An Overview Of The All-New 2024 Hyundai Kona

Hyundai’s popular Kona received its first complete redesign for 2024, and they are already in stock at Rairdon’s Hyundai of Bellingham. The new Kona will be available in a non-electrified gas engine with a high-performance variant for N and Limited models, and a 100% battery electric vehicle. There will not be a hybrid variant. In a switch from the previous Kona, Hyundai first developed the new electric Kona and then adapted it for the non-electrified models.

“The all-new Kona and Kona Electric continue to build upon our extremely successful first-generation model, with outstanding efficiency, innovative technologies, distinctive styling, and comprehensive safety features,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America. “The new Kona Electric represents the next step forward in eco-friendly mobility solutions, a key model in Hyundai’s rapid transition to clean mobility and progress for humanity.”

Dimension Expansion

The Kona grows for its second generation. At 104.7 inches, the wheelbase stretches by 2.3 inches and is one of the longest in its class. Subsequently, the overall length grows from 165.6 to 171.3 inches, and its 71.9-inch width is up a full inch. Naturally, there is more space inside, most noticeably with the three more inches of rear legroom (36.4). The expansion also marks a significant increase in utility, with cargo space behind the rear seatbacks at 25.5 cubic feet over the previous 19.5. Fold the 60/40 seat backs down, and you will find 63.7 cubic feet, a 50% increase from the previous model. A hands-free power tailgate is now available to access that space.

The front-end styling with the very EV-looking, body-wide LED band just under the leading edge of the hood is on all models regardless of the propulsion system. However, the Kona Electric’s band is pixelated in keeping with Hyundai’s other EV models. The headlights are tucked in the corners with a shape repeated in the rear with the taillights. The Kona EV looks like it will cut through the air with barely a wake, and it does just that with a drag coefficient of just 0.27. Non-electrified components Konas are available in nine exterior colors and seven for the Kona Electric.

All-New Interior

The interior features dual 12.3-inch displays. One is the center touchscreen, and the other is the driver’s digital information display. The center display is backed by  Hyundai’s next-generation operating system, featuring an advanced graphic user interface and seamless operating between apps. The Kona is now available with Hyundai’s Digital Key system, which allows the driver to use their smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle, even if they left the key at home. The system also allows the owner to share digital key access with up to three presumably well-trusted individuals. 

In the case of an old design becoming new again, the Kona’s gear selector is now a right stalk behind the steering wheel, freeing space and storage in the center console.  However, unlike those clunky stalk shifters of old, this shift-by-wire system moves with precision. The second row features what Hyundai refers to as a Curveless Bench Seat, which enhances available space for two or three passengers. Rear passengers can also recline the seat back with a two-stage latching system.

The latest interaction of the Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance System is available with some rare features for the class. For example, Remote Smart Parking Assist is available.  First seen on the Sonata, this feature lets drivers remotely park and

emerge from tight spaces. Another rare feature in this segment is the Blind-Spot View Monitor, which gives the driver a camera image of the left or right blind spot in the driver information center before they change lanes. Included in the Hyundai SmartSense suite of features are:

• Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
•  Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
• Surround View Monitor (SVM)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
• Rear Occupant Alert/Safe Exit Warning
• Parking Collision Avoidance Assist-Reverse.

Other available driver assistance features on the new Kona include Smart Cruise Control, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with stop and go, Parking Distance Warning (forward/side/reverse with contour warning), and Remote Start.

Choose From Three Drivetrains

The gas-powered Kona’s standard engine is a 2.0-liter Inline-4 that produces an estimated 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Using the efficient Atkinson cycle valve timing system and paired with a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission, the SE trim level is EPA city/hwy/comb rated at 29/34/31 for FWD models and 27/29/28 with AWD. SEL models have one less MPG in the city. 

N-Line and Limited modespack Hyundai’s turbocharged, 1.6-liter direct-injected inline-4, which produces an estimated 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700-4,500 rpm. This engine is mated to a quick-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. This drivetrain has EPA city/highway/combined mpg estimates of 26/32/28 for FWD and 24/29/26 for AWD.

All Kona Electric models are FWD. You can choose a 133 hp motor with a 48.6 kWh battery or a 201 hp with a 64.8 kWh battery. Torque is 188 lb-ft, in either case, which, being electric motors, is on hand at any rpm. The large battery range is estimated at 260 miles. When recharging on the go, DC-direct fast charge time from 10% to 80% is estimated at 43 minutes. 

FWD gas-powered models will have a MacPherson strut suspension with coil springs, a hollow stabilizer bar, and a torsion beam axle in the rear. Both AWD and Kona EVs will have the front MacPherson strut suspension with an independent multi-link set up in the rear.

Kona Electric Exclusives

The Kona Electric takes advantage of its compact drivetrain by offering “frunk” storage.  The i-PEDAL mode enables one-pedal driving, and a Smart Regenerative System adjusts regeneration based on real-time traffic conditions. In addition, the charger is bi-directional with a Vehicle-to-Load function, meaning that it can power devices or charge electrical equipment, such as electric bicycles, scooters, camping equipment, or even necessary power necessities in the event of a power outage.

Both the gas and electric-powered Kona models offer a combination of power, efficiency, utility, and style not found elsewhere in its category. As mentioned, gas-powered 2024 Kona models are already filling the Rairdon’s Hyundai of Bellingham inventory. Kona Electric models can be expected in late fall. If an innovative, efficient compact crossover is in your future, come and check out the new Kona.