2025 Hyundai Kona Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs

About the Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona brings superb style and comfort to the subcompact SUV segment, along with an outstanding level of standard equipment. The Kona comes with a 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine, and those who want to turn up performance have the option of a turbocharged engine that produces 190 horsepower. The Kona comes with tons of standard tech, and the well-designed interior makes all of it easy to use. All that tech also makes the Kona a standout in the safety department, and the ample cargo space adds to the high level of practicality. Standard features like wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® give you a versatile infotainment experience, and the available Bose Premium Audio with an external amp and 8 speakers delivers a top-notch listening experience.

What the Critics Say

"As a stylish and affordable small-SUV-around-town, the Kona excels. Actually, that’s selling it too short. The Kona is a great subcompact SUV, end of sentence. We made it a Kelley Best Buy Award winner for its class, because it’s competent and attractive in equally high measure." - Kelley Blue Book

"There are so many subcompact SUVs on the market that it can be hard to stand out. But the Kona is one of those vehicles that breaks through the noise with its futuristic exterior design and high-tech interior." - MotorTrend

What's New For 2025

Following a full redesign last year, Hyundai focused on expanding the trim lineup for 2025. The first new trim is the SEL Convenience, which is the same thing as last year’s SEL optioned with the Convenience Package. The option package just proved so popular that Hyundai decided to simplify the trim selection process and just make the combo a standalone trim. The second new trim is the N Line S, which lowers the entry price for the available turbocharged engine.

Hyundai Kona Features

Composed Driving

A big part of the appeal of subcompacts is that they’re so much fun to drive, with responsive steering and unbeatable maneuverability. The Kona delivers the kind of driving experience you’re looking for, with a standard 2.0-liter engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. And unlike a lot of the vehicles in this segment, the Kona offers the option of a more powerful engine, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. The standard engine comes with a CVT, while the turbocharged engine comes with an 8-speed automatic with standard paddle shifters. Another major advantage is that the Kona doesn’t just offer all-wheel drive (not the case with several competitors), but it’s available on any trim, with either engine. Selectable drive modes are also standard on the Kona.

Class-Leading Tech

The Kona comes exceptionally well equipped, and this is especially evident when looking at the many tech features. The 12.3-inch touchscreen that forms a single continuous curved piece with the available 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is a standout in this segment, and the standard wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® give you an even wider range of functions. Available features like heated and ventilated front seats, interior ambient lighting, and a seriously impressive Bose sound system help to elevate the experience in Kona above the competition. But it’s safety tech where the Kona really shines, with standard features including Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped) and Cyclist Detection, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and even Safe Exit Warning (SEW), all of which are serious standouts in this price range.

Trims & Specs

*MSRP excludes freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. Freight charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost. Accessory items shown may vary according to model and illustration.