What's New
The 2021 Hyundai Kona receives a new Night Edition model, a blacked-out version of the subcompact crossover SUV. Otherwise, there’s a reduced color palette but no other changes for the Kona, which has been around since 2018.
Choosing Your Hyundai Kona
There are six trims in the Kona range: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Night Edition, Limited, and Ultimate. Prices start at $21,540 including destination for the SE and climb to $29,190 for the flagship Ultimate model.
Engine Choices
The Kona is available with a choice of two engines. The SE, SEL, and SEL Plus feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while the Night Edition, Limited, and Ultimate get a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.
Engine Type | Horsepower | Torque | Fuel Economy (Combined) |
2.0L 4-Cylinder | 147 hp | 132 lb-ft | 30 mpg |
1.6L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 175 hp | 195 lb-ft | 30 mpg |
Front-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, but all-wheel drive is available for $1,400. The base engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while a turbo motor gets a seven-speed dual clutch automatic.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact crossover SUV with seating for five passengers. It offers 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space, or 45.8 with the rear seat folded down.
Safety Features
There’s a reasonable spread of safety aids across the Kona range. Every model receives lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and a driver attention warning system.
SEL trims and above gain blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Only Ultimate models receive adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, automatic high beams, and pedestrian detection.
Connectivity
SE models are modestly equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen display and six-speaker audio system. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, two USB ports, and a 3.5-inch digital gauge cluster come as standard.
However, you’ll need to move up to SEL trim for HD and satellite radio or the SEL Plus for wireless charging, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system, and a 4.2-inch gauge cluster. Ultimate trims get an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and a head-up display.
The only Kona to ride on 16-inch alloy wheels, SE models come with LED daytime running lights and body color mirrors. Keyless entry accesses a cabin with power windows and manual air conditioning, automatic headlights, and cloth upholstery.
SEL models distinguish themselves with larger 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, and privacy glass. The interior is improved by a sunroof, heated front seats, push button start, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. This is also the trim where blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard.
SEL owners benefit from an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support, wireless charging, the larger gauge cluster, the Infinity audio system, front fog lights, and a shark-fin antenna. However, it loses the sunroof.
Night Edition models are all about aesthetics, sacrificing the fog lights and wireless charging found on SEL Plus trim. They’re replaced by LED lights, aluminum-alloy sports pedals, and a host of black detailing, from the 18-inch alloys and door trims to the cloth and headliner.
The Kona Limited is another largely visual upgrade over SEL Plus, though it doesn’t sacrifice any of the latter’s creature comforts. It reprises the Night model’s LED lights and 18-inch wheels, adding splashes of chrome to the front alongside dark gray body cladding. The cabin gains the sunroof, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and automatic climate control
The Ultimate is the only Kona trim with automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and pedestrian detection as standard. It’s also the only model to get the 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and the head-up display.
Compare Kona Trims Side-By-Side
The 2021 Hyundai Kona Ulimate features the full gamut of safety and technology features, while the Night Edition and Limited models struggle to justify their costs. The SEL Plus offers plenty of creature comforts for $4,000 less than the Ultimate, making it our pick of the range.