Introduction

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. 

Lineup

The Kona comes as SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Limited and Ultimate. 

Base $21,540 Kona SE crossovers have power features, cloth upholstery, 16-inch wheels, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and automatic emergency braking. 

The $23,340 Kona SEL adds 17-inch wheels, keyless start, heated front seats, blind-spot monitors, and satellite radio. It's our favorite, and can be fitted with a sunroof and Infinity audio. 

The $25,190 SEL Plus adds to that a power driver seat and wireless smartphone charging. 

The $27,340 Kona Limited deletes the sunroof and gains leather upholstery, 18-inch wheels, a power driver's seat, LED headlights and taillights, and the turbo-4 engine. 

The $29,190 Ultimate gets a head-up display, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, and navigation. 

The Kona warranty is the best in the business. It's a 5-year/60,000-mile warranty and for 2021, 3 years or 36,000 miles of free maintenance. It expands to 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain. 

Walkaround

The Kona is a lot to look at. All the clever crossover-SUV styling tricks show up here, from a floating roof to stacked headlights. It's distinctive, but it's also very busy. It wears a lot of flash in its quest for attention. 

The many details aren't cohesive. The headlights stack in tiers; the front end wears non-functional vents. There's enough plastic body cladding to bring back memories of the old Honda Element, and the Kona lacks the Element's memorable function. 

Interior

The cabin Kona seems to be from a different car altogether. It reads like a familiar book. The controls are laid out in a logical manner. There's a lot of black and gray, while brightly colored highlights circle pods of controls and vents to add some warmth.
The central touchscreen lightens up the mood a bit; it's serious but not somber.
The front seats sit fairly high, and offer good bolstering and range of adjustment. They come standard in cloth with leather available. 

Size-wise, it's more suitable for two adults and occasional passengers than four people on long trips. The cabin is snug, and the rear seats don't have a lot of shoulder and knee room. There's more head room, thanks to the bubble-roof design.
The rear seats fold down to boost the Kona's cargo space from 19.2 cubic feet to 45.8 cubic feet. The Kona has a wide hatch and a low load floor, which makes it easier to load things. 

Outward vision is mostly fine, but the rearward view from the Kona's driver seat isn't great, thanks to thick roof pillars. 

Driving Impression

The base 2.0-liter inline-4 makes 147 hp mated to a 6-speed automatic that sends power to the front wheels. It's an economy car, and as such it's not quick. All-wheel drive helps with traction in wet weather, but it adds weight and cost too. 

The Kona Limited and Ultimate use a 1.6-liter turbo-4 with 175 hp, along with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic manual that feels hesitant and gets confused at city speeds. The base 6-speed automatic is better, but it doesn't come with the 175-hp engine. 

The Kona's handling is great on winding roads, especially in Sport mode which brings firmer steering. The independent suspension on all-wheel-drive versions delivers deft cornering, while front-drive models have a twist-beam rear suspension that's less planted. The all-wheel drive also delivers a good ride and comfort for a car with such a short wheelbase. The ride degrades a bit when the larger 18-inch wheels are fitted. 

With all-wheel drive, the Kona has 6.7 inches of ground clearance, not enough for offroad. 

Summary

The 2021 Hyundai Kona fits the small-crossover bill, and its exceptional warranty and high level of features boosts it to the top of its class. The Electric model isn't available widely, but it's the best of the three, we think; drive one before you select a gas-powered model. 

 

-by Sam Moses with driving impressions by The Car Connection.