Hyundai Kona Review--TRYING TO STAND OUT

The Hyundai Kona is the latest entry into the fastest growing segment in the auto industry, the subcompact utility space. For 2018 Hyundai introduced this new 5-passenger SUV with two engine choices, two transmissions and two suspensions. The base model is the only one sold with front wheel drive and torsion beam rear suspension. The rest of the Hyundai Kona lineup is sold with AWD or all wheel drive and this also includes a multi link independent suspension. The base engine is a 2.0L 4-cylinder with 147hp. The top engine is a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 175hp and 195lb.-ft of torque. This engine also gets a 7-speed duel clutch transmission. Starting at $21,000 for the base FWD car then $22,000 for AWD and $27,000 for the turbo. The top model is $32,000. The interior has heated seats, a 7-inch tablet style screen with a backup camera, plus Android Auto and Apple Car Play. The cabin can be equipped with leather seats and even a heated steering wheel. The letdown is the door panels and dash are covered in hard plastic but Hyundai has done a good job with colours and textures to mask the hard surfaces. The back seat is roomy enough for adults but the cargo area is rather tight.