2024 Hyundai Kona

Pros: Great tech; reasonably fun to drive; turbo engine upgrade and electric model; more space with new generation Cons: No wireless smartphone connection with upgrade system; no federal tax credit for Electric; no more Kona N (for now) The 2024 Hyundai Kona represents the collective evolution of the subcompact crossover segment. While it shrinks from three models to just two for 2024 (say goodbye to the Kona N), the baby commuter now packs more space, more tech and more diversity of electric powertrains. While the Kona may be new, it hasn’t lost the key attributes that made us like the first generation so much. It’s still pleasant to drive, even fun if you spring for one of the punchier models. It’s still packed with usable, well-thought-out tech. And it’s still small — albeit a lot less so than previously. Its position at the lower end of Hyundai’s lineup also helps the value proposition stick. Put another way: It’s still a bargain. The Kona Electric also returns, now with a choice between ultimate range and a smaller, cheaper battery. Unfortunately, the loss of federal tax credits means its price won’t be as competitive as it used to be. But with other cheap EV options taking a break (looking at you, Chevrolet Bolt EUV), the Kona is positioned to make a splash in its second performance. Interior & Technology   |   Passenger & Cargo Space   |   Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive   |   Pricing & Trim Levels   |   Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2024? The Kona was redesigned for 2024 and now boasts significantly more cargo space along with a roomier rear seat. While both of the standard gasoline engines carried over largely unchanged, the high-output N performance model is discontinued, but don't count out a return at some point. The Kona Electric also returns late in calendar year 2023, this time with two BEV powertrains to choose from, but the tire-burning torque of the last-gen electric model has been dialed back. The new Kona also gets an overhauled interior featuring a host of new tech to go with its new skin. The new 12.3-inch infotainment system supports over-the-air updates and comes with USB-C ports front and rear. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support is finally coming to navigation-equipped models, though it’ll come as an over-the-air update later in 2024.   (Kona Limited interior (light gray); Kona N-Line interior (black with red accents); Kona Electric interior (gray with yellow accents) What are the Kona interior and in-car technology like? For the money — and for this humble segment — the Kona interior is quite decent. The 2024 redesign brightens things up a bit in the front cabin, especially on the Limited and N-Line. Those trims get a column-mounted gear selector, freeing up space between the seats. Hyundai also borrowed the Palisade’s multi-function center console with cupholders that collapse out of the way to make room for storing larger items.  Kona has always been equipped with decent tech and infotainment; the new model is …
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