4.5 out of 5
(data not available)
28 city, 32 highway, 30 combined
(no current inventory)
The 2021 Kona builds on Hyundai's signature strengths—high value and excellent transferable warranty—with a fun-to-drive character and standout design. Those qualities are largely lacking among subcompact crossover SUVs, though we'll admit the Kona's styling might be too bold for some. But when it comes to equipment, this Hyundai is persuasive. Even the SE entry-level model offers a generous level of standard features, including Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™, a 7-inch touchscreen, automatic air conditioning, alloy wheels, and a suite of useful driver aids.
Impressive as that entry-level SE trim is, we'd recommend jumping up to the new-for-2021 midlevel Night trim. It's the first point in the range that comes with the better of the two engines Hyundai offers. It's a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 174 hp and uses a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. We also recommend going for the all-wheel-drive option because its more sophisticated rear suspension setup improves both handling and ride comfort. Overall, the Kona's good enough to be considered a top choice, brought down only by a slightly plasticky interior and those divisive looks. If you can live with that, it's well worth your attention.
Drive type | 2WD |
Engine size | 1.6L |
Horsepower | 175 |
Torque (ft-lbs) | 195 |
Engine type | Turbo Gas |
Fuel capacity | 13.2 |
Wheelbase | 102.4" |
Overall length | 164" |
Width | 70.9" |
Height | 61.6" |
Leg room | F 41.5"/R 34.6" |
Head room | F 38"/R 37.8" |
Front tires | P235/45HR18 |
Rear tires | P235/45HR18 |
Seating capacity | 5 |
Transmission | Automatic |
The Hyundai Kona has a stylish new trim for 2021: the Night edition. Exterior finishes include semi-gloss black alloy wheels, gloss black side mirrors, and a high-gloss front grille. As you might expect from its moniker, the Night edition features an all-black interior, as well as the upgraded 1.6L turbo engine and a choice of three classic exterior paint colors. If you want to level up your ride's curb appeal, the 2021 Kona Night edition has you covered.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a crossover SUV that's designed to make driving a breeze. Its dimensions provide plenty of space, while still offering an easy drive when it comes to parking lots, city streets, and highways. With a turning diameter of 34.8 feet, a rearview monitor, and a total vehicle length of 164 inches, the 2021 Kona is a driver-friendly choice.
When it comes to smooth handling and powerful acceleration, the 2021 Hyundai Kona goes all in, offering engine options to suit your driving style. Standard models (SE, SEL, and SEL Plus) feature a 2.0L engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The three premium trims (Night, Limited, and Ultimate) boast a turbocharged 1.6L engine, capable of a zero to 60 mph time of 7.2 seconds. The turbocharged engine is ideal for daily commuting, charging up freeway on-ramps, and weekend road trips.
Choose the 2021 Hyundai Kona SEL Plus trim and above for stunning sound quality provided by the Infinity premium audio system with Clari-Fi™ music restoration technology. The sound radiating from its eight speakers and subwoofer has a deeper range, bringing the sound from your car as close as possible to the crystal clear sounds of the original recordings. Get ready for an in-car concert on your next road trip in the 2021 Kona.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is incredibly stylish, with impressive and thoughtful attention to detail. A central high-mount stop light, deep grille, shark-fin antenna (SEL Plus and above), gloss back accents (Night edition), and some seriously good-looking paint colors add up to an SUV that's bound to turn heads.
If you're interested in the 2021 Hyundai Kona, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
This good-looking SUV has plenty of luxury touches throughout and the available all-wheel drive makes it a great companion if you regularly have to tackle rain and snow. As standard on 2019–2020 models, you'll find great features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, an available Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.
The 2017–2020 Buick Encore has these standard features, and more:
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
Tinted rear glass
LED daytime running lights
A whole host of standard features really sets this crossover apart but it's the little conveniences that make it fun to live with. The trunk hatch swings out instead of up to allow for easier loading and closing (all 2018–2020 models), while the interior is full of smart connectivity features. Take a look at the SES and Titanium trims for Ford's Sync® infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, an available Wi-Fi hotspot, and two USB ports (2018–2020 models).
The 2018–2020 Ford EcoSport base trim enjoys these standard features, and more:
Two smart-charging USB ports
Hill-start assist
60/40 split-fold and flip-up bench seat
A simple, modern design and the functionality of an active lifestyle combine seamlessly in the 2017-2020 Honda HR-V. A 141-hp 1.8L four-cylinder engine powers all three trims through a continuously variable transmission(CVT), and AWD is available for excellent traction in less than ideal weather. Navigation, leather seating, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are touches of luxury you'll find in the 2017-2020 Honda HR-V EX-L. The 2017-2020 Honda HR-V with the 1.8L engine and CVT gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg city and 34 mpg highway.
Standard equipment on the 2017-2020 Honda HR-V includes:
Multi-angle rearview camera
Bluetooth streaming audio connectivity
Five-inch infotainment screen and USB charge port
Includes 16-inch alloy wheels, height-adjustable driver seat, seven-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, smartphone integration, forward collision mitigation, lane departure mitigation, and more.
Adds 17-inch wheels, heated mirrors, roof rails, keyless entry and ignition, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, rear privacy glass, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
Adds sunroof, fog lights, shark-fin antenna, power-adjustable driver seat, wireless charging pad, auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-speaker Infinity audio system, and more.
Includes SEL trim features, adding a 1.6L turbocharged engine, 18-inch semi-gloss black alloy wheels, black exterior trim, LED headlights, eight-speaker Infinity audio system, and more.
Includes SEL Plus trim features, adding 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, chrome exterior trim, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and more.
Unlocks automatic wipers, eight-inch touchscreen, integrated navigation system, high beam assist, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, head-up display, and more.
Chalk White
Pulse Red
Sonic Silver
Surf Blue
Thunder Gray
Ultra Black
Seating for five passengers
Cargo volume of 19.2 cubic feet
60/40 split-fold, reclining rear seats
Leather-wrapped steering wheel (SEL trim and higher)
Front row USB and auxiliary input jacks