BALTIMORE, Md. – Hyundai’s spunky subcompact crossover is again for a second spherical. No shock there; the unique was fairly darned good. For 2024, Hyundai seems to appropriate among the Kona’s inherent shortcomings by providing an even bigger, roomier and extra tech-laden automobile. Is all of it for the higher? Hyundai invited me to my previous stomping grounds in Baltimore to search out out.
2024 Kona particulars dropped earlier this yr, however listed here are the fundamentals. The automobile grew almost six inches in size and an inch in width — nonetheless squarely within the subcompact measurement vary however noticeably bigger than earlier than. This addresses one of many key complaints prospects had relating to the earlier mannequin: an absence of rear seat room. With that further size (and a few cleverness in additional clamshelling the entrance seatbacks) comes three inches of extra rear legroom. The cargo space received a big improve too, providing an extra six cubic toes of house with the seats up, for a complete of 25.2. Backside line: It’s greater, and also you’ll discover.
The Kona EV returns for 2024, however manufacturing examples aren’t prepared for showrooms simply but; neither is there a devoted N mannequin at launch. The truth is, Hyundai hasn’t but confirmed that it’s going to return, whether or not as a warmer turbocharged four-cylinder like earlier than, or one thing electrified. For now, we are able to solely assume, however we are able to say this: Hyundai’s staff may be very smitten by motorsport, and something that may tie the model to driving pleasure is on the desk. Cross your fingers.
The previous-gen automobile’s unique two powertrains carry over fairly near unchanged. The bottom engine (SE, SEL fashions) is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. It’s paired with a constantly variable transmission. In the meantime, the N Line and Restricted trims get a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This motor is paired to an eight-speed computerized transmission. Bye-bye, dual-clutch; we hardly knew ye.
Hyundai introduced two variations of the Kona for us to pattern: the Restricted and N Line. Each are based mostly on the identical 1.6-turbo and all-wheel drive powertrain, however the N Line seems sportier with a giant spoiler, body-color fender cladding and a neat twin exhaust poking out beneath the rear bumper. Each include the brand new, no-console-shifter inside therapy and twin 12.3-inch screens (the SE and SEL get only one alongside a smaller 4.2-inch coloration cluster; aww) together with Bose audio and wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. As in Hyundai’s different present choices, the high-end infotainment lacks wi-fi smartphone mirroring, however on this case, Hyundai is on observe to supply an over-the-air replace so as to add it to navigation-equipped fashions beginning quickly (as in, anticipate it by the tip of 2024).
I set off after twiddling with the motive force security options (of which there are an ideal multitude, together with lane conserving/lane following, Hyundai’s fundamental Freeway Drive Help (No phrase on HDA II for Kona at the moment), driver consideration warning and the numerous different sundries we’ve come to anticipate as commonplace gear. The route takes me north out of the town into the rich exurbs of Baltimore County, populated largely by timber, impatient wealthy people and pace cameras – clearly the impatient people aren’t fairly wealthy sufficient to outfox the Maryland legislature.
I’ve been a fan of the Kona since its launch, particularly if we’re speaking about this precise powertrain setup. The naturally aspirated base engine was at all times sufficient however underwhelming, whereas the turbo/all-wheel drive felt punchy sufficient to go for sporty. Hyundai made each effort to retain that character, however the brand new mannequin’s added measurement takes a little bit of the sting off the Kona’s beforehand sharper responses. It feels even taller and heavier than it’s at occasions; the outward push in almost all instructions (it is actually no taller except you rely the slighter taper to the rear) resulted in a weight achieve of about 200 kilos for the Restricted mannequin, which Hyundai pins at 3,505 kilos with all-wheel drive. Bear in mind, this factor nonetheless rides on a decidedly subcompact wheelbase — simply shy of 105 inches — and but it weighs almost as a lot as my previous V6 Mazda6. Come to think about it; that factor had almost as a lot cargo house too.
The powertrain additionally takes successful. Beforehand, the 1.6-liter turbo was paired with Hyundai’s compact dual-clutch transmission. That previous seven-speed definitely wasn’t good, however it felt snappier and fewer reluctant to downshift with a bit encouragement on the “go” pedal. The brand new eight-speed feels a bit torpid by comparability. Exterior of “Sport” mode, it can cling to increased gears to the purpose of almost lugging the engine, imparting some cabin drone in low-speed driving. There’s no scarcity of tight, snaking roads with ample elevation change round these elements; combining a nook exit and climb-out with out some intentional throttle will depart you questioning what occurred to that turbocharger.
So, it might have misplaced a step, however keep in mind the N mannequin got here comparatively late within the earlier era’s lifecycle. As a result of Kona launched with no devoted efficiency variant, the turbo, all-wheel drive mannequin needed to carry water for any of Hyundai’s sporty aspirations. This time round, we all know that an N mannequin is borderline inevitable. Following that logic, the Restricted (and by extension, the N Line) don’t must scratch that individual itch.
In spite of everything, what Hyundai was most involved about when redesigning the Kona was making it extra sensible and engaging to younger crossover patrons who may respect its nimble character and punchy high-end powertrain, however largely need one thing that really matches all of their baggage. The earlier Kona was among the many babiest of child crossovers. Even now, with one other 5 inches of general size to work with, it’s nonetheless almost half a foot shorter than the smaller choices within the subsequent section up, just like the Jeep Compass and Dodge Hornet.
The upsizing makes a distinction, although. Sitting within the rear seat is way much less of a penalty field expertise this time round, and whereas the extra six cubes of cargo quantity might not look like a lot, as Riswick notes, the previous Kona wanted nearly all the assistance it might get. Ditching the console-mounted shift lever in favor of the (oddly chunky however surprisingly intuitive) column-mounted shifter makes the Kona’s entrance seats really feel rather a lot roomier, even when they’re actually not, plus it makes the entire sprint look much less cluttered. The trick cupholders (a contact borrowed from the Palisade) and corresponding convertible storage space contribute to that sensation, too.
However there’s one other elephant to deal with right here. I already famous that Kona launched with no efficiency variant; again in 2018, it additionally launched with no variant that price greater than $30,000 earlier than choices. Blame bodily bloat, inflation and even aliens for those who’re so inclined, however regardless of the rationale, the top-of-the-line Kona is now pushing $33,000, which implies there’s some heavier overlap with the aforementioned near-compact Mopars, which begin at about $30K.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona represents two steps ahead and a half step again. Whether or not you go for the cheap-and-cheerful base mannequin or the loaded-up, tech-laden Restricted, you’re getting a stable worth in your cash. Lovers, you’ll need to maintain out for an N. Don’t anticipate an all-wheel drive miracle, however the remainder of the bundle must be definitely worth the wait; let’s hope Hyundai offers it the inexperienced gentle.
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