I know my neighbor said mine was ugly didn’t ask her ugly opinion! Her car is freaking ugly I would never tell anyone that smh ! Jealous get a full time job you can have one too instead of relying on mommy and daddy’s used car lot to give you one of their junkers ! 🤦♀️
The center seat fabric pattern is called Houndstooth. American cars used to use it on everything from Camaros to Cadillacs. Glad to see someone has brought it back. Distinctive yet elegant.
Thanks Forrest. This is probably going to be the top seller of models offered on the Kona, so it's good that you got to test the SEL. As you said, sounds solid and backed by a great warranty to boot. I'm on my 2nd Hyundai and am impressed by the quallity. So was J.D. Powers with their recent announcement on initial build quality. Don't hesitate to buy a Hyundai, excellent quality.
Great, great review. So pleased I found your channel! Hard plastics are a disappointment, no doubt, but I've driven several Hyundai and Kia crossovers in the last 18 months (rental cars) and the quality of the hard plastics is quite high. They look good and even feel premium, given what they are.
Awesome review, Forrest! The Kona definitely is amongst one of the boldest and most fashion forward entries in its class. Also, I totally agree with you, the rims that the SEL model comes outfitted with definitely dresses it up quite a bit. As far as the interior goes, some of the interior materials may be hard to the touch, but I honestly think it works well with the overall rugged appearance of the Kona (especially when looking at the exterior's low gloss wheel arch cladding and its solid black front grille). Nevertheless, I think the Kona is a solid entry in its class and definitely deserves a look if people are looking for a stylish, fuel efficient, spacious, and safe micro SUV. All in all, you did a great job displaying the features of this vehicle and providing an informative review. From one car reviewer to another, keep up the great work! 👍🏽
I do like your review because you talk about things other videos ignore, about details such as how sturdy the door handle feels, etc Subscribed Now sure if I missed this, but I'd like to see about the driver's seat position and also about the leg room at the pedals. I'm 6'1 and I know from having tried many - and I mean many - recent cars even midsize sedans, these ignore leg room comfort at the pedals for 6 footers. I remember sitting in the latest Honda CRV and my legs were still cramped on the pedals (same even for the latest Mazda CX-7, figure out). Having tried a HRV I just couldn't even put my feet on the pedals. Car makers have cut into leg room space at the pedals these last years for some reason.
I shopped all of the cars in this class. 1. C-HR 2. C-X3 and 3. HRV were my top picks until I found the Hyundai Kona. I recently purchased awhite Hyundai Kona Limited and I'm loving the car!!! I must be one of the first on the road here in Dallas. More car, similar tech, solid build, tight ride, dual clutch 7 speed transmission (NO CVT thank goodness!), fast (especially switching from normal to sport mode, it's like getting 2 cars in one) and great styling all for less 💰💰 with a better warrantee. The only thing I see when driving are heads turning and traffic in my rearview mirror ✌😎!!!
Forrest's Auto Reviews thanks luvin my Kona and thanks man for a great review. One comment you made was how solid the car is and that is a true statement the car is solid AF!!!
This is my next vehicle after I pay off my 2016 Value Edition Elantra that I got in 2015!!! I love the Elantra but I'm looking for a small truck and i love that it has AWD fir the Snow in Illinois!! Can't wait to get it!!
Awesome review! I'd love to see more crossovers! Hyundai Tuscan, Toyota rav4, Honda crv, jeep Cherokee, acura rdx, chevy blazer, mazda cx5, vw tiguan... all 2018 or 2019 model year at their affordable AWD volume trim levels! Also, some crash testing ratings, crash avoidance, finance deals, and reliability scores!!
Oh I love the Kona! Seriously the best value out there! And it's really a car that's good for any stage of life.. The plastic on the lower trims is not my cup of tea, but go for black and you won't be able to see it as well. Great review as always my dear!
The reason it is like that, is because it's an adventurers car. So, it's used to keep the car safe from damages, and all. That's the reason they did it. It's still really nice.
Thanks for a wonderful review! I've had my Pulse Red/black roof Kona SEL with AWD for a few weeks and love and enjoy everything about it...it's perfect for me!
Thanks-I like the review and I will definitely put the Kona at the top of my list. My only critical point is your repetition of information. You said 100 times that it’s “solid”, “doesn’t feel cheap”. You didn’t have to keep saying it over and over again. I’d have rather had more real world information like handling/braking in the rain, windows fogging/not fogging, stopping distance, cornering, more on nighttime visibility. Your favorite feature is “the rear lights”. Really!!?!! Again, good, but a little more substance. Keep up the good work !
I got the Ultimate trim. There is miles of difference between the 2.0 Engine in the video vs the the 1.6T Engine in the top two models. Test driving the SEL and the Ultimate, I had to go with the Ultimate.
Not sure how these will do long term, but they seem very solid so far. I'm definitely a fan of the styling and rugged capability. Great video, Forrest!
The Kona is a head turner. It took the best design cues of several brands and arguable topped them all. The practical and pragmatic decision to use composite cladding for the exterior speaks to the statement of how the Kona is possibly targeting Subaru buyers knowing that the car not only looks better than the Crosstrek but also speaks to the customer demographics that they might be targeting. The Toyota CH-R looks like a Transformers Robot and The Honda HR-V should be laid to rest. The reigning King in the pack is obviously the Mazda CX3. The Kona and the CX3 are the best looking of the pack where the Kona leans more towards the sportiness and sophistication of the Landrover Evoque and the CX3 simply lays to rest all other competitors in its class. Dare I compare a Hyundai to a Land Rover? With a few more more polished touches to the interior of the Kona, performance aside, the Kona was designed to be a head turner. And that it very much is . . . .
All I hear is sweet, nice, impressive, amazing and etc.... (and the car got sponsor from USAhyndai)... Have you try the nissan kicks? I personally owned those vehicles but the kicks stand out better
We just bought one my only flack with his car is the small leg space in the driver side.. We got the mid range model but it didnt come with the tire pressure checj
Back in OZ we get a variation on a few things, namely the key fob 3 function only,thank heavens they get a REAL handbrake, not one of those EL CHEAPO electric park brakes, our bottom model gets 16"wheels, same for the next one up,i prefer the smaller rims, bigger one are a gimmick only, harder ride more expensive rubber and only fitted for prestige purpose because "everyone else is doing it", don't care about hard or soft plastic as long as you don't have to leave a limb on it when driving, not that important. Hate the space saver spare, trying to find a cheap replacement 16" by 6 or 61/2 rim.
If Car manufacturers still producing so much plastic on their vehicles that will never pass $25,000 mark and for some of you that might be great and for me that’s a dealbreaker not the price but the plastic
15:49 I think you scared the hell out of those cyclists. You didn't slow down a single mph or budge a single inch for them, all the while multitasking...
I'd be okay with most of the hard plastics, but no padding on the door arm rests? That's a strange decision. But more importantly, this car (like all CUVs) is overpriced. You can get an Elantra Value Edition with the same engine/transmission and a lot more options for $4000 less (real-world prices, not MSRP).
I have two kids with child seats. Is this too small to live daily life with them? I'm concerned about the trunk space for grocery shopping, etc... As I will not be able to fold the seats down.
This car has been panned by the motoring journalists in Europe. It looks like a 2015 Citroen Cactus. Cheap, flexing hard plastics, only black interior, the styling inside is a near copy of the Cactus too. Virtually no customisation. So-so dynamics and poor engines.
In my humble opinion the Kona is the worst car I've test driven in a very long time, the amount of hard plastics is disappointing and the looks are questionable, although if you don't mind the mediocre infotainment system and interior quality you may enjoy it. I would still go for a Kia Stonic tho as it comes with two more years of warranty
Seems to me you put way too much weight on infotainment and plastic trims, if the plastic doesn't crack or hurt my elbow or knee and infotainment can do Bluetooth and FM it's largely irrelevant to me, I personally care more about ergonomic, handling, ease of maintenance, longevity and dependability. I guess I'm just old lol.
It’s nice to see a vehicle that’s not fully loaded sometimes too. Not bad for a little crossover!
Ppl say this car is ugly but i actually it looks pretty impressive...i love it
Daniel Cox, I agree!
You have no taste, welI guess if you like sh!t lol lol lol
Daniel Cox Honestly, I kinda hated it at first but when I saw it in person, it grew on me.
I know my neighbor said mine was ugly didn’t ask her ugly opinion! Her car is freaking ugly I would never tell anyone that smh ! Jealous get a full time job you can have one too instead of relying on mommy and daddy’s used car lot to give you one of their junkers ! 🤦♀️
The center seat fabric pattern is called Houndstooth. American cars used to use it on everything from Camaros to Cadillacs. Glad to see someone has brought it back. Distinctive yet elegant.
Thanks Forrest. This is probably going to be the top seller of models offered on the Kona, so it's good that you got to test the SEL. As you said, sounds solid and backed by a great warranty to boot. I'm on my 2nd Hyundai and am impressed by the quallity. So was J.D. Powers with their recent announcement on initial build quality. Don't hesitate to buy a Hyundai, excellent quality.
My Hyundai has been very reliable even though it's 12 years old. I'm likely going to get another Hyundai eventually!
I just done my first 1000 Km on my new Kona ! This car is so sweet, I really love it ! And you know what ? Sometime less is more !
Great, great review. So pleased I found your channel! Hard plastics are a disappointment, no doubt, but I've driven several Hyundai and Kia crossovers in the last 18 months (rental cars) and the quality of the hard plastics is quite high. They look good and even feel premium, given what they are.
What do you expect in a 20k car though?
Had mine 6 months now (Oz) very happy with it. (1.6 T) I'm getting 5.9 L/100 km (48 Imp MPG) @100kph, 2 people, 2x luggage & 1/2 tank of fuel.
Awesome review, Forrest! The Kona definitely is amongst one of the boldest and most fashion forward entries in its class. Also, I totally agree with you, the rims that the SEL model comes outfitted with definitely dresses it up quite a bit.
As far as the interior goes, some of the interior materials may be hard to the touch, but I honestly think it works well with the overall rugged appearance of the Kona (especially when looking at the exterior's low gloss wheel arch cladding and its solid black front grille). Nevertheless, I think the Kona is a solid entry in its class and definitely deserves a look if people are looking for a stylish, fuel efficient, spacious, and safe micro SUV.
All in all, you did a great job displaying the features of this vehicle and providing an informative review. From one car reviewer to another, keep up the great work! 👍🏽
I've checked out this car in Korea last summer and in Illinois I've seen 4 so far. The design is simply great.
I just traded my ford escape for a Kona in tangerine last weekend. I love it so far.
I do like your review because you talk about things other videos ignore, about details such as how sturdy the door handle feels, etc Subscribed
Now sure if I missed this, but I'd like to see about the driver's seat position and also about the leg room at the pedals. I'm 6'1 and I know from having tried many - and I mean many - recent cars even midsize sedans, these ignore leg room comfort at the pedals for 6 footers. I remember sitting in the latest Honda CRV and my legs were still cramped on the pedals (same even for the latest Mazda CX-7, figure out). Having tried a HRV I just couldn't even put my feet on the pedals. Car makers have cut into leg room space at the pedals these last years for some reason.
Very nice review. I do agree that this trim is the sweet spot. I really feel that the wheel choice is exquisite considering the price point.
I shopped all of the cars in this class. 1. C-HR 2. C-X3 and 3. HRV were my top picks until I found the Hyundai Kona. I recently purchased awhite Hyundai Kona Limited and I'm loving the car!!! I must be one of the first on the road here in Dallas. More car, similar tech, solid build, tight ride, dual clutch 7 speed transmission (NO CVT thank goodness!), fast (especially switching from normal to sport mode, it's like getting 2 cars in one) and great styling all for less 💰💰 with a better warrantee. The only thing I see when driving are heads turning and traffic in my rearview mirror ✌😎!!!
Forrest's Auto Reviews thanks luvin my Kona and thanks man for a great review. One comment you made was how solid the car is and that is a true statement the car is solid AF!!!
LMFAO CX3 beats the other 2 crap boxes you mentioned
@Ricky Holmes The 2020 Mazda CX-3 should be better. I'll be bigger, have the 2.5 engine, and be based on the Mazda3 platform.
This is my next vehicle after I pay off my 2016 Value Edition Elantra that I got in 2015!!! I love the Elantra but I'm looking for a small truck and i love that it has AWD fir the Snow in Illinois!! Can't wait to get it!!
Did you get yours yet ? I traded my 2016 Elantra in for the 2020 base model AWD kona, awesome fun to drive.
The solid feel is from Hyundai making their own steel. Solid frame more stable on the roads
Awesome review! I'd love to see more crossovers! Hyundai Tuscan, Toyota rav4, Honda crv, jeep Cherokee, acura rdx, chevy blazer, mazda cx5, vw tiguan... all 2018 or 2019 model year at their affordable AWD volume trim levels! Also, some crash testing ratings, crash avoidance, finance deals, and reliability scores!!
Oh I love the Kona! Seriously the best value out there! And it's really a car that's good for any stage of life.. The plastic on the lower trims is not my cup of tea, but go for black and you won't be able to see it as well. Great review as always my dear!
Trash hahaha
The reason it is like that, is because it's an adventurers car. So, it's used to keep the car safe from damages, and all. That's the reason they did it. It's still really nice.
Thanks for a wonderful review! I've had my Pulse Red/black roof Kona SEL with AWD for a few weeks and love and enjoy everything about it...it's perfect for me!
Thanks-I like the review and I will definitely put the Kona at the top of my list. My only critical point is your repetition of information. You said 100 times that it’s “solid”, “doesn’t feel cheap”. You didn’t have to keep saying it over and over again. I’d have rather had more real world information like handling/braking in the rain, windows fogging/not fogging, stopping distance, cornering, more on nighttime visibility. Your favorite feature is “the rear lights”. Really!!?!!
Again, good, but a little more substance. Keep up the good work !
I got the Ultimate trim. There is miles of difference between the 2.0 Engine in the video vs the the 1.6T Engine in the top two models. Test driving the SEL and the Ultimate, I had to go with the Ultimate.
Mitchell Abbott how has your year reliability been? And is there a specific price I should shoot for? Planning to get one in the next two weeks!
Don’t know much about cars but I have the 1.6T Trend and it gets insanely fast, pretty quick. Even more impressive in Sport mode.
Not sure how desirable gloss plastics would be on a high mounted radio. Big buttons are definite win!
You seem like a decent guy. Subscribed.
BTW I drove the Ultimate version of the Kona. And I love the zippiness and how it likes to go around corners.
Not sure how these will do long term, but they seem very solid so far. I'm definitely a fan of the styling and rugged capability.
Great video, Forrest!
EliYourCarGuy u; "
EliYourCarGuy It won't do well in the long-term if you're as hard on the buttons as Forrest is. Lol Geez. Great review nonetheless!
The Kona is a head turner. It took the best design cues of several brands and arguable topped them all. The practical and pragmatic decision to use composite cladding for the exterior speaks to the statement of how the Kona is possibly targeting Subaru buyers knowing that the car not only looks better than the Crosstrek but also speaks to the customer demographics that they might be targeting. The Toyota CH-R looks like a Transformers Robot and The Honda HR-V should be laid to rest. The reigning King in the pack is obviously the Mazda CX3. The Kona and the CX3 are the best looking of the pack where the Kona leans more towards the sportiness and sophistication of the Landrover Evoque and the CX3 simply lays to rest all other competitors in its class. Dare I compare a Hyundai to a Land Rover? With a few more more polished touches to the interior of the Kona, performance aside, the Kona was designed to be a head turner. And that it very much is . . . .
Great review. I'm in the market for a cheap point A to point B car with practicality. Just added this to my list!
Review the Nissan kicks if you get a chance! I’d love to see how they compare
Best review ever . Word .
Very interesting review. Great job, I'm surprised you don't have a million subs. New sub, Glad I found your channel. Bless'up'fo'yo'self
All I hear is sweet, nice, impressive, amazing and etc.... (and the car got sponsor from USAhyndai)... Have you try the nissan kicks? I personally owned those vehicles but the kicks stand out better
I see you filmed this at the Lake Benbrook dam. Looked really familiar. At least I hope that’s where you filmed this lol.
Eyyy thats my new kona car i love that one
The 1.6 Turbo is a hoot to drive. The fastest car in its segment by a LARGE margin.
We just bought one my only flack with his car is the small leg space in the driver side.. We got the mid range model but it didnt come with the tire pressure checj
Back in OZ we get a variation on a few things, namely the key fob 3 function only,thank heavens they get a REAL handbrake, not one of those EL CHEAPO electric park brakes, our bottom model gets 16"wheels, same for the next one up,i prefer the smaller rims, bigger one are a gimmick only, harder ride more expensive rubber and only fitted for prestige purpose because "everyone else is doing it", don't care about hard or soft plastic as long as you don't have to leave a limb on it when driving, not that important. Hate the space saver spare, trying to find a cheap replacement 16" by 6 or 61/2 rim.
I'm still unsure about the looks. However, the turbo is interesting.
In terms of best value, the Nissan Kicks may be a better value.
I'll seriously considering trading in my 2017 Toyota Corolla for this Kona trim level. I wanted the CH-R, but there's no Android Auto.
Great Review!
The cloth seat pattern is called 'Houndstooth'. Just an fyi.
If Car manufacturers still producing so much plastic on their vehicles that will never pass $25,000 mark and for some of you that might be great and for me that’s a dealbreaker not the price but the plastic
the Green one is beautiful
Wanted it in Orange and then decided not to release it in the USA! Sad very sad!
15:49 I think you scared the hell out of those cyclists. You didn't slow down a single mph or budge a single inch for them, all the while multitasking...
same thoughts...
Hyundai (🇰🇷) beats Nissan (🇯🇵) in USA but the Nissan is more cheaper than Hyundai
Great video!
4:44 it looks like smiley bear face...😂
I really love that ❤
The kicks gives a little more space i think cuz its more longer
Great job!
I would take this over a Nissan kick any day
Wondering what you think of the Nissan Kicks?
love it
The car doesn't need any more power , what the car needs is torque . You drive torque , no power .
I don't think there is one car color that Forrest doesn't like from the fleet of cars that he's reviewed
Forrest's Auto Reviews you right
Good Review
Where is the MANUAL trans version?
I'd be okay with most of the hard plastics, but no padding on the door arm rests? That's a strange decision. But more importantly, this car (like all CUVs) is overpriced. You can get an Elantra Value Edition with the same engine/transmission and a lot more options for $4000 less (real-world prices, not MSRP).
they offer a 1.6 turbo motor with a 7 speed
Front remind me of an Iron Man. I like it.
Lol ironic that there's now an Iron Man version of this car 😆🤭
Are you using Google Pixel?
such bs how manual seats are always found in lower trims in 2018
I wouldn't advertise planet fitness membership 😂😂😂
Fun to drive
Get the 1.6 turbo...you'll be happy.
Does it have a moon roof?
No electric hand-break?
Acura RDX review please.
I believe they're better not sell that car in Portugal with that name.
Is it just me or is there too much black plastic on the outside?
I have two kids with child seats. Is this too small to live daily life with them? I'm concerned about the trunk space for grocery shopping, etc... As I will not be able to fold the seats down.
Isn’t this an electric car? 27 MPG?
This car has been panned by the motoring journalists in Europe. It looks like a 2015 Citroen Cactus. Cheap, flexing hard plastics, only black interior, the styling inside is a near copy of the Cactus too. Virtually no customisation. So-so dynamics and poor engines.
Houndstooth seat fabric is so 70s, and no electronic parking brake, no thanks.
The back end looks like it was hit with an ugly stick
Such contradiction, CARWOW says it’s the worst car of the year!
carwow (mat, in particular) was very biased in his review. he basically said, "the kona is a good car... but i hate it, so don't buy it."
Lol well they are wrong 👌
best review them carwow xD
Just some constructive criticism. Too many very, very and too many really's as well.
Why you push those buttons so hard and the A/C control like if you wanna broke them. If I'm a car company I never gave you a car for a review.
Too much plastic.
rear lower lights make the car ugly
Your opinion 👌
In my humble opinion the Kona is the worst car I've test driven in a very long time, the amount of hard plastics is disappointing and the looks are questionable, although if you don't mind the mediocre infotainment system and interior quality you may enjoy it. I would still go for a Kia Stonic tho as it comes with two more years of warranty
Seems to me you put way too much weight on infotainment and plastic trims, if the plastic doesn't crack or hurt my elbow or knee and infotainment can do Bluetooth and FM it's largely irrelevant to me, I personally care more about ergonomic, handling, ease of maintenance, longevity and dependability. I guess I'm just old lol.
holmiumh there are cars with better interior quality for a similar price tho so that’s why I am disappointed
Hyundai is cheaper than Mercedes Benz
Noooo really???????
LMAO The Mazda CX3 is a better vehicle than these 2 vehicles hahaha..