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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2025 Hyundai Kona Review
We review of the 2025 Hyundai Kona for details on the cabin, technology, amenities, and safety of this second-generation crossover.What’s New for the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona competes in the red-hot compact crossover segment. Last year marked the start of generation two Kona production with the automaker’s dramatic new front-end styling. For the 2025 model year, changes are fewer, highlighted by the addition of a new N Line S model that sits under the higher-spec Kona N Line.
2025 Hyundai Kona – hyundaiusa.com| Shop 2025 Hyundai Kona on Carsforsale.com
Carsforsale.com Score
8.25/10
Powertrain
Score
7.5/10
Interior
Score
8.5/10
Technology
Score
9/10
Value
Score
7.75/10
The Breakdown
Large infotainment interface
Impressive fuel economy
Deep roster of standard driver aids
Underpowered base engine
Uninspired cabin design
Lack of a hybrid
A reasonably priced and competent small crossover
2025 Kona Specs
- 147 horsepower from base engine
- 132 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 25.5 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 63.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Hyundai Digital Key 2 technology included
- 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 3 years of complimentary maintenance
2025 Hyundai Kona Powertrain
For 2025, the Hyundai Kona SE and SEL models come with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter inline-4 making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. A CVT routes power to the front wheels with AWD a $1,500 option. Relatively sluggish with a 0-60 mph time of 9.2 seconds according to Car and Driver, these Konas are fortunately quite fuel efficient with a 31-mpg combined rating for FWD models.
Stepping up to the N Line or Limited Konas brings a more potent 1.6-liter turbocharged four-pot. Good for 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, this engine pairs with a 9-speed automatic and features paddle shifter control for a more engaging drive experience. As expected, it’s also fleeter at 7.5 seconds to 60. Like the base models, these Konas come standard with FWD and the option for AWD.
These turbocharged Konas are also less miserly with gas, earning 28 mpg combined for FWD variants. All 2025 Hyundai Konas come with a MacPherson strut and coil sprung front suspension and a coupled torsion beam rear axle. However, opting for AWD adds a stabilizer bar out back and swaps the torsion beam for a multi-link design.
2025 Hyundai Kona Interior
No matter which 2025 Kona you go with, color choices are just gray or black. N Line models do add a zing of red across the dash and on the seats, but otherwise it’s a bit subdued in the cabin. But this 5-seater does offer ample cargo space with 63.7 cubic feet behind the first row and 24.5 behind the second row.
That second row can recline for added comfort and the rear legroom of 38” is just 1” short of the latest Honda HR-V. Upholstery ranges from cloth to leatherette and all models feature a dual-level cargo floor. A power-adjustable driver’s seat arrives on the SEL model and heated front buckets are standard on SEL Convenience trims and above.
N Line and Limited Konas boast soft-touch door panels that turn up the lux a notch. There are no optional packages on any of these 2025 Konas, but it’s worth noting niceties like the sunroof on the N Line trim and climatized front seats on top-spec Limited models.
2025 Hyundai Kona Technology Features
Across the board, the 2025 Kona comes with a 12.3” central touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring. That screen stretches to more than 24” on SEL Convenience models that feature an all-digital gauge cluster. But an 8-speaker Bose audio system requires at least the N Line and only Limited models come with a surround-view monitor.
Hyundai includes forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a lane-keeping system, and automatic high beams standard on every 2025 Kona. Adaptive cruise control and Highway Driving Assist show up on SEL Convenience models and the IIHS rated the 2024 Kona as a Top Safety Pick+, its highest award.
2025 Hyundai Kona Trims & Pricing
SE – $25,745
In base SE form, the 2025 Kona comes with 17” alloy wheels, all LED exterior lighting, cloth seating, and Hyundai’s Bluelink remote connectivity tech.
SEL – $27,095
SEL models add bigger 18” wheels, heated side mirrors, ducting for rear-seat air conditioning and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
SEL Convenience – $29,295
Jumping by more than $2,000, the SEL Convenience trim line justifies its price with heated front seats, phone-as-a-key tech, and dual-zone automatic climate control. These Konas also have a wireless phone charging pad and navigation.
N Line S – $30,745
The new-for-2025 N Line S variant sports 19” wheels, gloss black accents, and red cabin highlights. The cabin on these Konas also features metal sport pedals and ambient lighting.
N Line – $32,295
In N Line guise, the 2025 Kona is dressed up with optional two-tone paint that features a black roof. It also comes with a sunroof and 8-speaker Bose audio system.
Limited – $33,295
The top-spec Kona Limited is loaded with a hands-free liftgate, a heated steering wheel, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. There is also a fully electric 2025 Kona that starts at about $34,000, but according to Hyundai, it is available in “extremely limited quantities”.
2025 Hyundai Kona Overall Value
Since heated front seats are hard to live without, regardless of what climate you live in, the 2025 Hyundai Kona SEL Convenience is our pick for the model to look for. However, be aware that for about the same money, you can get into a Mazda CX-30 with a far more potent 191-horsepower engine.
Of course, few automakers can match Hyundai for its 5 years of basic warranty coverage, 10 years or 100,000 miles of powertrain coverage, and 3 years of complimentary maintenance.
CarsForSale.com Overall Score
2025 Hyundai Kona – hyundaiusa.com| Shop 2025 Hyundai Kona on Carsforsale.com
On the whole, Hyundai likely has a home run on its hands with the 2025 Kona. The styling, though busy, is at least different from the masses. And yes, the base engine is poky, but sufficient for the basic day-to-day driving tasks it will likely be used for.
A super-efficient hybrid would be nice, but 35 mpg on the highway for base models isn’t too bad. Plus, for around $30,000 you get a spacious cabin, a sweeping all-glass infotainment interface, and loads of advanced driver aids. Not bad. And with details on the latest new car incentives, you can do even better!
2025 Hyundai Kona FAQ
Can you fit a bike in a Hyundai Kona?
You’ll have to remove the front wheel of the bike and put the Kona’s back seats down but yes, doing so means you can in fact fit a bike into the Hyundai Kona.
Can you tow with a Hyundai Kona?
In the words of Hyundai, towing is “not recommended” with the 2025 Kona.
Does the Hyundai Kona offer heated seats?
Yes, heated front seats are standard on the 2025 Hyundai Kona from the SEL Convenience model and above.
