Unveiling the 2024 Hyundai Kona

Don’t you just love a nice, shiny, all-new vehicle? We sure do, which is why we’re over-the-moon to talk about Hyundai’s latest: the redesigned Kona.

At their bombastic presentation at the New York International Auto Show, the Korean automotive wizards announced a whole bunch of juicy new details about the Kona that’s going to be available stateside this year.

Let’s cover some of the exciting news but first, a quick trip down memory lane…

The Hyundai Kona Through the Years

Since its grand US market debut in early 2018, the Kona has consistently established itself among the best-received vehicles in Hyundai’s lineup.

Actually, scratch that; it’s one of the best-received SUVs in the entire car industry. Check out some of the awards it’s won since its introduction:

• 2023 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money—US News
• 2022 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money—US News
• 2021 Best Buy Electric Vehicle—Kelley Blue Book
• 2021 Editor’s Choice, Subcompact SUV—Car and Driver
• 2020 Best Buy, Subcompact Crossover—Consumer Guide
• 2020 Top 10 Best Cars for Recent College Graduates—Autotrader
• 2020 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards, Subcompact Crossover SUV—AutoPacific
• 2019 Best Economic Performance, Mini Crossovers—Automotive Science Group
• 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year—NACTOY

We cherry-picked that list, by the way. Those were just the ones we had room for.

With such an illustrious track record, how will Hyundai keep the momentum for the all-new second generation 2024 Hyundai Kona?

An EV-First Approach

Most newly-hatched vehicles start out with a traditional gasoline engine schematic, with any electrified powertrain options implemented afterward. Hyundai’s decided to flip this trend on its head—from the beginning, the 2024 Kona was designed as an EV first and foremost.

Bucking the conventional design approach allowed the new Kona to take on a unique exterior style, crafted to be elegantly aerodynamic for the best possible efficiency. From the get-go, the sharp frontal profile is instantly recognizable the classic EV “frunk” storage is included, and the conventional radiator grille has been replaced by the Seamless Horizon daytime running light.

The 2024 Kona EV motor puts out 150kW, and Hyundai’s preliminary tests indicate an estimated 260 miles of electric range. With proper infrastructure, the battery is expected to charge from 10 to 80% in under 45 minutes.

One-pedal driving with i-PEDAL makes use of the Smart Regenerative System to bolster driving range, and regenerative braking will improve range even further when adaptive cruise control is active.

A Selection of Gasoline Engines and Drivetrains

For those not quite ready to make the leap to full-electric, two gas-powered models of 2024 Kona will be available at launch: the internal combustion engine (ICE) Kona, and the Kona N-Line.

The souped-up N-Line houses a 1.6L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder. It’s predicted to haul out with 190 horsies and 195 lb.-ft. of torque, for those who prefer a more nimble and responsive driving experience from their family SUV. It’ll also have an 8-speed automatic transmission, an upgrade from the previous 7-speed. The boosted N-Line package also includes 19-inch wheels and trim-exclusive body flair.

Meanwhile, the meat-and-potatoes Kona model boasts a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder motor, which reportedly produces about 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. Two-wheel drive is said to be standard, but HTRAC all-wheel drive models will be available as well, complete with higher ground clearance for drivers with a sense of adventure.

Currently, although the new Kona definitely has all the substructure in place to support it, no hybrid or PHEV powertrain has been confirmed… yet.

Likewise, no word has been released on a performance-geared 2024 Hyundai Kona N (the N and N-Line designations are different slightly confusing, we know). Considering the fact that the 2021 Kona was the first ever performance SUV engineered for the Hyundai N division, it seems possible that we’ll get one eventually. We can dream![ML1] 

A Big, Bold New Interior

If you’ve heard anything about the all-new Kona yet, chances are you’ve heard that it’s gotten bigger—way bigger.

The ICE model of Kona 2024 has gained almost 6 inches of total length since the last generation, as well as a noticeable increase in width and wheelbase. So, what’s Hyundai done with all that extra space?

The Kona models of yesteryear won plenty of accolades, but some critics noted that it didn’t exactly have the biggest allotment of cargo space. The 2023 Kona SE, for instance, showed off 19.2 cubic feet of cargo volume with the seats up decent numbers for a subcompact SUV, but not blow-your-socks-off spacious. Hyundai heard the message loud and clear, and redesigned the 2024 Kona with over 6 more cu. ft. in the back, bringing it up to about 25-and-a-half total cubes that’s a size increase of 33%!

If that wasn’t enough, when the rear seats are folded, the cargo volume of the new Kona is reported to be almost 64 cubic feet.

Passenger space has been upgraded in a big way, too. The Hyundai masterminds designed the 2024 Kona as a “living space,” prioritizing comfort ergonomics to make it one of the best new family SUVs of the year. The seats have been designed to be slimmer, adding extra rear legroom for passengers and giving the cabin a much more open vibe. Seats also have a full recline mode, allowing for max relaxation on long drives and pit stops.

Other sophisticated interior features include storage spaces accented with mood lighting that shifts according to drive mode, and a versatile open center console concept with rotational cupholders. The cabin has also been optimized for the quietest ride possible, eliminating road noise in accordance with the Kona’s EV-centric design.

An Emphasis on Tech

The infotainment system in the new Hyundai Kona rivals the brand’s Genesis nameplate in style and function it consists of two 12.3-inch widescreen digital displays, positioned side-by-side. They combine to create a customizable UI that displays safety features, vehicle diagnostics, media, navigation, and more. Other stellar infotainment features include Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and an available 8-speaker Bose stereo with subwoofer, which will provide an unparalleled listening experience thanks to the quiet cabin engineering.

Over-the-Air software updates will ensure that the Kona is always working with the latest and greatest interfacing and processing power.

With a focus on the future, Hyundai has added Digital Key 2, the second iteration of their touchless security system. With SK2, you don’t even need the keys to operate your Hyundai Kona—you can lock and unlock, start the engine, and even share keys with approved family members through your smartphone or smartwatch.

A Focus on Safety

Hyundai has always made their safety and driver assistance packages a major priority, and they continue to do so in the 2024 model year.

We’ll have to wait a while longer on the official crash test scores, but here’s what we do know: the next step in Hyundai SmartSense is here, and it includes many features not available in other subcompact SUVs.

Using a series of exterior cameras and sensors, Blind-Spot and Surround-View Monitoring are available, allowing drivers to confidently navigate everything from interstate merges to cramped parking lots.

Long road trips with the family are a breeze with Highway Driving Assist, which works in tandem with other features like Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, High Beam Assist, and Driver Attention Warning all designed to help travel the open road with the utmost ease.

SmartSense protects drivers and passengers in the city as well, with available Remote Smart Parking Assist, Parking Collision Avoidance/Reverse, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, and Rear Occupant Alert with Safe Exit Warning. Nervous parallel parkers, rejoice!

Ready to Join the Next Generation?

If you’re thinking of holding out for the EV, ask your local dealer about Hyundai Home and the Hyundai Evolve+ app. With these new services, Hyundai is making it easier than ever to electrify your home, and for the EV-curious, they also offer a subscription platform for you and the whole family to test out a Hyundai EV, totally loan-free!

The Kona EV is slated to hit dealerships in late fall, but if you just can’t wait for a new SUV, the gas-powered 2024 Kona will be ready to roll by summertime. If you want to learn how to preorder your own, contact your local Hyundai dealership in Olathe by dialing (913) 324-7200 chat with one of our friendly team members, and discover for yourself why the Hyundai Motor Group is now the 3^rd largest auto company in the world!

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Hyundai Kona

1. What is the electric range of the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV?

The 2024 Hyundai Kona EV is expected to deliver an estimated 260 miles of range on a full charge, depending on driving conditions.

2. How much cargo space does the 2024 Hyundai Kona have?

The redesigned Kona offers approximately 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and nearly 64 cubic feet with the seats folded.

3. Is the 2024 Hyundai Kona available with AWD?

Yes. Gas-powered Kona models offer available HTRAC all-wheel drive for improved traction and versatility.

4. Does the 2024 Hyundai Kona support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. The 2024 Kona includes advanced infotainment with large digital displays and smartphone integration compatibility.

5. Where can I test drive a 2024 Hyundai Kona near Kansas City?

You can test drive the 2024 Hyundai Kona at McCarthy Hyundai of Olathe, located at 681 North Rawhide Drive in Olathe, KS.

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