Just bought the 2019 Kona SEL with Tech Package in white for my daughter last week. She absolutely loves it and as a parent, very glad it comes with all the safety features for her! It’s a fun, peppy car to drive and comes with decent room and cargo room for the size and price!
I was waiting for the SEL w/Tech last November and when there weren't any in the US, I discovered my dealer had the Limited in stock. My new Kona is the color and features that I wanted (dark gray). For $2000 more, I have the SEL Tech + turbo and leather seats. Enjoy the Kona!!! I love mine.
I bought a Hyundai Kona Ultimate (same incredible lime green color) a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. A lot of car for the money...and way more fun to drive than anything in this segment has a right to be.
I have 2012 veloster 30-35 MPG avg. Very good quality, high tech., and excellent service with good ptice. I love and enjoy it every things having no issues at all. But I am very interested in Kona for my next car. What is the MPG of your Kona?
I really like the Kona, a lot and this is the exact color and trim I liked. When we purchased our 2 brand new 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL’s with Touring Package & S-AWC (top trim in USA) in October 2019 this was the other car we came down too and was between the Kona Ultimate & Eclipse Cross SEL Touring. I liked the way it drove and the looks and all and the Green color wow! We went with the Eclipse Cross because interior quality was better with many more soft touches and sturdy materials, more comfortable front and rear seats, had a dual pano roof, heated front seats, heated rear seats and heated steering wheel, sliding and reclining rear seats with more room, power folding side mirrors, dual zone climate control, more cargo space and more. The Kona’s MSRP was a lil cheaper at like $31,000.00 and the Eclipse Cross was $32,245.00 (larger size) but after the sales and discounts the Kona was $28,200.00 where the Eclipse Cross was $26,000.00 and with the larger size, more room, better interior materials, more features and same warranty it was easy for me. The hardest part was giving up than green color I wish the Eclipse Cross came in green. I like different looking cars and that is what drew me to both these cars. I loved the odd looking rear of the Eclipse Cross and the Funky looking front end of the Kona. We bought a new 2010 Kia Soul Exclaim in Alien Green when they came out that year and the 3.5 years we owned the car it was great and loved until we traded it. Everyone loved it for that first year it drew so much attention from strangers. The Kona reminded me of it with the neat looks and color. The Kona had did have a sportier drive to it while the Eclipse Cross had a smoother ride and more laid back drive which was good for me with the rough roads in my town. If you want sportier go with the Kona. The Rockford Fosgate sound system in the Eclipse Cross and the Infinity sound system in the Kona were very comparable, both great once customized. I liked everything about both and in the end it came down to what fit my lifestyle better. The Kona was a lil faster as it weighs a few hundred pounds less and has slightly more power. My Eclipse Cross has a 1.5L 4 Cylinder Turbo with 152 hrsp and 184 lb ft of torque and weighs 3,516 lbs. Now the one thing I did not like was the dual clutch transmission in the Kona it was very jumpy at low speeds in like stop and go. I like the smoothness of the CVT in the Eclipse Cross. We have owned 5 Mitsubishis now and have had CVTs in all with no issues, but the main thing with CVTs is maintenance to prevent issues but I usually trade up every 3 years and only put about 6,000 miles a year on so it will not pose and issue for me. But in the end I love the Kona and think Hyundai did a bang up job. The Avenger Kona was really neat looking last year!
Thanks for your comment. I have been debating on trading in my 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport for a 2019 Kona. I love the Outlander for the panoramic roof and the fact that it is paid for. But I am drawn to the Kona and I am a little uneasy with a 10 year old SUV. Also, all the modern features are not in the 2011 not even a touch screen.
@@francetillman8961 Sure I get that once they get a lil older ya get nervous. Only thing I see issues with is a lot of complaints with the dual clutch auto transmission in the turbo engine Kona. In the other trim Konas with the non turbo engine it does not have the dual clutch transmission. I liked the Kona alot, it was def way smaller inside than the Mitsu but I loved the look of it!
I have the Limited FWD as I don't need the AWD here in NJ where I drive. Since my interior has the gray leather seats, my car interior is two-toned (black and dark gray) so it's not as monotonous looking as the car in your video. I am happy with the 1.6T and you can really feel the difference between the turbo and the 2.0L non-turbo in the lower models, which I tested drove before taking delivery on the Limited version.
I really want to buy this car, but when I told the Portuguese side of my family I wanted to buy a Kona they couldn’t stop laughing and my father actually fell off his chair and started having chest pains. The jokes were non-stop as well as the teasing. They changed the name for the Portuguese speaking market ... as you can imagine a car called “The Pussy” is going to be a severe drawback.
Who's driving it and who's paying for it? Your money, your car! This is what I've told my family when I said I'm getting a smaller car than my previous 2016 Elantra sedan.
I own a 2019 turbo and love this car. I did spend a day and $100 to soundproof it as these less expensive SUVs tend to be noisy. Mine is fitted with Continental SI snow tires for driving in western Canada mountain country and the car performs superbly on ice and snow with these.
Great review Justin! I’m torn between this and the 2021 Crosstrek with the added power. Is the Crosstrek “fun” to drive now, or should I stick with the Kona? I’ve always liked the Crosstrek for its ground clearance, but it’s not always been “fun” on the pavement. Many thanks!
Best job on yur video. I’ve been searching for a week for basic answers. Awesome job editing the video, looks awesome. I’m getting a 2020 AWD 1.6L and love this car. Past 5 cars for me: Lincoln LS, Mercedes Kompressor, Mustang coupe, Mustang Cobra, and a Comando... NOW, a KONA! I’ll like this new car. Take Care
great video.. quick question are there any aftermarket lift kits or upgrades for the kona? what's the biggest size tire I could fit if I had the kona lifted 2-3 inches? possible to install 33"?
So i test drove the kona and LOVED how it handled. Im a little nervous about the DCT however. I do a lot of back country camping, and want to use it to hit some of the deeper trailheads - not fording streams or whatnot, but somewhat bumpy dirt/ gravel roads on steep inclines w/switchbacks. Can the Kona handle it, or will i blow out the transmission?
The Kona has some things going for it that have me considering it but I will not bother with a test drive of the dual clutch version. Both Hyundai and Ford are involved in lawsuits because of their dual clutch design. Also, turbo's have long term reliability issues and require more frequent oil changes. www.hyundaidctlawsuit.com/ www.autonews.com/technology/dual-clutch-gearbox-complaints-haunt-ford
MPG? Price? I love my 1st Hyundai 2012 Veloster that has impressive MPG and unique fun drive. You are right if Hyundai need to do better job in noisy insulation, other than that it is one of the best car I can find with a reasonable price and excellent tech. And service. Hmmm My next car , hope I can get Kona EV 64kwh... It is hard to get in usa...
I've done quite a bit of research on different EVs. it seems like the Kona Electric is a clear winner. I actually cancelled my Model 3 reservation for the Kona EV (which I'm told I'll be picking up next month).
I bought the green one with matching green seatbelts at no extra cost, the Koreans should teach the Italians how to design a good looking car. I bet a lot of car makers are going to copy this design for their cars
Yes, a foot shorter than my previous Elantras -- inside same size actually. If you think Kona is small, wait until you see the new "Mini-Kona" that Hyundai is bringing out next year which will be even smaller than the Kona. A sub-sub compact CUV?
Just bought the 2019 Kona SEL with Tech Package in white for my daughter last week. She absolutely loves it and as a parent, very glad it comes with all the safety features for her! It’s a fun, peppy car to drive and comes with decent room and cargo room for the size and price!
I was waiting for the SEL w/Tech last November and when there weren't any in the US, I discovered my dealer had the Limited in stock. My new Kona is the color and features that I wanted (dark gray). For $2000 more, I have the SEL Tech + turbo and leather seats. Enjoy the Kona!!! I love mine.
Does it have automatic start ?? I’m thinking of getting one soon so far loving everything about the Kona
I bought a Hyundai Kona Ultimate (same incredible lime green color) a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. A lot of car for the money...and way more fun to drive than anything in this segment has a right to be.
@Sippin Snokin I heard for them they make a good job, but preformance of replica never be the same with authentic car
I have 2012 veloster 30-35 MPG avg.
Very good quality, high tech., and excellent service with good ptice.
I love and enjoy it every things
having no issues at all.
But I am very interested in Kona for my next car.
What is the MPG of your Kona?
Did you also test drive the CX3 before buying this? If you did what were the considerations for choosing the KONA?
I have one and I love it it handles great in the snow and has a lot of power
Your narration is some of the best I've heard among automotive journalists. I mean it. Subscribed.
Thanks! I practice my voice on a daily basis :)
I really like the Kona, a lot and this is the exact color and trim I liked. When we purchased our 2 brand new 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL’s with Touring Package & S-AWC (top trim in USA) in October 2019 this was the other car we came down too and was between the Kona Ultimate & Eclipse Cross SEL Touring. I liked the way it drove and the looks and all and the Green color wow! We went with the Eclipse Cross because interior quality was better with many more soft touches and sturdy materials, more comfortable front and rear seats, had a dual pano roof, heated front seats, heated rear seats and heated steering wheel, sliding and reclining rear seats with more room, power folding side mirrors, dual zone climate control, more cargo space and more. The Kona’s MSRP was a lil cheaper at like $31,000.00 and the Eclipse Cross was $32,245.00 (larger size) but after the sales and discounts the Kona was $28,200.00 where the Eclipse Cross was $26,000.00 and with the larger size, more room, better interior materials, more features and same warranty it was easy for me. The hardest part was giving up than green color I wish the Eclipse Cross came in green. I like different looking cars and that is what drew me to both these cars. I loved the odd looking rear of the Eclipse Cross and the Funky looking front end of the Kona. We bought a new 2010 Kia Soul Exclaim in Alien Green when they came out that year and the 3.5 years we owned the car it was great and loved until we traded it. Everyone loved it for that first year it drew so much attention from strangers. The Kona reminded me of it with the neat looks and color.
The Kona had did have a sportier drive to it while the Eclipse Cross had a smoother ride and more laid back drive which was good for me with the rough roads in my town. If you want sportier go with the Kona. The Rockford Fosgate sound system in the Eclipse Cross and the Infinity sound system in the Kona were very comparable, both great once customized. I liked everything about both and in the end it came down to what fit my lifestyle better. The Kona was a lil faster as it weighs a few hundred pounds less and has slightly more power. My Eclipse Cross has a 1.5L 4 Cylinder Turbo with 152 hrsp and 184 lb ft of torque and weighs 3,516 lbs. Now the one thing I did not like was the dual clutch transmission in the Kona it was very jumpy at low speeds in like stop and go. I like the smoothness of the CVT in the Eclipse Cross. We have owned 5 Mitsubishis now and have had CVTs in all with no issues, but the main thing with CVTs is maintenance to prevent issues but I usually trade up every 3 years and only put about 6,000 miles a year on so it will not pose and issue for me.
But in the end I love the Kona and think Hyundai did a bang up job. The Avenger Kona was really neat looking last year!
Thanks for your comment. I have been debating on trading in my 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport for a 2019 Kona. I love the Outlander for the panoramic roof and the fact that it is paid for. But I am drawn to the Kona and I am a little uneasy with a 10 year old SUV. Also, all the modern features are not in the 2011 not even a touch screen.
@@francetillman8961 Sure I get that once they get a lil older ya get nervous. Only thing I see issues with is a lot of complaints with the dual clutch auto transmission in the turbo engine Kona. In the other trim Konas with the non turbo engine it does not have the dual clutch transmission. I liked the Kona alot, it was def way smaller inside than the Mitsu but I loved the look of it!
Great review! I've had my 2018 Kona SEL US version for 7 months and love everything about it!
do you have any problems with it.. like reliability? tia
@@datsme8986 No, no problems at all, so far...
Do you know if kona cames to southamerica? .. Or how can i do to bring here this model..
@@t.k.8815 I'm sorry but I don't have any idea...perhaps ask your Hyundai dealer?
I have the Limited FWD as I don't need the AWD here in NJ where I drive. Since my interior has the gray leather seats, my car interior is two-toned (black and dark gray) so it's not as monotonous looking as the car in your video. I am happy with the 1.6T and you can really feel the difference between the turbo and the 2.0L non-turbo in the lower models, which I tested drove before taking delivery on the Limited version.
mo·not·o·nous
adjective: monotonous
dull, tedious, and repetitious; lacking in variety and interest.
I really want to buy this car, but when I told the Portuguese side of my family I wanted to buy a Kona they couldn’t stop laughing and my father actually fell off his chair and started having chest pains. The jokes were non-stop as well as the teasing. They changed the name for the Portuguese speaking market ... as you can imagine a car called “The Pussy” is going to be a severe drawback.
Who's driving it and who's paying for it? Your money, your car! This is what I've told my family when I said I'm getting a smaller car than my previous 2016 Elantra sedan.
That's awesome. I think I read that it has a different name in Portugal... Can't remember what it was tho!
@@Steve_in_NJ I don't think you got the point. They speak Portuguese and the name of the car means "pussy"..
Steven S u sure are dense
315 watt infinity system is sweet Excellent sound and the 8 in sub u can actually hear thumping
I own a 2019 turbo and love this car. I did spend a day and $100 to soundproof it as these less expensive SUVs tend to be noisy. Mine is fitted with Continental SI snow tires for driving in western Canada mountain country and the car performs superbly on ice and snow with these.
KPussGT how did you soundproof yours?
I think the Kona is ok. I have a Qashqai which was very similar in pricing but I think has a little bit more room and ground clearance.
Great review Justin! I’m torn between this and the 2021 Crosstrek with the added power. Is the Crosstrek “fun” to drive now, or should I stick with the Kona? I’ve always liked the Crosstrek for its ground clearance, but it’s not always been “fun” on the pavement. Many thanks!
Best job on yur video. I’ve been searching for a week for basic answers. Awesome job editing the video, looks awesome.
I’m getting a 2020 AWD 1.6L and love this car.
Past 5 cars for me: Lincoln LS, Mercedes Kompressor, Mustang coupe, Mustang Cobra, and a Comando... NOW, a KONA! I’ll like this new car.
Take Care
Thank you for a winter review.
1:08 Heated Steering Wheel, that's one detail I was really looking for. I am probably a future Kona owner.
me too👍
they are these things called gloves
great video.. quick question are there any aftermarket lift kits or upgrades for the kona? what's the biggest size tire I could fit if I had the kona lifted 2-3 inches? possible to install 33"?
Good review, articulate person (Justin).
So i test drove the kona and LOVED how it handled. Im a little nervous about the DCT however. I do a lot of back country camping, and want to use it to hit some of the deeper trailheads - not fording streams or whatnot, but somewhat bumpy dirt/ gravel roads on steep inclines w/switchbacks. Can the Kona handle it, or will i blow out the transmission?
The Kona has some things going for it that have me considering it but I will not bother with a test drive of the dual clutch version. Both Hyundai and Ford are involved in lawsuits because of their dual clutch design. Also, turbo's have long term reliability issues and require more frequent oil changes.
www.hyundaidctlawsuit.com/
www.autonews.com/technology/dual-clutch-gearbox-complaints-haunt-ford
MPG?
Price?
I love my 1st Hyundai 2012 Veloster that has impressive MPG and unique fun drive.
You are right if Hyundai need to do better job in noisy insulation, other than that it is one of the best car I can find with a reasonable price and excellent tech. And service.
Hmmm My next car , hope I can get Kona EV 64kwh...
It is hard to get in usa...
I've done quite a bit of research on different EVs. it seems like the Kona Electric is a clear winner. I actually cancelled my Model 3 reservation for the Kona EV (which I'm told I'll be picking up next month).
Just upgraded to the Kona from the veloster....highly recommend. The turbo charged version is awesome
Why does the one headlight light up and not the other one?
the jiu jitsu reference made me subscribed lol.
What a cool looking car!
I bought the green one with matching green seatbelts at no extra cost, the Koreans should teach the Italians how to design a good looking car. I bet a lot of car makers are going to copy this design for their cars
Its ze germans. Hyundai hired a german.
I wish that lime color was still available. Now it's all boring except for the bright blue.
The Europeans get a 1.6L diesel, 6 speed manual transmission... why not us?
Because not enough people buys em. People are lazy over here
It's a futuristic car, ı like it and ı buy ice-blue... Funtasitc...
Cute as hell but just too small
i was just thinking the same thing...it looks so tiny .... tons of nice features but maybe a slightly bigger version?
Yes, a foot shorter than my previous Elantras -- inside same size actually. If you think Kona is small, wait until you see the new "Mini-Kona" that Hyundai is bringing out next year which will be even smaller than the Kona. A sub-sub compact CUV?
I love the Kona. Tried three times to buy it. Nope. Bad credit.
why not in manual... omg
wouldn't buy a hyundai - south korean junk
Jive talkin'
they're a little better than american junks.
@@Dustin-ps6ol They're much better cars...
Go by a used car shop? majority of the cheap cars are American made junks..
@@jonsmit3819 Then make better cars...people will buy them...Unless that happens, people will continue to buy foreign...and they should...