2018 Hyundai Kona

The 2018 Hyundai Kona is offered in a total of four trim levels: the SE, SEL, Limited, and the Ultimate. Either trim is available with either FWD or AWD configuration. The SE and the SEL trims use a different gearbox combination from the Limited and Ultimate trim. Pricing for the trims starts at $19,500 and goes up to $28,700 for the top trim. The Limited and Ultimate trims also get a special edition that colors the exterior with a lime green shade and costs the same as the standard version. Even on the base trim, the Kona is very well equipped. All trims get features such as automatic LED headlights, remote keyless entry, a height-adjustable driver seat, a split-level cargo area, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

The AWD configuration is actually a bundle and comes with a lockable center differential and a different rear suspension design. The Kona also gets the Hyundai Smart Sense suite (which is standard on the Ultimate trim). This suite adds active safety features and is available as an option only on the SEL trim. A few basic accessories are available, with their pricing ranging from $70 to $125. 

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According to us, the 2018 Hyundai Kona SEL trim is the one to go for. At $22,600 for the AWD configuration, this trim also gets a better suspension setup, a few more added mechanicals, and a lively interior as well. The pricing is very competitive, and the base engine though underpowered will work just fine in the city. Also, the SEL is the only trim that gets the Hyundai Smart Sense suite with all the additional safety features, hence that is a must-have.

"The 2018 Hyundai Kona is ace when it's base; the top-sheld engine carries too much baggage." - TheCarConnection

2018 Hyundai Kona Engine and Transmission 

The 2018 Hyundai Kona comes with two engine options. The SE and SEL trim levels get a 2.0L I-4 engine that outputs 147 hp @ 6200 rpm, and has a torque output of 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm. The Limited and Ultimate trims get a turbocharged 1.6L I-4 engine that outputs 175 hp @ 5500 rpm and torque output stands at 195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm. The 2.0L engine gets a 6-speed automatic transmission, whereas the 1.6L engine gets a 7-speed automated dual-clutch transmission. Both these engines come with FWD, whereas AWD is optional with a center locking differential and a unique suspension setup.

The base 2.0L engine is underpowered and does not have enough grunt. However, with the smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic transmission, the engine feels at home and is pretty refined as well. Most Konas will be powered by this engine itself and it gets most of the job done and is suited for city use with its decent fuel economy. The turbocharged 1.6L engine does come with a bigger output, but the engine is let down by the 7-speed automated dual-clutch transmission. This transmission has mixed gear shifting timings, and most of the time the down-shifts are mistimed. Even the low-speed acceleration is sluggish, and with the turbo lag, it feels even slower. This engine is not as fuel-efficient as well.

The Kona has the most power output and also is the most affordable car among these four. The Trax is the most expensive car and has the most torque output which also kicks in lower down the rpm range giving it a stronger low-end. The CX-3 has the same power and torque output. All the cars use an FWD configuration. The HR-V has the least torque-producing engine of all.

2018 Hyundai Kona acceleraion

The 2018 Hyundai Kona with the 2.0L engine and AWD setup takes 9.2 seconds to hit the 0-60 mph mark. The quarter-mile comes up in 17 seconds and the top speed stands at 120 mph. The turbo 1.6L powered Kona with the AWD setup takes a quick 6.6 seconds to hit the 0-60 mph mark, and the quarter-mile comes up in a very fast 14.7 seconds. The top speed is rated at 135 mph. 

The CX-3 is the quickest car of the lot, taking around 8.6 seconds for the 0-60 sprint. The Kona is the second quickest at 9.2 seconds, with the HR-V just behind at 9.3 seconds and the Trax taking a slow 9.6 seconds. The CX-3 benefits from its lower weight and a much responsive gearbox compared to the others. In the quarter-mile run, the CX-3 comes on top, but the HR-V comes second and the Kona is third. The Trax is the slowest.

2018 Hyundai Kona Ride and Handling

The 2018 Hyundai Kona handles well and has a composed ride over most surfaces. Around turns, the tall Kona has expected body roll but stays in control all the time. The strut and multilink suspension setup works well, but it has a tendency of bouncing around over taller bumps. Some trims get a torsion beam suspension setup at the rear to save costs.

The steering on the Kona is an easy task, as the light steering turns with minimum effort but turns where pointed at. The tires offer good feedback, and the overall system is responsive. The different riding modes on offer do modulate the steering effort and the overall handling characteristics slightly.

2018 Hyundai Kona Braking

The 2018 Hyundai Kona's braking duties are taken care of by an 11-inch front brake rotor and a 10.3-inch rear brake rotor setup. The Kona is not a very light car, and the 2890 lbs car is stopped from 60-0 mph in a distance of 118 feet, which is quite quick. The 70-0 mph braking takes 175 feet.

The brake pedal on the Kona is smooth to modulate and does not lack feel even when lightly pressed. Under hard braking, the Kona keeps its own weight at bay and has little nose-diving.

The Mazda CX-3 has the least braking distance at 117 feet, whereas the Trax takes 121 feet and the HR-V takes 127 feet. The largest front brake rotor is seen on the HR-V at 11.5 inches, and the CX-3 and the HR-V get the largest rear brake rotor at 11.1 inches. The HR-V's weight and less brake force lead to more braking distance.

The 2018 Hyundai Kona FWD with the 2.0L engine returns 27 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. With AWD, this mileage sees a big drop, at 25 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. The Koa powered by the turbo 1.6L engine returns 28 mpg in the city, 32 mpg on the highway, and 30 mpg combined. With AWD, this car returns 26 mpg in the city, 29 mpg on the highway, and 27 mpg combined. The gets a fuel tank with a capacity of 13.2 gallons, and the range on the 2.0L FWD Kona stands at 356.4 city miles and 435.6 highway miles. These are decent numbers in this segment.

Among the four cars, the CX-3 is the most fuel-efficient car with a combined mileage of 31 mpg. The Kona is just behind. The Honda HR-V and the Trax have the same combined mileage at 28 mpg. Except for the CX-3, all three cars have the same highway mileage of 33 mpg with an FWD setup. The most city range is on the CX-3, at 369.3 miles. The Trax has the most highway range at 462 miles. The HR-V has the least city range at 330 miles, whereas the CX-3 has the least highway range at 431 miles. The CX-3's range is limited by its less fuel capacity.

“The 2018 Hyundai Kona outruns its tight budget with decent materials, but legroom will be cramped for rear passengers." -TheCarConnection

2018 Hyundai Kona Seating and Comfort

The 2018 Hyundai Kona's interiors are not going to appeal to all when there's physical interaction. From far, they look superb, but closer inspection shows the heavy usage of hard plastic for many surfaces. Don't get us wrong - the interior does not feel inferior in any way, but there's a very plasticky feeling to the interior. There are a few places where soft plastics are implemented, but it's not much. Controls and buttons have a robust feeling, with a very practical and logical arrangement for easy reach and modulation. The interior is roomy, with good usage of interior space.

The Kona is a five-seater car. The front of the Kona is very spacious and there's ample legroom. The cushioning and support are excellent, making long drives an easy task. The rear, however, is cramped and not very suitable. the seats have a flat base, and are broad but lack cushioning and support. Visibility all around the cabin is excellent thanks to the thin pillars and wide windows. Ingress and egress are easy through the doors which open wide and are short making access easy even in tight spots. There is wind noise, but at city speeds, it is not very bad. 

All four cars have the same passenger capacity of five passengers. The Kona and Chevy have the most front headroom at 39.6 inches. The front legroom is excellent in all, but the CX-3 has the most front legroom at 41.7 inches. In the rear, the Trax has the most headroom at 38.8 inches. The HR-V has the most rear legroom at 39.3 inches. The Kona has the tightest rear legroom and it's quite tight. The HR-V has the most interior space at 100.1 cu-ft. Some interior features on the Kona are:

• Remote keyless entry and ignition
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats
• Heated front seats
• Telescopic adjustable steering wheel
• Leather upholstery

2018 Hyundai Kona Infotainment

The Kona offers a lot of standard technology even in the base trim. The 7-inch infotainment system is standard, whereas an 8-inch touchscreen comes on the Ultimate. The system is very user-friendly, and navigating through the menu is simple due to the straightforward layout. Touch responses are quick, with no lag. Standard features on the Kona include Bluetooth, USB port, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system.

Some other features include:

• Satellite radio
• Hyundai's Blue Link communications
• Navigation system
• Wireless charging pad
• Infinity premium audio system
• Heads-up display

2018 Hyundai Kona Cargo Capacity

Standard cargo capacity on the Hyundai Kona stands at 19.2 cu-ft, and with the seats folded the maximum cargo space stands at 45.8 cu-ft. The cargo loading floor is low, with a wide rear hatch opening.

The Kona has a split-level cargo floor.

The Honda HR-C has the most standard cargo space at 24.3 cu-ft. The CX-3 has the least cargo space at 12.4 cu-ft. The Trax has a standard cargo capacity of 18.7 cu-ft. The HR-V also boasts of the most cargo space at 58.8 cu-ft. The remaining cars offer a maximum cargo capacity which is in the 40 cu-ft to 50 cu-ft range.

“The baby crossover in Hyundai's line-up skips cute and heads right towards awkward adolesence." - TheCarConnection

2018 Hyundai Kona Dimensions and Weights

The 2018 Hyundai Kona's exterior styling is one of the most unique but polarizing designs we've come across this year. It will turn heads but in both awe and disgust. Everything about the exterior seems a mix of a variety of designs, all pieces trying to come together as one single car.

The front of the Kona features a unique headlamp position with a split DRL and headlamps setup. The grille is mounted slightly lower, and the sharp design cuts on the front bumper seem unnatural. Along the side, the doors get a thick line running across the entire length, trying to figure out its purpose. The roofline has a sleek curvature, and we really like the way it gets the front and rear together. The best part about the side view is the sleek DRLs and taillight which looks absolutely stunning, especially in the darker colors.

The rear of the Kona just has too many things going on and looks very busy. The disconnected taillights don't have enough appeal, and the indicators are mounted quite low. Although they do get the job done. Spend some more time with the Kona, and the design still might not appeal much, but it will grow on you. Also, the Limited and Ultimate trims come in a special Lime accent color. The Kona dimensions convey its subcompact proportions well, with a length of 164 inches. The width and height stand at 70.9 inches and 61 inches, and the car's wheelbase is 102.4 inches long. The Kona weighs 2,890 lbs.

All four cars have very similar proportions. The cars are quite light, but the Trax has the least weight at 2,805 lbs. The Kona is the heaviest car. The HR-V has the most length at nearly 170 inches, whereas the Kona has the most width among these four cars. The Trax has the most height, whereas the HR-V sits tall from the ground. The wheelbase of the HR-V is the longest, and the Trax has the tightest wheelbase. With all of them lined up close to each other, these differences are not seen to the naked eye. Some exterior features on the Kona are:

• Alloy wheels
• Sunroof
• Heated side mirrors
• Automatic LED headlamps
• LED taillights 
• Lime green exterior color

The 2018 Hyundai Kona has not been crash-tested by the NHTSA. The IIHS on the other hand, rated the Kona 'Good' in most tests, but some trims got a 'Poor' rating in the headlights. The IIHS also awarded the Kona with a Top Safety Pick + award as well. Standard features on the Kona include front head and knee airbags, side-impact airbags, traction control, stability control, a rearview camera, and an engine immobilizer. SEL trims and up get Blind-spot monitoring as standard. The Hyundai Smart Sense suite which costs $1,500 adds a few more advanced driver assistance systems. Some other safety features are:

• Automatic emergency braking
• Active lane control
• Automatic high beams
• Drowsy driver alert
• Lane-keeping assist
• Forward collision warning and mitigation

2018 Hyundai Kona vs 2018 Honda HR-V

The 2018 Honda HR-V is a standard all-rounder offering from Honda, but the Kona excels in most ways. The Kona has better performance than the HR-V even with the base engine, and both cars have great driving dynamics. The Kona has a stronger braking performance compared to the HR-V. It also has better fuel economy than the HR-V and a longer range as well.

The Kona's interiors are spacious and quite well-finished, even compared to the Honda. The Honda however has a more roomy rear seating space and also a larger cargo capacity. The Kona also excels with better safety ratings from IIHS, and more safety equipment on offer than the Honda. The Honda however has more reliability compared to the Kona. The Kona affordable pricing makes it a great option over the Honda HR-V.

2018 Hyundai Kona vs 2018 Mazda CX-3

The 2018 Mazda CX-3 is a powerful alternative to the Kona as a daily driver's car. It has a refined engine that outputs a better performance, very sporty handling that the Kona's relaxed dynamics don't match up to, and the CX-3 also stops quicker than the Kona. The CX-3 is a very fuel-efficient car with its high mileage, but the limited fuel capacity restricts the range it can offer in one go. The entire interior layout of the CX-3 is very driver-centric.

The front room is immense, while the rear can seem a little tight for a few. The rear in the Kona is roomier, and the Kona offers more standard tech than the CX-3 with loads of recent features. In the safety section, the CX-3 with its high safety scores and a load of optional advanced safety features just like the Kona makes both the cars excellent choices as a family car. For more sporty driving with a priority for better front-row seating, the CX-3  is a clear choice. The Kona's affordable pricing however makes it very irresistible.

This new baby Hyundai has all the ammunition to challenge the existing subcompact segment with all its flair and power. The Kona has a very unique styling, unseen on most subcompact cars. The car also offers a very useful infotainment system and has many standard features on offer. The car drives well, has good brakes, and also provides a decent fuel economy. The Kona makes the best of its wonderful safety ratings, and a list of safety features. Despite its underpowered and tight rear space with limited cargo capacity, the Kona makes a wonderful proposition thanks to its nimble handling and that affordable price tag, and we surely recommend checking out the new Kona before making the final decision.