2019 Hyundai Kona review
Hyundai Kona highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Ample standard equipment, including more driver aids for 2019
- An enjoyable, sharp-handling car to drive
Cons
- The entry-level engine feels short of power
- Interior plastics are tough but unappealing
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 29 highway, 27 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Hyundai ups the standard equipment on its 2019 Kona
A polarizing design might deter some buyers from the 2019 Hyundai Kona, but this subcompact crossover SUV has a lot of appeal. At the top of the list, it's a good value, with even the entry-level SE model coming with plenty of standard equipment. Notably, 2019 models gain some standard driver aids—all Konas offer forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention monitoring technology. You'll be happy with the equipment on the SE and SEL trim above it, but it's worth moving up to the Limited or top-end Ultimate because both use a 175-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine over the standard 147-hp 2.0-liter engine.
Every Kona uses an automatic transmission and is front-wheel-drive, but all-wheel drive is an option across the lineup. It's an option worth having because, in addition to improving traction, its more sophisticated rear suspension system benefits both handling and ride comfort. Among the Kona's rivals, including the Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Kicks, it is one of the better-driving subcompact crossovers. It feels nimble and quick, and only the dual-clutch automatic that's paired with the 1.6-liter turbo engine feels slow to react at times. A high-value proposition, the Kona is well worth a look, particularly since it comes with Hyundai's generous transferable warranty.
All Hyundai Kona years
What is new for the 2019 Hyundai Kona?
- The Kona is available in a new trim called the Iron Man.
- The Limited trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning and Infinity Sound System as standard equipment.
- The SE trim now comes with Lane Departure Warning as standard equipment.
- The SEL trim now comes with Parking Sensors, Lane Departure Warning, and Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
2019 Hyundai Kona trims
SE
The base trim is equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine delivering 147 horsepower and paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. It comes standard with remote keyless entry, forward collision-avoidance assist, forward collision mitigation, two USB ports, front bucket seats, six-way driver seat adjustment, four-way passenger seat adjustment, Bluetooth® connectivity, and six speakers.
SEL
Standard features on the SEL trim include heated front seats, blind-spot collision warning, heated exterior mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather shift knob, and much more.
Limited
Powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine, with features that include an eight-way power driver seat, automatic temperature control, leather upholstery, Infinity® premium audio system, Blue Link® Connected Car System, and LED headlights and taillights.
Ultimate
Comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen with navigation, eight premium speakers, remote engine start, parking distance warning with rear parking sensors, high beam assist, and more.
Iron Man
This is a special trim that is distinguished by a series of details dedicated to the titular Marvel character, such as the Arch Reactor shift knob, rear lights and bumper inspired by Iron Man's Exosuit, as well as the character's mask embossed on the seats.
Hyundai Kona photos
5 reasons to buy the 2019 Hyundai Kona
1. Stylish design
Although looks aren't always why someone chooses to buy an SUV, in the case of the Hyundai Kona, its design does play a role and makes it that much more appealing. Its exterior is a little unusual as far as SUVs are concerned in that it's bold and eye-catching, and that's one of the things that makes it so unique and attractive. It's distinguished by a cascading front grille design and a horizontal opening above it made to resemble an air intake—while it's just for looks, it really makes the front pop. Also, there is the unique body cladding that is meant to give the Hyundai Kona the appearance of a sports car, complemented by the rear spoiler and the double headlight design.
2. Comfortable cabin
The interior of the 2019 Hyundai Kona is very neatly designed and provides a comfortable ride for both the driver and the passengers. The front seats are very supportive and can be easily adjusted in various positions. There is a front console that houses USB ports and wireless smartphone charging (all trims), all of which are easy to reach—which can be said of the climate control buttons and other instruments as well. You'll have good visibility also, thanks to the narrow roof pillars. In addition, the infotainment system is very responsive and offers an excellent user experience.
3. Smooth ride
In addition to the attractive exterior and the nice cabin, the 2019 Hyundai Kona is praised for its smooth ride and agile handling. Thanks to the available all-wheel drive and the semi-independent rear torsion beam suspension, this small SUV is designed for good traction. With features like the standard Torque Vectoring Control brake-actuated limited-slip differential, among others, it's also good for off-road trips. The independent front strut suspension with anti-roll bar helps minimize body roll and is designed to help you control the vehicle easily around turns.
4. Very well equipped
Probably one of the best things about the 2019 Hyundai Kona is the abundance of standard tech features. For starters, there is the intuitive and easy-to-use infotainment system, which comes with a seven-inch touchscreen on the base trim. Then, there is the smartphone integration through standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay across the entire lineup. For an even better user experience, the infotainment system comes with built-in voice control, which is always handy.
5. Function and utility
The Hyundai Kona has a lot to offer when it comes to functionality and utility. The 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk is great for a subcompact SUV and there are a few other storage options around the car that can be pretty useful and increase the total cargo capacity as well. The driver and passenger bins are well-proportioned and offer enough space to store a few small items, as do the rear door bins. The standard roof rack side rails further enhance the overall functionality and add to the hauling options of the 2019 Kona.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2019 Hyundai Kona, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car with a comfortable and functional interior and lots of tech features that make it a great daily driver. The base trim of the 2019 model year is powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers 147 horsepower and comes standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. Cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down is 55 cubic feet, which is pretty generous for its class. You can choose between six trim configurations and two additional engine options—a 1.6L four-cylinder producing 201 horsepower and a 1.4L four-cylinder generating 128 horsepower.
The Hyundai Accent is a subcompact sedan that can seat five people comfortably and offers ample storage space. The 2019 model is powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine combined with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission and generating 130 horsepower. Cargo capacity measures at 13.7 cubic feet and features Bluetooth connectivity and an infotainment system with a five-inch touchscreen as standard for 2019, with forward collision warning and forward automatic emergency braking available as an option on all trims.
This subcompact crossover SUV is appealing due to the nicely-equipped and roomy interior and high cargo capacity. The base trim of the 2019 Honda HR-V is powered by a 141-horsepower 1.8L four-cylinder engine and boasts a maximum cargo volume of 58.8 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. Standard features include a multi-angle rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and a five-inch-touchscreen infotainment system. The 2019 Honda HR-V is available in five different trim configurations.
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Ratings & reliability
Hyundai Kona features and specs
Iron Man 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Head Up Display
- Infinity Sound System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Leather Seats
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Traction Control
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Full Roof Rack
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
1.6L
Horsepower
175
Torque (ft-lbs)
195
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
102.4"
Overall length
164"
Width
70.9"
Height
61"
Leg room
F 41.5"/R 34.6"
Head room
F 38"/R 37.8"
Front tires
P235/45HR18
Rear tires
P235/45HR18
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2019 Hyundai Kona FAQ
The 2019 Hyundai Kona is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Iron Man : 28 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Limited : 28 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- SE : 27 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- SEL : 27 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- Ultimate : 28 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
The 2019 Hyundai Kona has received an average 4.6 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2019 Hyundai Kona, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2019 Hyundai Kona Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2019 Hyundai Kona:
- Iron Man
- Power Locks
- Power Windows
- Sunroof(s)
- Air Conditioning
More about the 2019 Hyundai Kona
Color Options
Exterior colors:
Chalk White
Lime Twist
Pulse Red
Sonic Silver
Sunset Orange
Surf Blue
Thunder Gray
Ultra Black Pearl
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