2020 Hyundai Kona

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absolutely! AUTO REVIEW | By Steve Kursar –

The 2020 Hyundai Kona is a great subcompact crossover for a car buyer looking for an affordable and stylish vehicle. It was introduced a couple of years ago as an all-new vehicle to the Hyundai lineup, but luckily for those who waited, this year’s model packs in even more standard features making it that much more attractive. In a crowded and competitive segment, the new Kona stands out as a great buy.

Crossovers and SUVs grew in popularity with drivers looking to gain visibility on the highway due to a higher driving position.  Automakers realized that urban drivers wanted a smaller vehicle that also provides better road visibility but gives them more protection against harsh urban road hazards such a potholes and street flooding.  Hyundai developed the Kona with a focus on enhanced driving dynamics and responsive performance for a variety of urban and multi-surface driving conditions. The long wheelbase, short overhangs and wide track create a planted stance that results in exceptional agility in urban environments with enhanced linear stability and ride comfort.

The Kona is offered with two powertrains. However, the more powerful option is only offered with the more expensive trims.  The base SE trim with an MSRP of $18,600 is powered by a 147 hp, 2.0 liter four-cylinder Atkinson engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It gets respective fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. In order to get the more powerful, responsive and definitely more fun to drive powertrain, you have to move up to the Limited trim.  Here you get the 175 hp, 1.6 liter four-cylinder direct-injected turbocharged engine that is coupled to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).  With the more powerful engine, fuel economy is virtually unchanged with ratings of 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

The Kona’s interior is roomy for the front seat passengers, although it can get cramped for folks in the back. Materials are what you might expect with lots of hard plastic, but everything feels sturdy.  Options that might be found only on more expensive, larger crossovers are offered in the Kona such as a Heads-Up Display and wireless phone charging.

The Hyundai Kona is an ideal crossover for getting around on pot-holed urban streets or navigating through downtown traffic. It’s also perfect for getting far away from the concrete jungle and going off-road when only getting dirty and muddy will do.