, which is accessed by a power-operated tailgate, include a storage pocket on the left side, bag hooks, a luggage net on the floor, and underneath it is a space-saver spare wheel. The rear seats fold 60:40 to house longer items.
| 2024 Hyundai Kona Premium 2.0 | |
| Seats | Five |
| Boot volume | 407L seats up 1241L seats folded |
| Length | 4350mm |
| Width | 1825mm |
| Height | 1585mm |
| Wheelbase | 2660mm |
Does the Hyundai Kona have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The Hyundai Kona is the manufacturer’s first model in Australia with its new-generation infotainment software, known as ‘ccNC’, which promises sharper graphics, quicker responses, and support for ‘over-the-air’ downloadable software updates.
It runs on a pair of 12.3-inch screens – one for the instruments, and a touchscreen for the infotainment functions and AM/FM/DAB radio – which are bright, easy to use, snappy, and look more contemporary than the system in Hyundai and Kia cars until now.
For now Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in this Kona Premium model are delivered through a wired connection, but Hyundai says an update is planned to eventually add wireless technology on later models.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are already available on the base-model Hyundai Kona, but it goes without the embedded satellite navigation included in the Premium.
We experienced no drop-outs with the wired CarPlay connection in our test vehicle, and it was quick to connect every time the phone was plugged in. Here’s hoping this wired function is retained as a backup when wireless phone connectivity is introduced, as Drive has experienced random disconnections with these wireless systems in earlier Hyundai models.
There is support for Bluelink connected services, including a companion smartphone app that can lock or unlock the car remotely, locate it in a car park, call emergency services, and an array of other functions.
The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster has newer, cleaner graphics than other Hyundai models, but the functionality remains the same. That also means it’s not very customisable; the positions and sizes of the dials can’t be changed, nor can a full-size navigation map be displayed.
The eight-speaker Bose sound system delivers above-average audio quality, with ample bass and clarity for the price, but it won’t blow audiophiles away.
Is the Hyundai Kona a safe car?
The new Hyundai Kona is yet to be tested by ANCAP or its European counterpart, Euro NCAP, at the time of publication.
| 2024 Hyundai Kona Premium 2.0 | |
| ANCAP rating | Untested |
What safety technology does the Hyundai Kona have?
Standard advanced safety technology in the Kona Premium includes autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian/cyclist/motorcycle detection and intersection support, lane-keep assist, lane-centring assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, blind-spot warning (with ability to brake for obstacles), blind-spot cameras, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, traffic sign recognition, and a driver monitoring system with a camera facing the driver.
There is also a rear-view camera, 360-degree camera with 3D view, front, side and rear parking sensors, safe exit warning, tyre pressure monitoring (rotation type, not valve type), Remote Smart Park Assist, automatic high beams, and seven airbags (including one between the front seats).
There were no glitches or false activations of the autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring or rear cross-traffic alert systems in our testing.
However, the other safety systems would benefit from further improvements.
Compared to other recent Hyundai cars we’ve tested, the lane-keep assist system was more overzealous, and the lane-centring assistance had a tendency to zig-zag between the lane markings, rather than keep the car in the centre of the lane.
The pull on the steering wheel was not as bad as some vehicles from other manufacturers – including emerging Chinese brands – and on the whole, Hyundai’s lane-centring assist system remains one of the better examples in the industry. However, it did not feel as well calibrated in our test vehicle as other recent Hyundais we’ve driven, including the Ioniq 6 electric car.
The adaptive cruise control would often wander up to 4km/h over the set speed, even on a flat surface – an issue given the frequency of speed cameras in Australia’s capital cities – and was painfully slow to accelerate from a standstill when the car in front moves off.
New for the latest Kona is a more advanced driver monitoring system designed to meet the latest ANCAP safety test requirements, which places a small driver-facing camera on top of the steering column.
In ideal conditions – in perfect lighting conditions, with the driver’s gaze fixed on the road – it works fine, but within 15 seconds of putting on a pair of sunglasses an error message will appear.
The system felt too keen at times to remind the driver to focus on the road, such as when looking at the navigation map or entering a new destination – with the driver’s eyes and head at a specific angle that trips up the system.
But the biggest issue of all was the beeping of the traffic sign recognition function – which was more distracting than helpful, especially given it would also beep for speed signs on buses, off-ramps and out-of-hours school zones – even over the double demerits weekend in NSW when we had this car in the Drive garage.
In addition to reading speed signs and displaying a visual warning when you eclipse the speed limit, the Kona’s traffic-sign tech – shared with other new Hyundai and Kia models, including the Kia Seltos small SUV – will beep when you exceed the speed sign the car has detected.
It is a useful feature when the car reads the sign correctly. However, it often does not do this, detecting the lower speed on a motorway off-ramp, misreading variable (electronic) speed signs, or holding onto a 10km/h limit from a car park when you have driven back onto a public road.
The system in the Kona is better tuned than other recent Hyundais we’ve tested. It seemed to detect school zone hours – reading the times on the sign and only flashing the lower 40km/h school-zone speed limit when it was applicable – however it worked intermittently.
Most other new cars with speed sign recognition helpfully only have a visual warning, and do not beep at you when if you exceed the speed limit. Hyundai says this is its interpretation of the latest ANCAP safety requirements; we urge it to go back and read the rulebook again.
The system can be turned off, but it requires multiple taps through menus in the touchscreen to do so (though you can set a physical button shortcut that cuts the number of taps needed from four to two). Switching the audio warning off also deactivates the visual alert, and the feature automatically enables again the next time you start the car.
How much does the Hyundai Kona cost to maintain?
The Hyundai Kona is covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, with routine maintenance scheduled every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. (Note: turbo versions of the Hyundai Kona have service intervals of 12 months/10,000km).
Servicing is quoted at $1197 over three years/45,000km, or $2550 over five years/75,000km, placing the Kona at the expensive end of the small-SUV class for routine maintenance costs.
It is cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai ($2916 for five years/75,000km) and Volkswagen T-Roc 110TSI ($3091), but more expensive than a Honda HR-V ($995), Toyota Corolla Cross 2.0-litre petrol ($1250), Kia Seltos 2.0-litre petrol ($2082), Subaru Crosstrek ($2373) and Mazda CX-30 ($1766 for five years/50,000km).
A year of comprehensive insurance coverage according to our preferred online calculator is listed at $1222, based on a comparative quote for a 35-year-old male driver living in Chatswood, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, driving history, and personal circumstances.
| At a glance | 2024 Hyundai Kona Premium 2.0 |
| Warranty | Five years, unlimited km |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Servicing costs | $1197 (3 years) $2550 (5 years) |
Is the Hyundai Kona fuel efficient?
Hyundai claims fuel consumption of 5.5 litres per 100 kilometres in highway driving, 8.8L/100km in urban driving, and 6.6L/100km in mixed conditions.
Over a week of testing, the trip computer displayed fuel consumption of 9.3L/100km, with a skew towards stop-start city commutes and 60km/h to 80km/h suburban roads.
However, after cross-checking it with the petrol bowser – brimming the tank, covering a known distance, and brimming the tank again – we found the trip computer to be optimistic by 10 to 15 per cent.
Why does this matter? It means the car will show frugal fuel consumption numbers on the dashboard that may impress you, but will cost more to refill than anticipated.
The actual fuel economy over our week of testing based on our calculations rather than the car’s assessment was therefore about 10 to 10.5L/100km – more than 50 per cent higher than the combined claim.
Based on our observations at the petrol bowser – and the percentage difference between the actual fuel use, and what was listed on the trip computer – we experienced fuel use of about 6.5L/100km on a 110km/h highway cruise, 10.5L/100km in suburban commuting, and close to 13L/100km in stop-start traffic.
All petrol and hybrid Hyundai Kona models can run on 91-octane regular unleaded fuel and are compatible with E10.
Fuel Consumption – brought to you by bp
| Fuel Useage | Fuel Stats |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 6.6L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | 10 to 10.5L/100km |
| Fuel type | 91-octane regular unleaded |
| Fuel tank size | 47L |
What is the Hyundai Kona like to drive?
The Hyundai Kona Premium on test uses a 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with 110kW and 180Nm powering the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
It is largely a carryover from the previous model, with no more power or torque despite a larger and heavier body.
There is more than enough performance for city use – and keeping up with rush-hour traffic – but as the speed climbs it runs out of breath, either when accelerating to highway speed or completing an overtake on a country road.
The CVT in this car is a good example of the breed. While it will groan under heavy acceleration or up a steep hill – when it keeps the engine near its optimal RPM for the best performance – it is generally unobtrusive around town and feels perky off the mark.
However, it can be slow to respond to a request for rapid acceleration in Normal mode, and too sensitive and touchy in Sport mode.
Despite the CVT not having any traditional gears, there are shift paddles behind the steering wheel. They are surprisingly satisfying to use, and we found ourselves needing them when preparing for an overtake to overcome the transmission’s slow responses.
Hyundai appears to have elected for a sporty feel in its tuning of the suspension.
It is not overly firm or brittle over bumps, but it does not smooth out all sharp edges or imperfections in the road surface, and it is not as plush or soft as a Subaru Crosstrek or Toyota Corolla Cross.
Despite the firmer feel around town, at higher speeds the Kona does not feel as tied down over undulations in the road as we’d like, or some others in the small SUV class, including a Volkswagen T-Roc.
Visibility is good, but the windows are not as expansive as a Toyota Corolla Cross.
On a winding road, body roll is very well controlled, and there is a solid and sure-footed feel to the handling that makes the Kona feel more like a traditional hatchback than some of its rivals.
However, any fun there is to be had in this model is spoilt by the engine, which seems to produce a lot more noise than meaningful performance when it is called upon for more than basic city duties. The Kumho tyres run out of grip quickly too.
The steering is well-weighted and accurate through most of its 2.5 turns from lock to lock, but it is not particularly feel-some, and near full lock – such as in roundabouts or tight low-speed turns – it seems to become unusually light, and suddenly turn much faster and more easily. You can get used to it, but it caught us by surprise at first.
The brakes feel confident in an emergency stop and are not grabby in traffic, but there was some side-to-side wobble of the brake pedal in our test vehicle that did not exude the same assurance.
Tyre roar and wind noise are well managed at low speeds, but once you hit freeway speeds there is a surprising amount of wind rustle around the mirrors.
Around town, the less advanced torsion-beam rear suspension in this Kona model – compared to hybrid and turbo variants that have more complex independent rear suspension – generates a fair amount of noise. Often you hear bumps more than you feel them, which is an achievement given this is not the softest or most comfortable car in this class.
| Key details | 2024 Hyundai Kona Premium 2.0 |
| Engine | 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol |
| Power | 110kW @ 6200rpm |
| Torque | 180Nm @ 4500rpm |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Continuously variable automatic (CVT) |
| Power to weight ratio | 75.6kW/t |
| Weight (kerb) | 1455kg |
| Spare tyre type | Space-saver |
| Tow rating | 1300kg braked 600kg unbraked |
| Turning circle | 10.6m |
Should I buy a Hyundai Kona?
The Hyundai Kona is worth adding to your shopping list if you’re in the market in the booming small-SUV class, and in the Premium specification tested it is roomy, competitively priced, brimming with technology, and easy to drive.
However, the same compliments can be levelled at most of its key competitors – the Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Corolla Cross, Kia Seltos, Subaru Crosstrek and more – and the new Kona is no cheaper to buy, and similarly priced if not more expensive to service than its peers.
Our biggest frustrations are levelled at the advanced safety systems, which are in need of more calibration and refinement. The speed-sign recognition technology is infuriating, the driver monitoring system is too sensitive, and the lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control lack that final layer of polish.
This 2.0-litre model is also not as efficient as it should be in the real world given its performance.
Overall, the new Hyundai Kona is a solid option in the small SUV category, and it should be on your consideration list. We’d recommend taking one for a test drive on roads you frequent to see if our gripes pose an issue for you.
How do I buy a Hyundai Kona – next steps?
If the budget stretches this far, and you are interested in the nice-to-have features it brings, the Premium model grade is a good option.
However, the $7500 price premium for this model is steep, and we think better value is found in the base model – with or without the N Line option pack ($4000).
We will reserve our judgement on which engine is best until we drive the Kona Hybrid later this year to determine if its fuel savings are substantial enough to justify its $4000 higher price.
Wait times on new factory orders are less than three months, Hyundai Australia says, but there may be stock in showrooms for buyers not picky on colour or trim.
To find your nearest Hyundai dealer, who can provide more information on stock levels and wait times, click here. You can also search for Hyundais for sale at Drive.com.au/cars-for-sale.
To read the latest news on the Hyundai Kona since this review was published, click here.
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