A 2024 Kona Overview

Hyundai of Mankato is happy to tell you that the Kona was completely redesigned for 2024, and they are now in stock. This is the first redesign for the Kona model. It will be available with both a conventional gas engine, a high-performance drivetrain for N and Limited models, and as a 100% battery electric vehicle. In a switch from the last Kona, Hyundai designed the new electric Kona first and used it as the basis for the non-electrified models.

“The all-new Kona and Kona Electric continue to build upon our extremely successful first-generation model, with outstanding efficiency, innovative technologies, distinctive styling, and comprehensive safety features,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America. “The new Kona Electric represents the next step forward in eco-friendly mobility solutions, a key model in Hyundai’s rapid transition to clean mobility and progress for humanity.”

It Grew a Bit

The Kona expands in its second generation, with the wheelbase lengthening by 2.3 inches to a long-for-its-class 104.7 inches. Overall length grows from 165.6 to 171.3 inches, and width is up a full inch to 71.9. This results in three more inches of rear legroom (36.4) and a substantial increase in cargo space. With the rear seats up, the space has grown from 19.2 cubic feet to 25.5. With the seat backs down, space grows almost 40% from 45.8 to an impressive 63.7. A hands-free power tailgate will be available to help access that space.

All models feature EV-inspired front-end styling with a thin body-wide LED band just under the leading edge of the hood with headlights tucked in the corners. In keeping with other Hyundai EVs, the band is pixelated for Kona electric models. The same body-wide and corner lighting design is repeated in the rear. The Kona Electric has a drag coefficient of just 0.27. Nine exterior colors will be available on gas-powered Konas and seven for the Kona Electric.

All-New Interior

The interior will feature a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a second 12.3-inch digital driver display capable of conveying a wide variety of information. The center display will feature Hyundai’s next-generation operating system. Other tech includes Hyundai’s Digital Key system, which allows the driver to leave their key at home and simply use their smartphone to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. The system also allows the owner to share digital key access with up to three individuals. 

The Kona’s shift-by-wire gear selector is now a right stalk behind the steering wheel, freeing space and storage in the center console. The second row features a Curveless Bench Seat, which enhances available space for two or three passengers, and a two-stage latching system enables rear seat reclining.

The new Kona will also be offered with the next level of Hyundai SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features, some of which are rare for the class. An example of this is Remote Smart Parking Assist, which first debuted on the Sonata and helps drivers remotely park in and out of tight spaces. A blind-spot View Monitor gives the driver a camera image of the lane they may be changing into when the turn signal is activated. Hyundai SmartSense features include:

• Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
•  Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
• High Beam Assist (HBA)
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
  • Rear Occupant Alert/Safe Exit Warning
  • Parking Collision Avoidance Assist-Reverse.Surround View Monitor (SVM)Other available driver assistance features will be Smart Cruise Control, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with stop and go, Parking Distance Warning (forward/side/reverse with contour warning), and Remote Start.

Three Drivetrains

The standard drivetrain for the gas-powered Kona will be a 2.0-liter Inline-4 that produces an estimated 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. Using the efficient Atkinson cycle valve timing system and paired with a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission, the SE trim level is EPA city/hwy/comb. rated at 29/34/31 for FWD models and 27/29/28 with AWD. SEL models have one less MPG in the city. 

N-Line and Limited modes are powered by a turbocharged, 1.6-liter direct-injected inline-4 generating an estimated 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700-4,500 rpm. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with quick downshifts and seamless upshifts. This drivetrain has EPA mpg estimates of 26/32/28 for FWD and 24/29/26 for AWD.

The new Kona electric is FWD and offers a choice of 48.6 and 64.8 kWh batteries. Horsepower with the smaller battery is 133 hp, and 201 hp for the larger battery. With either battery, torque is 188 lb-ft, which is on hand at any rpm. The maximum range with the large battery is estimated at 260 miles, and DC-direct fast charge time from 10% to 80% is estimated at 43 minutes. 

FWD gas-powered models will have a MacPherson strut suspension with coil springs, a hollow stabilizer bar, and a torsion beam axle in the rear. Both AWD and Kona EVs will have the front MacPherson strut suspension with an independent multi-link set up in the rear.

Kona Electric Exclusives

Other features unique to the Kona Electric include “frunk” storage, i-PEDAL mode for one-pedal driving, and a Smart Regenerative System that adjusts regeneration according to real-time traffic conditions. The model will also feature a bi-directional onboard charger with a Vehicle-to-Load function that can power devices or charge electrical equipment, such as electric bicycles, scooters, camping equipment, or even power necessities during a power outage.

Gas-powered 2024 Kona models are filling the Hyundai of Mankato inventory, with the Kona Electric models expected in late fall. If a smart, efficient crossover is in your future, come and check out the new Kona.