2023 Hyundai Kona in Thomaston, ME - $19,988

Hyundai recently unveiled the latest vehicle in its expanding line-up of stylish crossovers and SUVs, the 2018 Kona. With a strong, impactful design and uncompromised individuality, the Kona is designed to appeal to modern customers with active lifestyles. The Kona is a brand-new challenger in the segment, with a bold, daring image that hints at the future design direction of Hyundai’s next generation of crossover/SUV models.

The Kona’s stand-out design is reinforced by the car’s voluminous, aggressive body styling, that emphasizes the car’s well-proportioned, dynamic silhouette. Its low and wide stance complements the car’s stylish profile, with the long wheel base and short overhangs ensuring sporty, nimble handling, in addition to delivering superior driving stability at high speed.

Available in SE, SEL, Limited and Ultimate trim levels, base power is generated by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with torque communicated to the wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. A 1.6L four-cylinder turbo prime mover bolted to a six-speed EcoShift dual clutch automatic transmission is standard on Limited and Ultimate. All-wheel drive is optional.

The Kona rides on an all-new compact SUV platform that has been engineered to be rigid, topped with a lightweight body for dynamic driving performance and a comfortable ride. The platform is optimized to permit SUV levels of ground clearance, while the optional 4WD system and drivetrain is intelligently packaged to offer a spacious interior despite its compact proportions.

Control hardware consists of a McPherson strut system upfront, receiving a new sub-frame bush mounting and best-in-class tire trace to enhance comfort and reduce NVH. The system incorporates SUV geometry for refined body movement on rough roads or harsh off-road terrain.

Different rear suspension systems have been developed for both 2WD and 4WD, to deliver a comfortable ride and sporty handling with either drivetrain. At the front, the rear subframe receives new bush structure for the 2WD suspension set-up, with a high-stiffness torsion beam for greater stability and control. The 4WD configuration features a dual-arm multi-link suspension system to refine overall driving dynamics on all surface types.

Inside the passenger cabin, the unique features of the exterior continue inside, with a strong horizontal character line creating a wide and spacious feel. The sleek and simple layout interior contrasts with the bold, adventurous exterior design. The AVN (Audio, Visual, Navigation) monitor incorporates Hyundai’s advanced infotainment features. The monitor appears to float on the dashboard, contributing to the sense of openness.

Designers also optimized interior space to maximize luggage storage capabilities, reflecting the requirements of customers with active lifestyles. The split-folding rear seats fold flat, with a two-level loading floor that allows easy access for a bicycle or golf club storage.

Dimensions & specifications
Wheelbase: 102.4; overall length:164.0; width: 70.9; height: 61.0
All vehicle measurements are in inches.

Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder – 147 hp at 6200 rpm and 132 lbs-ft of torque at 4500 rpm; 1.6L four-cylinder turbo – 175 hp at 5500 and 195 lbs-ft at 1500-4500 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed automatic, seven-speed DCT automatic
Cargo capacity: 45.8 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual front/rear head curtain side impact airbags, driver’s knee airbag, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, traction control, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, rearview camera, hill-start assist, LED daytime running lights, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, remote keyless entry system, alarm system, and tire pressure monitoring system with individual tire indicator. SEL adds blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, lane change assist, and proximity key with push button engine start. Limited adds fog lights and full automatic LED headlights/taillights.

Ultimate adds reverse parking distance warning, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, high beam assist, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Blue Link Connected Car System, heads-up display, and navigation system.

Warranty
Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile
Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 7-year/unlimited
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/unlimited 24-hour

Pricing
As of the print date of this review, Hyundai has not announced pricing for the 2018 Hyundai Kona compact crossover.