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CHATHAM, Mass. – Each new generation of a Hyundai sport-utility vehicle (SUV) represents increased value for its customers when compared to its predecessor. This ranges from more standard features to larger interiors while retaining competitive prices within each segment – and the subcompact Kona, especially in top-of-the-range Limited Trim, is a perfect example of this type of product positioning.
The Korean auto maker introduced the second-generation, all-new Kona for the 2024 model year filled with a wide array of standard equipment and available features once restricted to premium and luxury vehicles. I recently completed a week in a 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD which is a carry-over from the reengineered 2024 model.
Turbo boosted all-wheel-drive powertrain
Both Kona Limited versions feature a 1.6-liter four-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine generating an estimated 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 pounds-feet of torque from 1,700-4,500 rpm. They differ by power distribution: either front-wheel drive or all-wheel.
The power in both versions flows through an eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be manually shifted with steering-column-mounted paddle shifters, and then through the HTRAC AWD system (one of two options on the review vehicle).
Peak torque comes in at 1,700 rpm providing excellent responsiveness in everyday driving; the Kona felt peppy and strong throughout my entire time behind the wheel, whether merging and passing traffic on the Mid Cape Highway (U.S. Route 6 for those familiar with the region) or maneuvering on the twisting roads throughout the Cape Cod towns of Brewster, Harwich and Dennis.
In terms of specific performance figures, Car and Driver testing resulted in 0-60 mile-per-hour times of 7.5 seconds – not a performance car, but quicker than the average value-priced, subcompact SUV with an efficient powertrain.
Speaking of efficiency, under my heavy right foot, the 2025 Kona Limited AWD averaged a tick under 30 miles per gallon of regular gas (which meant a full 13.2-gallon tank was good for 370 or so miles before I needed to begin the search for a gas station). My results were better than the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s rating of 26 mpg overall (24 urban, 29 highway).
Bottom line – the Kona offers a good mix of performance and efficiency in a SUV package.
A platform engineered to satisfy
Underpinning the revised Kona is a well-designed platform engineered for the electric version of the five-door with an emphasis on driving dynamics, regardless of the roads. As Hyundai puts it, “The long wheelbase, short overhangs and wide track create a planted stance that results in exceptional agility in urban environments with enhanced linear stability and ride comfort.”
The chassis features MacPherson-type struts, coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers and stabilizer bar in the front, while in the AWD models, an independent multi-link setup with gas shocks and stabilizer bar in the rear.
The column-mounted, motorized power steering system features a quick 2.5 turns lock-to-lock and a tight 34.8-foot turning circle.
The power-assisted brake system features four-wheel, four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock (ABS), electronic-brake distribution (EBD), electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control (TCS), electronic parking brake, downhill-brake control and hill-start-assist control. The front, ventilated rotors are 12 inches in diameter while the solid rears are 11.2.
Transmitting the SUV’s actions to the pavement are 235/45/R19 all-season tires mounted on 9 X 7.5J alloy wheels.
All the platform pieces deliver the goods outlined above – the Kona’s ride is well controlled and comfortable, getting multiple compliments from my partner (more on the significance of this later). Dynamically, when pushed the Kona Limited AWD was fun to drive – not always the description of a subcompact SUV.
ADAS roster impresses
The second-generation Kona comes with the next level of Hyundai SmartSense the brand’s umbrella label for its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), including features not available on many small-segment SUVs, especially those priced like the Kona.
The list of ADAS includes blind-spot collision avoidance warning; blind-spot-view monitor; rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist; parking-distance warning, forward, rear and side; forward-collision avoidance assist with pedestrian/cyclist detection and junction-turning support; lane-keep assist; lane-following assist; intelligent speed-limit assist; Highway Driving Assist; surround-view monitor; driver-attention warning; high-beam assist, and safe-exit warning.
Kona also offers available driving convenience functions, such as Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control (NSCC) with stop and go, and Remote Start.
The systems, with one exception, work seamlessly, offering premium safety/convenience features in a value-oriented vehicle. The lone issue I had with the overall ADAS offerings was the Driver Attention Warning (DAW). Up until a few years ago this system, which monitors road position based on staying within the lane markings, could be turned on/off by the driver. Now, it is always one.
Unfortunately, in areas with indistinct road markings and other uneven surface characteristics, the warning(s) can be frequent, annoying and undeserved. Hyundai should go back to the old system of allowing the driver to switch it on/off, as it does with most of the other ADAS. (In doing some online research, this is a major complaint on Internet forums.)
Surprising interior features in basic small SUV
The cabin of the redesigned Kona is clean, straightforward, ROOMY and filled with a surprising group of amenities, conveniences and technology.
Dominating the dash is the panoramic screen displaying the customizable 12.3-inch instrument cluster which flows into the 12.3-inch touchscreen at the heart of the infotainment system with navigation. Infotainment includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; SiriusXM satellite radio; streaming Bluetooth audio, and sound projected through a Bose premium audio system with external amplifier and eight speakers.
Below the touchscreen are the buttons and toggles for controlling the dual-zone automatic climate-control system. This setup is logical, easy to use while driving (even while wearing gloves, something virtually impossible with touchscreen or LCD controls).
Included in the HVAC button array are ones for the two-level steering-wheel heat as well as for the three-step front-seat heating and ventilation. The latter feature is rarely found on a vehicle in this class. The driver’s seat also features eight-way power assist with lumbar support.
USB-C outlets front and rear; wireless charging pad for mobile devices; hands-free power liftgate and moonroof are amongst some of the other premium amenities on the 2025 Kona Limited AWD.
Value at the heart of the Kona story
The Kona internal-combustion-engine (ICE) family consists of six trim levels with a base price of $24,450 for the front-wheel-drive (FWD) SE model. The range-topping Limited carries an MSRP of $32,000.
The review unit included the two options offered on the 2025 Kona Limited: AWD ($1,500) and special paint (in this case Ultimate Red Metallic for $470. Add in the $1,395 inland freight & handling charge Hyundai assesses on all vehicles and the as-reviewed price was $35,565.
The price-value proposition puts the Kona squarely in the top group of small subcompact SUVs when it comes to what a customer receives for his/her dollar. Many of the competitors do not offer the level of equipment and features equal to the Kona, even at a higher price.
Now for some added transparency – after my week in the 2025 Kona Limited AWD I decided this was the perfect vehicle for my partner. Her present subcompact SUV is 12 years old and does not have today’s ADAS, safety and convenience features. The Kona offers all of these, plus superior fuel economy and better performance than her present ride, at price ahead of anything else on the market. I will begin the shopping process in the coming weeks.
