The crossover craze continues unabated, which means any automaker worth its salt is getting in on the action with all varieties of the reasonably priced, high-riding utility vehicle body style. The compact crossover segment in particular would appear to be rather lucrative, and as such, Hyundai just released a new competitor dubbed the Kona. Recently revealed in the metal in Seoul, the Kona fits between the Santa Fe and Tucson in the automaker’s lineup. Featuring sharp exterior styling, an upscale interior treatment, a wide variety of technology for infotainment and safety, plus an efficient drivetrain lineup, the Kona looks like it might have all the right stuff for a successful worldwide bid.

“With the Kona, we have created a stylish and highly functional compact SUV, perfectly suited to the needs of customers who pursue challenging, action-filled lifestyles,” says Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor Company. “We aim to set new standards for the compact SUV segment, with appealing design, cutting-edge connectivity and class leading safety features.” Cut out the press releasisms, and what’s clear is the brand has high hopes for the Kona. Not only is Hyundai seeking to be the number one Asian automaker in Europe in less than five years, but this latest addition should also add a nice bump to its presence stateside as well. But this segment is rife with competition – does the Kona have what it takes to hang?

Updated 06/15/2017: Hyundai has officially revealed the Kona compact crossover! Check out our updated review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Hyundai Kona.

2018 Hyundai Kona

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Hyundai Kona
  • Segment: Array
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 147
  • Torque: 132 @ 4500
  • Transmission: six-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

Part of Hyundai’s strategy for the Kona relies on attracting younger buyers with a unique, sleek, and highly eye-catching design. And that’s exactly what it needs to stand out in this segment, which at the moment seems pretty overloaded with options.

First impressions are good, with a nice assortment of geometric shapes spread across the nose. The look is reminiscent of the Intrado Concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show back in 2014, and although the concept model’s sleek, highly aggressive visual presence is toned down compared to the production model, the overall look isn’t a dramatic departure whatsoever.

Note: Production Hyundai Kona crossover pictured on the left, Intrado Concept vehicle pictured on the right.

Hyundai is quick to point out the styling DNA is a continuation of what we’ve seen from the brand in the past, with notable examples including the Elantra GT hatchback and Stinger GT sedan. The lines are sharp and chiseled, with an assortment of creases added for character from front to back.

In front, there’s a signature Cascading grille design for the nose, plus a new design for headlight housings as well. LED’s are used throughout, including the daytime running lights and the headlights. The grille uses a polished mesh insert with a six-sided shape. Matte silver accent trim was applied to the fog lights and lower intakes, while the front bumper aero efficiency gets a boost thanks to “air curtains” that cut back on the amount of turbulent air entering the wheel arches.

The Kona’s profile gets a rounded roofline that seems to enhance the crossover’s sportiness with aggressive proportions. The lower bits receive a matte-black cladding treatment to ward off errant rocks and grit, while the fenders are flared in a “wing type” application. Up top, buyers get a roof with a two-tone finish, plus racks for a cargo carrier for enhanced practicality. Filling the arches are 18-inch alloy wheels, also in a two-tone finish. Further wheel options include 17-inch and 16-inch rollers, with either alloy or steel construction on the table.

In back, the tail is enhanced with a short rear overhang, plus a skid plate-look for the lower bumper. The taillights wrap into the rear fenders, while upper plastic garnish complements the lower matte black cladding.

A variety of color combinations are on offer to give the Kona a customized look. Exterior color options include 10 different shades, while the offset two-tone roof can be had in one of two different colors. The roof color options include Phantom Black or Dark Knight (basically dark grey), which extends down to the coverings for the side view mirrors as well. Meanwhile, the exterior colors include Phantom Black, Chalk White, Lake Silver, Dark Knight, Pulse Red, Tangerine Comet, Acid Yellow, Blue Lagoon, Ceramic Blue, and Velvet Dune.

Exterior dimensions

Width:

1,800 mm (70.9 inches)

Height:

1,550 mm (61 inches)

Length:

4,165 mm (164 inches)

Wheelbase:

2,600 mm (102.4 inches)


Competition’s Styling

Note: Toyota C-HR pictured on the left, Honda HR-V pictured on the right.

As previously stated, this segment is replete with options, with two of the bigger models hailing from Japan. The first of these in the Toyota C-HR, a sporty looking compact that gets noticed thanks to its forward-leaning stance, angled cuts, and deep creases. The profile in particular looks quite aggressive, almost like a sport compact hatchback that was lifted a bit. Standout features include LED lighting, large 18-inch alloy wheels, and a rugged black underbody cladding.

Up next is the Honda HR-V, which is a bit tamer, at least when compared to the Hyundai and Toyota products in terms of exterior styling. The features get a more traditional approach without the overtly geometric designs and deep cuts as the other two models mentioned, but with a good dose of Honda flavoring as well. Standard features on the Honda product include aluminum-alloy wheels, power windows, and a power tailgate lock.

Honda HR-V

Toyota C-HR

Wheelbase (inches)

102.8

103.9

Length (inches)

169.1

171.2

Height (inches)

63.2

61.6

Width (inches)

69.8

70.7


Interior

Step inside the Kona and you’ll find a tasteful, thoughtfully laid out interior space. It’s simple and uncluttered, with a certain understated elegance. Take a step back, and the whole cabin is reminiscent of something you’d get from a big name European manufacturer, such as an older Audi A4 or even BMW 3 Series.

Enhancing that sense of premium appointment is semi-perforated leather upholstery that covers a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel. A heated steering wheel is an available option. The climate and temperature controls are located on the center console, while a smart key, push-button ignition is just to the right of the steering wheel. Passengers up front will enjoy power seats with 8-way electronic adjustment and 2-way lumbar support, while a 3-step ventilation system was added to the front seats as well. Drivers will notice an elevated seating position, which gives the Kona a genuine SUV feel behind the wheel. A floating infotainment screen design was added high on the dash.

Lots of smooth surfaces can be found just about everywhere, with a dark finish for several of the painted parts. Buyers get the option for accent colors and matched stitching for the seats and steering wheel, with colors including Orange, Lime, and Red. Further accents were added to the air vents, gearshift, engine start button surround, and stitching for the seats and steering wheel. Lime and Red coloring were added to the seat belts as well. Up top is a black headliner, while glossy black interior door handles and steering wheel spokes round it out.

But any competitive entry in the compact crossover segment needs more than a pretty cabin space to be successful – it’s also gotta have the infotainment chops to back it. To that end, the Kona comes standard with a 5.0-inch monochrome TFT screen, plus features like radio, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary inputs, and a USB connection. Higher in the range is the Display Audio system, which replaces the 5.0-inch TFT screen with a 7.0-inch color LCD touchscreen, while also adding an integrated rear camera with dynamic guidelines, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support (Bluetooth and a USB input are included as well). Finally, the top-level infotainment adds an 8.0-inch touchscreen with a rearview camera and dynamic guidelines, plus a 7-year subscription to the LIVE services app suite (real time info on weather, traffic, speed cameras and point of interest search), 3D maps, and Lifetime Mapcare nav updates (Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto are retained).

The Display Audio system is another first for the brand, offering up further smartphone support for phone calls, navigation, voice-to-text, and music.

Behind the steering wheel, you’ll find a central information screen in the gauge cluster, with either a 3.5-inch Mono TFT LCD screen as standard, or an upgraded 4.2-inch TFT color display as an available option.

Another cool, tech-heavy feature is the available 8.0-inch heads-up display, which is yet another Hyundai first. This feature projects pertinent information onto the windscreen just inside the driver’s field of vision, enhancing safety while also looking pretty darned cool. Stuff like road speed, navigation directions, fuel level, audio system info, and various autonomous safety system warnings are projected. The heads-up display is also adjustable in terms of angle and height, thus enhancing visibility. Drivers can activate the heads-up display with a button located on the steering wheel.

If having a banging stereo is high on your priority list, the Kona will offer an optional premium system from Krell. Specs include a total of eight speakers, with two 20 mm tweeters, four 160 mm woofers, a single 100 mm central speaker, and a 200 mm subwoofer, plus an eight-channel amp with 45 watts per channel. Rounding out the infotainment features is an optional Qi wireless charger for mobile devices.

Space-wise, the Kona promises to deliver a best-in-class interior room. Front legroom is measured at 1,054 mm (41.5 inches), while legroom in back is rated at 880 mm (34.6 inches). Cargo space is rated at 361 liters (12.7 cubic feet). Enhancing the space is a 60:40 split for the rear seats. Folded down completely, there’s a total of 1,143 liters (40.4 cubic feet) of space for hauling things around.

Competition’s Cabin

Note: Toyota C-HR pictured on the left, Honda HR-V pictured on the right.

The Toyota CH-R is also pretty spiffy inside, with a large infotainment screen mounted high on the dash, lots of soft touch surfaces, matte finish trim, and chrome details. A few analog buttons reside underneath the primary screen, while the shift knob gets a satin chrome and leather boot treatment. The rear seat also folds down in a 60/40 split.

Step into the Honda HR-V, and the cabin layout is, like the exterior, a bit downplayed. However, you still get lots of premium stuff, such as a 7.0-inch touchscreen, soft touch surfaces, and chrome detailing, plus nice piano black surrounds. Leather trim is included. Standard spec throws in a rearview camera, app support, push-button engine start, and SiriusXM radio.

Note: Toyota C-HR pictured on the left, Honda HR-V pictured on the right.1}

Honda HR-V

Toyota C-HR

Honda HR-V

Toyota C-HR

39.5/38.3

38.1/38.3

Headroom (inches, front/rear)

41.2/39.3

43.5/31.7

Legroom (inches, front/rear)

56.8/54.5

49.0/52.5

Shoulder Room (inches, front/rear)

53.1/47.4

53.0/48.0

Hiproom (inches, front/rear)

24.3/58.8

19.0/36.4


Drivetrain

Hyundai is selling the Kona with a variety of engine choices worldwide, although the selection is limited depending on the market. In the U.S., the Hyundai will be sold with one of two engines, starting with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 147 horsepower and 179 Nm (132 pound-feet) of torque at 4,500 rpm. Mated to the 2.0-liter is a six-speed automatic transmission, which helps the Kona do the 0-to-62 mph sprint in about 10 seconds. It should also be noted that the lump utilizes the Atkinson cycle for better mpg.

Alternatively, U.S. buyers can get the Kona with a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Output from the 1.6-liter is rated at 175 horses and 195 pound-feet at 1,500 rpm, which helps the crossover hit 62 mph from a standstill in a much more acceptable mid-7-seconds. Meanwhile, top speed for the 1.6-liter looks like 210 km/h (130 mph).

Hyundai has yet to release exact details with regards to specific engine and drivetrain combinations, but it’s a safe bet to assume FWD will come as standard and AWD will be offered as an available option.

Across the pond, buyers will get a few different engine options at their disposal, all of which will be turbocharged. The initial two powertrains offered at launch will kick off with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder T-GDI mated to a six-speed manual transmission and FWD as standard. The 1.0-liter will makes 120 PS (118 horsepower) and 172 Nm (126 pound-feet) of torque. Standout features include a turbo with an electronic wastegate actuator for greater efficiency, plus a six-hole GDI injector pushing 200 bar of pressure.

Above the 1.0-liter is a more potent 1.6-liter T-GDI making 177 PS (175 horsepower) and 265 Nm (195 pound-feet) of torque, presumably the same as engine as the top-level U.S. option. Cog swaps for this engine come courtesy of a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and AWD system, with a run from 0-to-62 mph done in 7.9 seconds.

Speaking of the optional AWD, the Kona’s extra grip is provided by up to 50 percent of available torque sent to the rear axle. Meanwhile, the seven-speed transmission is an evolution of the seven-speed DCT Hyundai first offered in 2015, which Hyundai claims offers a 20 percent improvement to fuel returns and CO2 emissions compared to a “conventional” six-speed automatic, plus a 10 percent boost to acceleration. Standout features include two dry clutches with an actuator for each, enabling no interruption in torque application during shifts.

Further options for European buyers will be released during the summer of 2018, at which time Hyundai will offer a 1.6-liter diesel powerplant mated to either the six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic. AWD will be an available option. The oil burner will be offered in two states of tune, including the standard 115 PS (113 horsepower) run through the six-speed manual and FWD. You can also get more power with the 136 PS (134 horsepower) and 320 Nm (236 foot-pounds) of torque through the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and either FWD or AWD. As previously noted, the diesel option will only be available in select markets.

Finally, the Kona gets two drive modes, “normal” and “sport,” with the performance option holding out for more revs before upshifting.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

1.6-liter inline four-cylinder

2.0-liter four-cylinder

Horsepower

175 HP

147 HP

Torque

195 LB-FT @ 1,500 RPM

132 LB-FT @ 4,500 RPM

Transmission

six-speed automatic

six-speed automatic

0 to 60 mph

7.5 seconds

10 seconds

Top Speed

130 mph

130 mph


Competition’s Drivetrain

Note: Toyota C-HR pictured on the left, Honda HR-V pictured on the right.

Powering the Toyota C-HR is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with natural aspiration, and peak output rated at 144 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. Routing the output is a continuously variable transmission (otherwise known as a CVT), a gearbox best known for yielding optimum mpg figures.

As for the Honda, under the hood you’ll find a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with a single overhead cam, and 16 valves. Output for this one is rated at 138 horsepower and 127 pound-feet of torque, all of which is routed to (surprise, surprise) a CVT gearbox.

Note: Toyota C-HR pictured on the left, Honda HR-V pictured on the right.}

Engine

1.8 liters In-Line 4-Cylinder

2.0-liter, four-cylinder

Horsepower

141 HP @ 6,500 RPM

144 HP @ 6,100 RPM

Torque

127 LB-FT @ 4,300 RPM

139 LB-FT @ 3,900 RPM

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

CVT

Honda HR-V

Toyota C-HR

25/33/28

TBA

Engine

2,888 Lbs

3,300 Lbs


Chassis And Handling

To help it turn, the Kona utilizes a MacPherson strut suspension set-up in front, which arrives with a new geometry for enhanced comfort. The rear employs a torsion beam axle for FWD models. Go for the AWD model, and you’ll get an upgraded multi-link set-up with dual lower control arms.

Electronic aides include Advanced Traction Cornering Control on models equipped with AWD, which Hyundai says helps to diminish the inherent understeer dynamics associated with AWD cars. And although it’s unlikely many buyers will take their Kona off-roading, Hyundai is quick to point out the 170 mm (6.7 inches) of ground clearance.

Underneath the body panels, Hyundai says the Kona was manufactured using the automaker’s in-house produced steel, while utilizing hot stamping and structural adhesive production methods to cut weight and up stiffness.

Tire sizing is 235/45R18 for the 18-inch wheels, 215/55R17 for the 17-inch wheels, and 205/60R16 for the 16-inch wheels.

Safety And Convenience

Both the NHTSA and IIHS have yet to post safety ratings for the Hyundai Kona, but odds are they’ll be pretty good, considering the models broad selection of safety tech onboard. Kicking it off is Hyundai Motor’s Autonomous Emergency braking with Pedestrian Detection system, plus there’s Blind Sport Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Static Bending Light, and Smart High Beam. Standard safety tech includes Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Alert.

Less high-tech safety stuff includes a six airbags, with two in front, two on the side, and two curtain airbags.

Prices

Hyundai will launch sales in its native South Korea later this month, with deliveries in the U.S. and Europe scheduled for a little later in 2017. Exact pricing details have yet to be announced, but if we were to guess, we’d say a starting price of about $20,000 feels about right. Expect that number to rise significantly with upgraded infotainment and drivetrain options.

Competition’s Prices

Note: Toyota C-HR pictured on the left, Honda HR-V pictured on the right.

If you’re looking into picking up a 2018 Toyota C-HR, expect pricing to start at around $22,500 for the base model XLE package. Or you can step up to the XLE Premium model for $24,350 for a little extra in terms of equipment.

Meanwhile, the Honda HR-V starts at $19,465 for the LX model, then ranges up to $24,940 for the EX-L with Navigation model. Caught in the middle is the EX, which starts at $21,515.

Note: Toyota C-HR pictured on the left, Honda HR-V pictured on the right.0}

Nissan Juke

When it comes to funky, small crossovers, the Nissan Juke is the go-to answer. Making 188 horsepower thanks to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, it’s pretty zippy as well, hitting 60 mph in less than seven seconds. That means the Hyundai won’t have the power to outmuscle it, but the South Korean product might have the right stuff to beat it when it comes to features and pricing.

Read the full review here.

Renault Captur

Venture over to Europe or the U.K., and you’re likely to cross paths with the Renault Captur. Offering two-tone exterior paint and a number of options for customization, the Captur is right in line with the youth-oriented philosophy of the Juke and Hyundai’s Juke Fighter. Power comes from a variety of diesel and gasoline engines, including a 1.4-liter oil burner producing 90 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque.

Read more about the Renault Captur here.

Conclusion

The crossover market is still unbelievably popular here in the states, especially when the model in question comes equipped with loads of tech, an efficient powertrain, and slick styling. Hyundai is smart to be looking to add to this segment with a smaller crossover offering, and all told, it should make for a solid contender when it arrives next year. The real key will be standard features and price – if it arrives for a few thousand under the Nissan with more gear and an attractive exterior, it should play remarkably well with target audiences.

The Big Teaser

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The spy shots that we’ve seen of the Kona thus far have given away very little in terms of actual design cues. This teaser image doesn’t reveal a whole lot either, but we can make out some styling cues. First off, the headlights are thin and sleek, keeping a similar form to the tiny air passage that sits in between. Interestingly enough, the thin lights just ahead of the hood are actually the daytime running lamps while the larger lights down below will function as the actual headlights. The inner edge of those headlights run parallel with the sides of the grille, which really ties things together up front. That grille, by the way, is likely flat on the bottom, but you can’t deny that the top half kind of looks like the outline of the Superman logo. The front hood is insanely wide, making for thin fenders, and features plenty of muscular cues. It actually kind of looks like it’s flexing, doesn’t it?

As I said, we can’t make out a whole lot, but it’s a hint as to what we’ll be seeing when the Kona makes its official debut. There’s no exact date set, but Hyundai says it’s happening this summer, which means it should go on sale in the fall as a 2018 model. Check back soon for updates!

Spy Shots

April 7, 2017 - Hyundai Kona caught testing once again

Update History

Updated 04/07/2017: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Hyundai Kona out for a new testing session. According to Hyundai, the name "Kona" is derived from the Kona district on the Big Island of Hawaii, reflecting the island’s energetic image and unique lifestyle