2019 Hyundai Kona

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Overview

The name Kona comes from the Hawaiian word for "downwind," because this first-of-its-kind Hyundai drives like a swift breeze. With two lean engine options and intelligent technology that monitors the road, the first-generation 2019 Hyundai Kona is the answer to the modern question: How can a single platform do it all?

The Perfect Ride for…

Those that need versatility. The Kona comes equipped with four doors and enough room on the inside for five people to sit comfortably. It has enough rear cargo space and a large rear hatch to meet everyday storage needs, and the back seats fold down for increased cargo area when needed. It sits on top of a versatile wheelbase with enough ground clearance to overcome moderate obstacles. Its powertrain options are built for speed when you need it, plus fuel efficiency that you’ll always appreciate. It’s like you get everything in one good-looking package, all for an incredibly attractive entry-level price starting at $19,990.*

Modern Engineering

Hyundai offers the all-new Kona in four trim levels: SE, SEL, Limited, and Ultimate. All trim levels come standard with Front Wheel Drive, but intelligent All Wheel Drive is available for each as well. The intelligent AWD automatically diverts power to the wheels with the best traction for maximized control (the driver can also choose to lock the AWD in a 50/50 split, if desired). The Limited and Ultimate trim levels also come standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, larger than the 16-inch and 17-inch wheels on the SE and SEL, respectively.

Both the SE and SEL come standard with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC®, a Hyundai-exclusive technology that adapts shifting points to your unique driving habits to maximize power and acceleration. This base powertrain puts out more than enough for the Kona’s compact frame at 147-hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. The FWD version gets an enviable EPA-estimate of 33 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg in the city,** while the AWD version gets slightly less at 30 mpg highway and 25 mpg city.**

On the premium Limited and Ultimate trim levels, drivers will enjoy a lean and sophisticated turbocharged engine. This 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine is lighter, so the turbocharger can really be effective with that added power, producing 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Plus, these trim levels are mated to a 7-speed EcoShift® dual-clutch automatic transmission, which uses one clutch for the even-numbered gears and a separate clutch for the odd-numbered gears. This results in faster and smoother shifting, as well as better efficiency since the dual-clutch gearbox does not require a torque converter. That efficiency shows itself in the higher horses and the better fuel economy for the turbocharged engine; the FWD version gets 32 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in the city,** while the AWD version gets 29 mpg highway and 26 mpg city.**

Key Features

Smart Safety

The Kona’s modest size conceals a plethora of passive and active safety features that are standard on all trim levels. Airbags have been placed throughout the cabin to protect every passenger from every angle, including advanced dual front airbags with Occupant Classification System and front and rear roof-mounted side-curtain airbags with rollover sensors. Other safety features are always at work while you drive, like Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control and Brake Assist, as well as a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire indicator. Upgrades include radar-guided smart safety features, including passive systems like Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, as well as active systems like Lane Change Assist and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection.

Smart Connectivity

Modern tech conveniences come standard in all trim levels, too, like Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™, as well as USB and Bluetooth® connectivity. The Ultimate trim-level includes premium features like built-in wireless device charging (pictured below) and a complimentary 3-year subscription to Hyundai’s Blue Link® Connected Car System, which allows you to pair your smartphone with your vehicle for remote operations and personal assistance services.

Alternative Options

Even though it's designed to fit so many different drivers, the new Hyundai Kona may not be the right car for you. That's why we keep our showroom stocked with many new Hyundai models to meet every need. If you're looking for a compact car with modern exterior styling that extends to a cleanly designed interior, the polished Hyundai Elantra rivals any of the competition's offerings, and its attractive looks, fuel efficiency, and plentiful options make it a high-value choice. Need something more spacious? Not only does the Hyundai Sonata offer a powerful yet efficient ride, it's also a roomy and comfortable sedan that flirts with luxury levels of equipment and provides plenty of cargo space.

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* MSRP excludes freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. Freight charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost.

** EPA estimates for comparison. Your actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle's condition.

Image Credit: Hyundai