2023 Hyundai Kona 1.6L 8AT FWD (192 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Hyundai launched the second generation of the Kona lineup during an online event held in March 2023, and in the following month, it unveiled it at the New York International Auto Show.

Unlike its predecessor, which was designed as an ICE-powered vehicle that could get an electric drivetrain, the 2024 Hyundai Kona was conceived as an EV that could be powered by an engine. This approach allowed the automaker to launch the vehicle in more versions. The subcompact crossover was already a success on the market, so releasing it with something for everyone made the potential customers happy. Those who were not convinced by the benefits or the price of an EV could get the Kona with a four-banger under the hood instead of a motor. Moreover, one of the ICE-powered versions could be equipped with an all-wheel drive system, which was unavailable for the battery-powered ones.

The car’s front fascia was adapted from the one featured on the electric version but still featured some common parts. For instance, the automaker placed a horizontal pixelated light stripe that delimitated the hood from the oversized, wrapped-around plastic bumper. Lower, on the apron, the automaker put a broad trapezoidal grille flanked by arrow-like LED headlights that also integrated the blinkers.

From its profile, the 2024 Hyundai Kona didn’t look like a hatchback on stilts anymore. Thanks to the black plastic cladding around the front and rear wheel arches, its appearance was rugged, like it was ready to tackle some off-road trails. However, the car wasn’t built for such demanding environments, but it could still roll unscared over some unpaved roads. A creased ascending line crossed the doors, visually connecting the front fenders to the roof spoiler. Hyundai also offered the car with an N package, which replaced the off-road-inspired trims that adorned the wheel arches with body-colored ones, making the subcompact crossover look sportier. At the back, a slim roof spoiler decorated the tailgate, while the bumper featured a silver plastic cladding that mimicked underbody protection.

Inside, customers were greeted by a curved display placed on the dashboard. There were actually two screens covered by the same piece of glass. The one fronting the driver was for the instrument panel, while the one placed atop the center stack was touch-sensitive and was used for the infotainment system, which featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For the base trim levels, the automaker installed mildly bolstered bucket seats with cloth upholstery. In contrast, those who ticked the N-package received high-bolstered ones adorned with the embroidered logo of Hyundai’s motorsports department, the N. At the back, the 2024 Hyundai Kona provided enough legroom and headroom for three passengers. The split-folding (60/40) bench seat could expand the trunk space from 25.5 cu-ft to 63.7 cu-ft (722 to 1,803 liters).

Under the hood, the 2024 Hyundai Kona was available with a choice of two engines. The entry-level version came with a two-liter powerplant that ran in the Atkinson cycle and was paired with a CVT. However, those who wanted to go faster could get a 1.6-liter turbocharged version that sent 190 hp (192 PS) to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic (wet dual-clutch) gearbox. Unfortunately, only the former version was available with an all-wheel drive system, and the true N version from the previous generation was no longer produced.