For more information on the 2020 Hyundai Kona, read Cliff's full review on CarGurus: cargur.us/BtQnk

I've had my '18 Kona SEL for two full years and still love it just as much as day one! I could've gotten just about any vehicle under $40k but the Kona's style, taunt build quality, comfort, and handling sold me! 27K miles and no rattles, wind noise, or glitches...I'm extremely satisfied and average 36-38 mpg...

I just purchased a Kona SEL for several reasons. The price was right thanks to dealer discounts and rebates. The 2.0L is mated to a 6-speed automatic. Most of the competition have CVTs. Also, Consumer Reports says that used Konas are reported to be very reliable, so logically, there's a good chance that the newer ones should be as well. That's what I'm hoping for, anyway.

I seen one in traffic the other day, and it stood out. Little guy was scooting too, way faster acceleration than my '12 Compass.

I just got a 2019 base model last month and coming from a 2012 Veloster this car is a dream 😅 I'm a freelance videographer so it's a perfect car to get to and from gigs, carrying all my gear, going through any condition with that AWD, and I'm actually getting way better fuel economy than advertised. It usually stays between 35-38 mpg

Paid 23k for a limited last week to replace the 2020 that got totaled by a distracted driver. It's going to be my wife's car but I do 80% of all driving. It's a great car. I am a 8cyl Mustang guy and honestly this is a hell of a grocery getter. Highly recommended if looking for a vehicle in this class and you like to drive.

Finally, an honest review instead of a review by a salesman who WORKS FOR Hyundai.

I have a 2020 Limited with AWD! Got similar payments when quoted on an HR-V sport awd ($5 difference & its a lease) and the Kona had so much for the money! It’s been 5 months and I couldn’t love the car more.

the engine, awd, independent rear suspension, and longer warranty on car and also power train make it well worth your money. i did buy it, and the handling is exceptional, and the mpg is between 30-36 average on regular. i highly recommend it. get the limited, don't need the frills on most expensive one.

I bought a 2020 Kona SEL Plus. It has the 2 liter motor and on the highway with a/c on I am making 39 mpg

I really like the exterior design of this car

This model leaves Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Mazda in the dust on acceleration. Also on car and powertrain warranty. There are incentives to lower sticker and cost. There is enough space for 4 people and everyday hauling. And there is no grenade, takata airbag, on it. Value for money is there, plus handling and acceleration. I don't regret getting it. 👍😇

I'm thinking of trading in my Elantra with this. I'm 5 ft tall so I'd like a small size suv. Definitely getting this in the color black.

How does it to compare to the Mazda CX-30 though?

Great review. One thing I would like to recommend all car reviewers add to their analysis is, what type of fuel does the vehicle take? 89-93 octane? That also has a big influence on which vehicles I consider for purchase and I think would be helpful for other viewers. Thanks!

Hyundai needs to bring the kona hybrid to the US

the hyundai kona is a car that i have on my list of cars. i chose the kona because i love the overall shape of the car and how small and compact it is; also because i feel like i wouldn’t have to move the seat up just to reach the pedals. honestly, i would get the hyundai kuna, because i really don’t need all the space, when it’s just me in the car.

It's not fair to compare the Subaru Impreza for price against the Kona, it's a completely different class vehicle. Also, I don't think most people who complain about the Kona "get" the Kona and of course as a result, wouldn't get one. Personally, I don't see the Kona as a 6 foot 4 friend bearing ninja hauler as much as it's a Mom, Dad and one or two younger kids/children/teens or 1 and a small dog type of family road tripping road warrior. You mentioned the durability and ruggedness of the Jeep but if you look back at who's going to be in the Kona and the abuse it'll be going through, Hyundai made the right choice. They give you comfort and pamper you where it's most needed, a huge overlook from everyone. From the heated seats to the comfortable ride experience thanks to the suspension setup and ultimately in the end, some of the more advanced safety features people in the 90s could have only dreamed of, it's incredibly well balanced. Hell, even a $50k Tesla doesn't offer wireless phone charging. In the end you get the best of all the worlds for a knockout price but it appears many people want a $50k vehicle for a $20k off price tag then complain that the Kona is too expensive but once compared for features/value to others, the competition generally always falls short.

I purchased a 2022 Kona SEL with AWD yesterday. It will be handy driving it in the Midwest winters we experience.

I'VE OWNED ABOUT TEN HUNDEE/KIA'S. MY 2003 KIA IS RUNNING GREAT AT THIS MOMENT. ONLY HAD THE SOUL FOR TWO YEARS AS THE SANTE FE TURBO. ALWAYS DEPENDABLE VEHICLES. ONE OF THE KINDA NEAT THINGS OF MOST REVIEWS IS THEY REVIEW THE TOP OF THE LINE. SO MOST OF THE PRICES GIVEN CAN BE BEAT BY GETTING A LOWER MODEL. ALL I KNOW IS I LOVE MY SANTA FE TO DEATH.

I just love the look of that car.

Me that doesn’t like big cars, i see the lack of space as an absolute win!

I love the size of this because I’m someone who has an older house with a smaller garage and we need to fit two cars in there. We have a pick up truck for our other vehicle so we don’t need this car to hold a lot of stuff! I specifically want a car with a lot of features in a small size.

I just purchased a 2021 Kona, i'm height deficient so SUVs are REALLY intimidating.... The Kona is so comfortable for me to drive.

Sat in one, too small. Jumped up to a santa fe, very happy with it.

The Kona Limited with 1.6L Turbo engine and AWD is perfect for me. I don’t have small kids, so I’m actually looking for a shorter & smaller car, as it’s easier to parallel park in cities. However, I still want an SUV for flexible cabin space and AWD for bad weather and occasional dirt road trips. The turbo engine seals the deal because I want a fun and zippy car.

I got a green ultimate Kona a couple weeks ago and I love it! Lots of power for a small car.

I LOVE my 2005 Vibe. My IRA keeps building. Nuts to new cars.

Price aside, how does this compare with the Lexus ux250h?

My 2006 jeep grand Cherokee got totalled by a drunk driver parked on street a couple years ago,and I bought a 2018 kona,was shocked by gas mileage,it was a awd getting 30 mpg and just about as good in snow as my jeep,plus funner to drive

Think I'm going with the Limited. Never had a turbo before and think I'd like to have the extra power when I need it.

We need a deep review of the KONA Ultimate TRIM with HUD bonus VS the 2022 EUV BOLT by Chevy, which offers the faster level 2 charging at home,

All the other mentioned cars have their plus points, however, NONE are as fast as the Kona.

At no time did I hear you mention a Kia Soul in any comparison while it is the MOST direct competitor ,a bit larger and from the same manufacturer!

If you look at that shifter next to your thigh....you can have all the control in shifting you want. The family has one. Pop it to the left and have all the fun you want

I cant get over how cute and handsome you are with your haircut

I have a kona premium UK. Acid yellow..lime twist. Fantastic car 5 year warranty. The rest look boring.

Having purchased a Kona Ultimate AWD in April I have to say I do not agree with the conclusion here. I think $30k is a steal for everything you get. Yup, it is small. Yup, it has some hard interior plastics. However, you get what you pay for and the 1.6 turbo drivetrain and standard features cannot be beat. I drive it around like its a GTI on backroads. Throw in the phenomenal warranty and it's a tremendous value. Great job Hyundai.

This is a really really good review. Well done

where was this when I was purchasing my kona?? I wish i went with a tuscon or the other cars you mentioned

I saw this car on the highway the other day I never heard of it before, then I started seeing it on the street very often. I decided to look into it, your review is making me not want to get this and go with the 2020 Sentra instead which is so nice. I really don't need a big car and I've always wanted a Sentra! Can you guys do a review on the Sentra I would love to hear your opinion?

Those aren't the headlights - those are the running lights. The headlights are just below.

I like it because its basic basic basic. If I could order one with no power potions. I want the N/A version will last longer. I would order one with no power windows or locks seats. All I need is Auto PS/PB A/C Tilt CC and No AWD Am?Fm CD that is it.

So car Guru I can get a 2021 Kona Night edition AWD for $500 more than FWD...is it worth it?

I would much rather have a Mazda CX-30 with a naturally aspirated engine and traditional automatic vs. a tiny turbo and DCT. I'm sure it would be more reliable long term. Plus the interior is more premium and it just looks better outside.

I appreciate the objective review, however every car you listed is not nearly as fast as a Kona limited, I realize that not everyone wants a 6.5 seconds zero 60 time but that’s what you’re paying for here, the Toyota CHR has a 0 to 60 time of around 10 seconds, everyone else you compared it to was 1.5 to 2 seconds slower to 60, The only other car that is comparable speed wise to this and actually faster is the Kia Soul Turbo 0 60 6.3-6.4, It has a nicer interior than the Kona, and a 10.25 inch touchscreen and more features, loaded it comes out to around the same price as the Kona, but the Kia soul has a acquired styling taste LOL

You are a great fun classy reviewer. I need a good used car under 13k for a tall big guy. What would you look for if you were me? Great in snow, good fuel economy, with good dash would be nice.

I hate how when I press the gas it takes like 5 seconds to get going lol

The Dual Clutch is very pleasant to drive and has relatively low 1st gear so it can climb some hills too!

How does this compare to a Jeep Compass.

Nice music. Is it copyrighted? can we download and use videos?

so, compared to cx-30????

I just seen one recently I love it..🥰

Review Base Models.

You look just like Larry from the Sy Fy show Eureka.

A pity a bland interior has been paired with an exterior that has great looks.. Enjoyed the review. Thank you.

Why is it always that car reviewers review the model that probably nobody would buy ...... seriously why ? There are people who don't want to deal with direct injection , turbo , DCT , sunroof , leather or all wheel drive .... c'mon , you can do better than that . People don't sink 30Gs in a Hyundai toy .

Love the heaights but hate the fenders

Comparing to HRV and KICK, CVT transmission is a deal breaker for them. I am sure I'm not the only one.

does anyone care about engine performance?! I wanted to see the options, tech and space and leg room. switching the KBB video.

i'm close to getting my driving license, and as much as i would love to get this car, i could never afford it lmao

fog lights are standard on all trims in Canada

You left out the Kona's cousin: The Kia Seltos. It has the same engine and transmission. It has way more room all around and cost the same in the top SX Turbo trim. I t's interior space rivals some in the next class up like the Mazda CX5. It also has a faultily cheap interior with mostly hard touch plastics and only a single zone HVAC system. It does have the sweet 10.25 inch infotainment screen which is configurable. I would definitely go wut the Seltos over the Kona any day.

Is this a good car for short ppl?

If you want better value, the 2021 Kia Seltos SX is the better choice.

The color on those fenders does not work for me...

You're associating the size of the car with cost, and that makes no sense. Try and apply that logic with a Porsche 911. This car with its engine/transmission is appealing to a driving enthusiast who doesn't give a crap about the size of the back seat. It's a bargain.

Can someone please explain what "the stearing tightens up" means? (2:45 into the video) Thanks in advance.

Spending north of 30k for a Kona is a foolish. This is a raised utilitarian small SUV. The SEL + 2.0 tech package for 23K is a superior car in everywhere. No DCT (many have been replaced with low miles, they shudder, and don't like inclines when creeping in traffic. The GDi is prone to carbon buildup ($$$$) since no port injections. The turbo is another failure point. Once you look at Ulimate/Limited trim, for 30K there are much better choices from Toyota and Honda. The only feature worthwhile in higher trim is leather seats, LED lights. Not work 31K. If your buying this for warranty and to run it for 200k or more, buy the 2.0 engine, with 6 speed torque converter and not GDI. They will last forever if take care of. The higher end models will need oil catch can, meticulous service to keep turbos running, and you will need to alter your driving habits to deal with the DCT. If you want a sporty SUV then buy one, trying to make a BWM X suv out of a Kona is not a good idea. Depreciation, and parts failure will disappoint you. Stay far clear of the DCt, GDI, Turbos, and the CTV (Ivt) that hyundai is now having loads of problems (sonata, soul) (in the venue and seltos). Choose wisely.

Its still better value than most of the European cars like Audi...

Ahhhh what’s with the square panel in the grilll :(

The 2.0 base should have had this engine specs smh

$12.00 USD a gallon by October 2024

I hate how I always compare car reviews with old top gear...

How is this better than the cx-30? 🤔

This guy has no drip

Wow, that backseat leg (knee) room is tight... your knees almost touching the driver's seat...

I'm driving one currently as a rental vehicle while my work vehicle is in the shop. Performance wise it's ok. Wished it gets better fuel economy but it's not a Honda. I'm not a fan of the skinny daytime running lights. Not to mention all the hard plastic interior trims. At least It does the job but I couldn't see myself owning one.

Kona in portuguese means something else!! Lol

Now I can drive like shit worry free

Your Right😬

I'm sorry but on principle I take exception to "4 people 6 cars"

Wonder how does my peppi like such a small cars lol barely any room to sit in here lol not even Cherokee size it is

Kona is the fastest in the segment. Thats the selling point not the mpg. And its unfair to compare mpg to suvs using cvt.

Just get the SE or SEL... at like $20K

I hope the value of these cars go down quickly

It looks like a slightly bigger version of i20 tbh. I own an i20, wouldn’t really go for this.

😂😂 they are not headlights! They are DDLs! Good review!

I've got a 2019 one as a courtesy car at the moment while my 2020 Honda is being repaired after an accident, its awful! It looks stylish but it's all plastic, engine is noisy, boot is small, MPG isn't great.. Its only quite when you get to 6th gear and in the UK that's rare. Even the wipers are noisy. Look at the used prices of the 2020 and 2019 ones they've lost so much value. My Honda isn't perfect but it's bigger inside and out. Faster, quieter, better on fuel and better quality. Personally, I'd avoid buying one of these, especially if you live in the UK.

Yet the CX-30 is a better car and value. It's a Small SUV< why are you surprised it has little room in the back. The Rav4 averages 33 to 36 mpg. So, I am at a loss.

Although it saves gas

Cute narrator but those socks NEED TO DISSAPEAR!

Costs too much. Maybe $27,000

THIS CAR IS THE BIGGEST POS EVER. FEELS LIKE 20HP, TRANSMISSION CONSTANTLY JERKING LIKE IT'S A MANUAL EVEN THOUGH IT'S AUTOMATIC. TRIED TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND IT REDLINED AT 80MPH AND WOULDN'T SHIFT UP. DO NOT BUY.

Where's the ventalated seats for 30K!! Very disappointed hyundai!!!

Call me crazy but I would much rather prefer the naturally aspirated engine than the turbo one. Sorry turbo engines just aren't as reliable.

There are way to small and w as y to much money for this no way.

He looks like he would have bullied me in high school.

You look very handsome! Oh, good review too.

He’s cute!