Unique & stylish – the 2025 Hyundai Kona

The subcompact SUV market is one of the hottest markets out there, and automakers know they must make their vehicles stand out if they want to pick up a big share of that market. Hyundai does just that with their Kona – by offering a vehicle that has a futuristic exterior design and high-tech interior.

The Hyundai Kona is the brand’s second smallest SUV – slotted just above the Hyundai Venue and below the compact Tucson in Hyundai’s SUV lineup. Hyundai rolled out the new second-generation model for 2024, so not much has changed for the 2025 Kona. Still, though, the Kona proves to be a favorite vehicle in a segment that consists of the likes of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Bronco Sport, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Set off by its front fascia’s slim lighting accents, the 2025 Kona has a distinctive and modern appearance that emits a cool and spunky vibe. And that front fascia isn’t just for looks either. It features active grille shutters to help reduce aerodynamic drag when driving on the highway. Angular lines can be seen on the side of the Kona along with black wheel arches. A rear-lip spoiler adds a sporty flair to the Kona.

The Kona is available as either a front-wheel drive vehicle or all-wheel drive vehicle, and is offered with one of two engines, depending on trim. The base SE and SEL will use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT transmission. It’s good for 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The N Line and Limited trims receive a more potent turbocharged 1.6-liter engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission making 190 hp and 195 lb-ft. Hyundai also offers an all-electric version of the Kona, but that will be covered in a different review.

Inside the Kona is a sleek, modern interior that features a straightforward but ahead-of-its time design. The gear shifter is on a stalk behind the steering wheel freeing up the center console for plenty of storage which is perfect for that Venti Starbucks and cell phone as well as for handbags, purses, or other large items. For the driver, all the instruments and controls are designed around two 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard. The infotainment system runs an updated version of Hyundai’s user interface and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dash in front of the passenger is a storage shelf which adds to the Kona’s utility. As Hyundai does so well, they make their vehicles feel more expensive than they are by adding in extra features and the Kona is no exception with ambient lighting strips sprinkled throughout the cabin, heated, and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel.

Other unique features available on the Kona is a remote parking system which is accessed using the key fob, a blind-spot camera, lane centering assistance, front cross-traffic warning, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and a safe-exit alert system. Many of these features, such as the remote parking system, are not even offered on the competitor’s vehicles.

Pricing for the Kona starts at $25,900 for the base SE, while the top-of-the-line Limited comes in at $33,450. The tester, a Kona Limited AWD, dressed in Mirage Green with a gray interior came with an MSRP of $35,005.

On the road, the Kona is a nice driver, with plenty of get-up-and-go with the turbo motor. 0 to 60 mph times are in the mid 7-second range. As with most vehicles in this segment, the small size makes for a busy ride as bumps and road imperfections are felt in the cabin. Visibility out of the Kona is impressive thanks to the low dashboard and narrow windshield pillars. Fuel economy is decent at 24 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Those figures increase to 29/34 with the base engine.

Putting the Kona to work means it can take in 25.5 cubic feet of stuff. Lower the back seat and that increases to 63.7 cubic feet – making the Kona one of the roomiest models in its class for cargo.

Since its inception in 2017, the recipe for the Kona has always been to provide a car that is simple, efficient and practical. The 2025 builds on that but now adds a bit of style to the pot, making today’s Kona a spunky, cool looking, nicely packaged runabout vehicle.
— Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2025 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD

Base Price: $33,400.00
Price as Tested: $35,005.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 1.6 liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
Transmission: 8 – speed automatic
Horsepower: 190 hp
Torque: 195 ft-lbs
EPA Fuel Economy: 24 mpg city / 29 mpg highway

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