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2025 Buick Enclave vs Honda Pilot2021 Hyundai Kona Review
The 2021 Hyundai Kona continues to pack a lot of value. We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Read our full review here.
2021 Hyundai Kona – hyundainews.com | Shop 2021 Hyundai Kona on Carsforsale.com
What’s new for the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
The only notable addition to the Kona for 2021 is a new Night trim which combines black 18-inch wheels and black accents with LED exterior lighting and the turbocharged engine.
The Breakdown
Great turbo engine
Sharp handling
Excellent technology
Cheapish materials
Drab base motor
Middling storage
Can’t wait for the Kona N
2021 Kona Specs
- 147 horsepower from base engine
- 132 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 19.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 45.8 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
- Standard forward collision mitigation
- 10-year powertrain warranty
2021 Hyundai Kona Powertrain
The 2021 Hyundai Kona starts out with a somewhat underwhelming 147-hp four cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and front wheel drive. As a total package, it’s just not as engaging as we’d like for a vehicle that handles as well as the Kona does. Truly, it’s one of the best in this space when it comes to driver feedback, corning stability, and braking performance. If there’s anything we’d add it’s a bit more sharpness with regard to on center handling. On the highway it can feel just a little numb.
Thankfully, a turbocharged engine is also on offer and it makes 175-hp. Better still, it’s paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which is lightning fast and sincerely engaging despite the lack of a third pedal. We also appreciate how good the ride quality is even when the road quality is less than optimal. Whether you want to be aggressive or relaxed behind the wheel, the Kona can oblige. The inclusion of AWD availability just makes this SUV all the more capable but don’t get it confused with more serious off-roader like the Subaru Crosstrek.
2021 Hyundai Kona Fuel Economy & MPG
The base engine in the Kona gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and 30 on the highway. Buyers who go for the turbo engine actually get better fuel economy with scores of 28 and 32 respectively. Opting for the AWD brings the fuel economy to 25 city and 30 mpg on the highway. That’s not the best in the class but it’s good enough that we wouldn’t pick a rival over it.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Despite being an economy-focused SUV, the Kona feels a cut above most of its competitors. Sure, there are a lot of cheap plastics and foams in the cabin but that’s the case in every one of the Kona’s rivals. What most of those other brands don’t have is the elegant design ethos in the Kona. It’s simply laid out with easy to use controls, excellent outward visibility, and very supportive seats. We also really love the switchgear as it feels nice under your finger as you use it.
Headroom and legroom are very good in both the front and rear seating area and cargo spaces are found throughout the cabin. Behind the rear seats is almost 20 cu-ft worth of cargo volume which is a bit less than we’d like to see for the class. Still, it’s an added bonus that owners can drop those rear seats to access more than 45 cu-ft of cargo space. Those who need more space might consider the slightly larger Tucson.
Entertainment & Technology
Every Hyundai Kona comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay but thankfully, the native system is good enough that we didn’t feel like we needed it. The smallest infotainment system available is a 7-inch unit which does look a tad tiny for the cabin but an 8-inch screen is also available. Those with the larger screen will also get integrated navigation and real-time traffic updates. Audiophiles might be disappointed with the 8-speaker Infinity audio system that’s found on upper trim levels as it’s not as crisp as other systems and certainly doesn’t provide as full a sound as we’d like.
Safety Features
Hyundai hasn’t slacked on safety with regard to the Kona and it shows. Not only did it get five stars in NHTSA testing but the IIHS awarded it a Top Safety Pick too. Additionally, every Kona comes with automated emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Buyers can also add blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a heads-up display.
2021 Hyundai Kona Trims & Pricing
SE – $21,685
The base Kona gets 16-inch wheels, a 7-inch infotainment system with six speakers, air conditioning, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, lane departure warning, and forward collision mitigation.
SEL – $23,485
Step up to the SEL and you’ll get 17-inch wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated mirrors, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
SEL Plus – $25,355
The SEL Plus adds a sunroof, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system.
Night – $27,485
The newest addition to the trim family gets gloss black 18-inch wheels, black accents inside and outside, and LED headlights.
Limited – $27,485
Unique 18-inch wheels kick off the Limited trim. They’re joined by leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and chrome exterior trim.
Ultimate – $29,335
The Ultimate gets an 8-inch infotainment system, automatic wipers, adaptive cruise control, and rear parking sensors.
Warranties
Every Kona comes with an excellent 5-year or 60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Nobody in the business, save for Hyundai’s partner Kia comes anywhere close to this kind of coverage. To sweeten the deal, Hyundai also offers three years or 36,000-miles of complimentary maintenance on the Kona.
What we think
2021 Hyundai Kona – hyundainews.com | Shop 2021 Hyundai Kona on Carsforsale.com
When we talk about balanced vehicles the Hyundai Kona is always a part of that conversation. It’s a value-oriented SUV with an exceptional set of skills. It’s fun and engaging to drive, it’s comfortable, spacious, and technologically advanced too. Add in the fact that when you buy one new you can be sure that you won’t have any major issues to pay for out of pocket for at least five years or 60,000-miles and it becomes an even more impressive deal.
