NIGHT 4dr All-Wheel Drive
2021 Hyundai Kona
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a small crossover SUV with economy-car roots but fancy hardware, from all-wheel drive to a dual-clutch transmission to an all-electric model-and it's all wrapped in a compelling shape. In addition to the electric Kona, which we review separately, there are two versions with gas engines. The base engine is a 2.0-liter 147-horsepower inline-4 with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic. The next engine is a 175-hp turbo-4 with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic manual transmission. The Kona is available with all-wheel drive; those AWD versions also have an independent rear suspension that makes the most of Kona's short wheelbase. It's nimble, fun on back roads, and easy to thread through city traffic.
Five people can fit in the Kona, but not easily; even with only two in the rear, it can be snug if they are full-size adults. Flip down the back seat and the Kona can hold 45.8 cubic feet of cargo. The infotainment is very good.
Base Kona SE and SEL hatchbacks with front-wheel drive are EPA-rated at 27 mpg city, 33 highway, 30 combined. All-wheel drive drops ratings to 25/30/27 mpg. The turbocharged engine, with 28 more horsepower, gets basically the same mileage: 28/32/30 mpg; all-wheel-drive turbos check in at 26/29/27 mpg.
Excellent safety scores put the Kona near the top of its small-SUV class. The NHTSA gives the Kona at five stars overall, with four stars for rollover risk. The IIHS gives it 'Good'? scores in all its crash tests, and a Top Safety Pick award.
All Kona crossovers come with automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitors are available on the SEL, while Ultimate Konas get a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control.
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In addition to the electric Kona, which we review separately, there are two versions with gas engines. The base engine is a 2.0-liter 147-horsepower inline-4 with a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic. The next engine is a 175-hp turbo-4 with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic manual transmission. The Kona is available with all-wheel drive; those AWD versions also have an independent rear suspension that makes the most of Kona's short wheelbase. It's nimble, fun on back roads, and easy to thread through city traffic.
Five people can fit in the Kona, but not easily; even with only two in the rear, it can be snug if they are full-size adults. Flip down the back seat and the Kona can hold 45.8 cubic feet of cargo. The infotainment is very good.
Base Kona SE and SEL hatchbacks with front-wheel drive are EPA-rated at 27 mpg city, 33 highway, 30 combined. All-wheel drive drops ratings to 25/30/27 mpg. The turbocharged engine, with 28 more horsepower, gets basically the same mileage: 28/32/30 mpg; all-wheel-drive turbos check in at 26/29/27 mpg.
Excellent safety scores put the Kona near the top of its small-SUV class. The NHTSA gives the Kona at five stars overall, with four stars for rollover risk. The IIHS gives it 'Good'? scores in all its crash tests, and a Top Safety Pick award.
All Kona crossovers come with automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitors are available on the SEL, while Ultimate Konas get a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, and active lane control.
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Engine | 1.6L I-4 |
MPG | 26 City / 29 Hwy |
Seating | 5 Passengers |
Transmission | 7-spd auto-shift man w/OD |
Power | 175 @ 5500 rpm |
Drivetrain | all wheel |