Autotrader Names Hyundai Kona And Santa Fe Among their Best New Cars For 2024

The announcement came on April 1st, but it was no April Fool’s joke that both the redesigned Kona and redesigned Santa Fe were among Autrader’s 11 best new cars for 2024. Hyundai of Mankato gives you the details. 

To arrive at its Best New Cars list, Autotrader’s expert editorial team evaluated new 2024 vehicles from across the auto industry, considering various factors, including interior comfort, safety and cabin technology, attainability, and driving experience. The qualifications were quite simple. In fact, there was only one: a model had to start below $11,000, including destination charges. But they did factor value into the judgment process so all the winning vehicles didn’t crowd closely to that price ceiling. Most were well below that amount, and the Kona had the lowest starting MSRP of any model on the list.

“We are proud that the Santa Fe and Kona have been recognized for receiving Autotrader’s Best New Cars for 2024 Award,” said Olabisi Boyle, Senior Vice President, Product Planning and Mobility Strategy, Hyundai Motor North America. “At Hyundai, we are dedicated to listening to customers to craft stylish, well-rounded vehicles tailored to meet the diverse needs of modern drivers with a smart array of ICE and electrified powertrains. This recognition by Autotrader reaffirms Hyundai’s commitment to exceeding customer expectations and enriching their automotive journeys.”  

 2024 Kona 

The Kona was praised for its cutting-edge design and impressive level of technology for its class, including a standard digital instrument panel and wireless smartphone integration. The model was described as “maneuverable and even fun to drive.” The award applies to both the gas-driven and EV models, the latter of which they point out is not sold to our South Dakotan neighbors or their Wyoming neighbors but is perfectly available here. 

“The first time I saw the all-new Kona, I wondered if it was almost too futuristic. Just look at that front end,” says Autotrader Senior Editor, Matt Degen. “But once inside and driving, it felt familiar, approachable, and even fun. The Kona represents not just a totally fresh take on the subcompact SUV segment but an absolute value, too.”

2024 Santa Fe

With its debut in 2001, the Santa Fe was Hyundai Motors of America’s first crossover model. There have been four successive design generations, and each one has been successful for the brand. The current fifth generation is likely the boldest transition yet as it adopts an upscale squared-off appearance and has grown in size to offer an available 3rd-row seat. The included quotes in their model description indicate that the new styling is a big hit:

“Boxy styling is nothing new in the midsize SUV class, but the Santa Fe manages to take a common trend and make it totally unique,” says Senior Editor Eric Brandt. 

“Boxy is in, and the beefed-up Santa Fe is positively swoon-worthy,” says Senior Editor Rob Nestora.

The Hyundai of Mankato inventory several examples of the Kona, Santa Fe, and Santa Fe Hybrid. All are AWD because…Minnesota. Come by and see these newest award winners.