2020 Hyundai Kona review
Hyundai Kona highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Fun to drive, particularly with the optional 1.6-liter turbo engine
- Small outside, spacious inside
Cons
- Automatic transmission on turbo engine can be a bit slow to shift
- The entry-level engine feels a bit underpowered
Mileage (EPA estimate)
26 city, 29 highway, 27 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2020 Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV offers bold looks, strong value
The 2020 Hyundai Kona seems to teeter on the edge of greatness, held back only by bold styling that might limit its appeal for some, and by a plastic-heavy interior. But there's a lot to like—love, even—about the Kona, because you'll struggle to find a nimbler, more entertaining subcompact crossover SUV to drive. To experience it at its best, you'll want the optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine mated to optional all-wheel drive. That combination is quick and capable, though the seven-speed automatic transmission can let drivers down with the occasional missed shift.
The Kona packs a lot of passenger space; trunk capacity trails some rivals, but not enough to be a deal-breaker. As you can expect of a Hyundai, you'll find generous standard equipment and a top-notch warranty package. The base SE comes with features that would be costly options in some rivals. The SEL and new-for-2020 SEL Plus up the offerings, and the upper-level Limited and Ultimate are positively dripping in standard features. The Limited is worth the extra cost because it comes with that improved 1.6-liter turbo engine. If you're in the market for a good, nearly great, subcompact crossover SUV, the Hyundai Kona should be near the top of your list.
All Hyundai Kona years
What is new for the 2020 Hyundai Kona?
- The Kona is available in a new trim called the SEL Plus.
- The Iron Man trim has been discontinued for 2020.
- Kona trims have been upgraded with Automated Cruise Control as standard equipment this year.
2020 Hyundai Kona trims
SE: Includes alloy wheels, remote keyless entry, rearview camera, 60/40 split fold-flat rear seats, seven-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, six-speaker audio system, and more.
SEL: Adds roof rails, trim-exclusive contrasting roof color, keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, satellite radio, and more.
SEL Plus: Adds wireless smartphone charging pad, sunroof, power-adjustable driver seat, eight-speaker Infinity® premium audio, and more.
Limited: Adds upgraded exterior trim, LED headlights and taillights, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, auto-dimming rearview mirror, and more.
Ultimate: Adds rear parking sensors, forward collision mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, larger touchscreen with navigation, and more.
On electric models, the trim levels vary slightly with the SEL as the base model:
SEL: Seven-inch touchscreen, contrasting roof color, rear cross-traffic alert, 17-inch alloy wheels, and more.
Limited: Power sunroof, power driver seat, leather seating surfaces, wireless device charging, battery warmer system, full LED headlights and taillights.
Ultimate: 10.25-inch touchscreen, heads-up display, ventilated front seats, eight-speaker premium audio, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Hyundai Kona photos
5 reasons to buy the 2020 Hyundai Kona
1. Go electric
The 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric is a great choice if you're looking to eliminate gas stops and would prefer to charge up instead. You'll enjoy the smooth, quiet ride of the Kona Electric but, if you like a bit of a thrill on your daily drive, you'll love the instant torque. It'll have you zooming away from lights, merging onto the highway with ease, and will put a smile on your face any time you want to get up to speed. Tech-wise, the electric Kona features a range of driver assistance features as standard, as well as a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ connectivity.
2. Generous trim levels
Well equipped at the base level, it's easy to find the Kona that's right for you without skimping on must-have features. The base SE model includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview monitor. Climb the trim levels to get more from your Kona—look out for rear cross-traffic warning (SEL and up), eight-way power driver seat (SEL Plus and up), leather seats (Limited and up), and smart cruise control (Ultimate). If you're after entertainment features such as the Infinity® premium sound system and wireless device charging, look out for the SEL Plus model.
3. Great powertrain options
Alongside the electric option, the 2020 Kona has two gasoline powertrains to choose from. The 2.0L four-cylinder comes standard on the base model up to the SEL Plus trim. It offers 147 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined on front-wheel drive models.
On the Limited and Ultimate trims, you'll find a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It achieves 175 horsepower for a more spirited drive while still achieving an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined on FWD models.
4. Stunning exterior colors
If you want to stand out, you'll get a buzz from choosing the Kona that suits your style. You can keep it classy with Chalk White or Thunder Gray but if you'd like to turn heads as you drive by, look out for Sunset Orange or Lime Twist models. On SEL models, you can also find contrasting roof colors on models in red, blue, or silver. Keep an eye out for the 2020 Hyundai that fits your aesthetic.
5. Clever cargo options
It might be a compact SUV but the 2020 Hyundai Kona uses its space wisely. You get 19.2 cu-ft of space behind the second row and a total of 45.8 cu-ft with the seats folded. That's plenty for trips to the DIY store or that dream vacation with your favorite person. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats also allow you to configure the space to your needs and you'll find tons of small-item storage throughout the cabin. The electric model has a high center console with lots of storage underneath for all your daily essentials.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2020 Hyundai Kona, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
This good-looking SUV has plenty of luxury touches throughout and the available all-wheel drive makes it a great companion if you regularly have to tackle rain and snow. As standard on 2019–2020 models, you'll find great features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an available Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.
The 2017–2020 Buick Encore has these standard features, and more:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Tinted rear glass
LED daytime running lights
This is a real driver's car. You'll love being behind the wheel of the 2017–2019 Mazda CX-3 thanks to its responsive steering and capable 2.0L engine. The Sport trim is the base model, which says plenty about the handling of this fun crossover. If you want a little more tech for your next long drive, look at the 2017–2019 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring, which features a Bose® sound system, paddle shifters, automatic climate control, and more.
The 2017–2019 Mazda CX-3 base trim Sport includes these features as standard:
Seven-inch color touchscreen
Cruise control
Rearview camera
A whole host of standard features really sets this crossover apart but it's the little conveniences that make it fun to live with. The trunk hatch swings out instead of up to allow for easier loading and closing (all 2018–2020 models), while the interior is full of smart connectivity features. Take a look at the SES and Titanium trims for Ford's Sync® infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, an available Wi-Fi hotspot, and two USB ports (2018–2020 models).
The 2018–2020 Ford EcoSport base trim enjoys these standard features, and more:
Two smart-charging USB ports
Hill-start assist
60/40 split-fold and flip-up bench seat
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Ratings & reliability
Hyundai Kona features and specs
SEL Plus 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
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Front Seat Heaters
- Infinity Sound System
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- 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
- Cloth Seats
- Full Roof Rack
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
147
Torque (ft-lbs)
132
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
102.4"
Overall length
164"
Width
70.9"
Height
61.6"
Leg room
F 41.5"/R 34.6"
Head room
F 38"/R 37.8"
Front tires
P215/55HR17
Rear tires
P215/55HR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2020 Hyundai Kona FAQ
Very much so. Standard trims feature six-way adjustable driver seating, while upper trims have an eight-way power driver seat with power lumbar support. The passenger seats are supportive, too. The front console includes an armrest, while the rear fold-down central armrest also provides cupholders.
Yes. The 60/40-split rear seats fold flat to provide additional cargo space when you need it. This is great if you need to configure the space to fit your needs — especially if you have both passengers and cargo to carry.
All 2020 Kona models have a rearview monitor with parking guidance. Climb the trim levels for additional driver assistance features such as a reversing sensor (Ultimate) and rear cross-traffic alert (SEL and up).
The 2020 Kona Limited and Ultimate trims both feature leather seat upholstery. All other trims come standard with cloth upholstery.
More about the 2020 Hyundai Kona
Color options
Exterior colors:
Ceramic Blue (Kona Electric only)
Ceramic Blue/White roof (Kona Electric, SEL trim)
Chalk White
Chalk White/Black roof (Kona Electric, SEL trim)
Galactic Gray (Kona Electric only)
Galactic Gray/White roof (Kona Electric, SEL trim)
Lime Twist (Limited and Ultimate trims)
Pulse Red
Pulse Red/Black (SEL trims only)
Sonic Silver
Sonic Silver/Black roof (SEL trim)
Sonic Silver/Dark Night roof (Kona Electric, SEL trim)
Sunset Orange
Surf Blue
Surf Blue/ Dark Gray roof (SEL trim)
Thunder Gray
Ultra Black
Ultra Black/Dark Night roof (Kona Electric, SEL trim)
Interior colors:
Black
Pebble Blue/Gray (Limited and Ultimate trims)
Gray/Black
Interior details
Inside the 2020 Hyundai Kona, you'll find enough space to stretch out with 41.5 inches of legroom in the front and 34.6 inches in the back. Behind the second row, you'll get 19.2 cu-ft of cargo space but you can fold the 60/40 split-folding seats to open up a maximum 45.8 cu-ft. Your passengers will enjoy the comfortable cloth seats found in the lower trims but look for a Limited or Ultimate model if you'd prefer leather.
On top of the spacious interior, you'll also find everything you need within easy reach. The base SE models offer a range of driver-assistance features but you'll be able to find more technology as you climb the trim levels. At the top end, the Ultimate trim features a premium sound system, adaptive cruise control, and more.
Child seat details
The 2020 Kona has two full sets of LATCH restraints (upper tether and lower anchors) in the second-row outboard seats. The middle seat has an upper tether restraint only. Lower anchors are found deeply set between seat and seatback, while the tethers are easy to reach. Two child seats (all types) can be comfortably installed in the 2020 model, although rear-facing convertible, and infant seats, may impact your front passenger's legroom.
Performance
The base engine of the 2020 Hyundai Kona is a 147-hp 2.0L engine that gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined on front-wheel drive models.
On 2020 Kona Electric models, you'll find a 201-horsepower electric powertrain that will do 258 miles on a full charge.
Year comparison
2018–Present Hyundai Kona (first generation)
A brand-new model introduced for the 2018 model year, this five-seater subcompact crossover SUV arrived with a choice of four trim levels and two engine options. For 2019, Hyundai introduced an all-electric Kona.
For 2020, adaptive cruise control became standard on the Kona Ultimate trim, while the 2021 Kona benefits from a new trim: Night. It features exclusive styling and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system. The 2022 Kona and 2022 Kona Electric models will have a restyled exterior, revised trims, and more standard features.
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