2021 Hyundai Kona review
Hyundai Kona highlights
Customer rating
RepairPal reliability rating
(data not available)
Pros
- Enjoyable to drive, and the Kona with the turbo engine is quick
- Bold looks stand out among rivals
Cons
- Interior plastics feel and look cheap
- Well-equipped entry-level trims can't get the more powerful engine
Mileage (EPA estimate)
25 city, 29 highway, 27 combined
Pricing for current inventory
From $16,998 - $20,998*
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The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a standout for many reasons, not just its design
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.
All Hyundai Kona years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Hyundai Kona generation from 2018 to 2026
What is new for the 2021 Hyundai Kona?
- The Kona is available in a new trim called the Night.
- Tow Hitch features are now available as options on select trims.
2021 Hyundai Kona trims
Curious how Hyundai Kona trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesSE:
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.
SEL:
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.
SEL Plus:
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.
Night:
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.
Limited:
Includes SEL Plus trim features, adding 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, chrome exterior trim, automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and more.
Ultimate:
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.
Hyundai Kona photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Hyundai Kona
1. The night edition
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.
2. Easy to drive
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.
3. Powerful engine options
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.
4. Infinity® premium audio
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.
5. Stylish exterior
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.
Similar vehicles
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.
Climb to the top tiers of the Encore and you'll find more features to make every drive a breeze. This is a great option if you want something a little different that's easy to drive around town.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
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Ratings & reliability
Hyundai Kona features and specs
Curious how Hyundai Kona trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
SE 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Cloth Seats
- Full Roof Rack
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Front Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.0L
Horsepower
147
Torque (ft-lbs)
132
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
13.2
Wheelbase
102.4"
Overall length
164"
Width
70.9"
Height
61"
Leg room
F 41.5"/R 34.6"
Head room
F 39.6"/R 37.8"
Front tires
P205/60HR16
Rear tires
P205/60HR16
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Hyundai Kona FAQ
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- SE: 27 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- SEL: 27 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- SEL Plus: 27 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- Limited: 28 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Ultimate: 28 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
- Night: 28 MPG City and 32 MPG Highway
The 2021 Hyundai Kona has received an average 4.4 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Hyundai Kona, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Hyundai Kona Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Hyundai Kona:
- Night
- Tow Hitch
- Power Seat(s)
- Cloth Seats
- Smart Key
More about the 2021 Hyundai Kona
Exterior colors:
Chalk White
Pulse Red
Sonic Silver
Surf Blue
Thunder Gray
Ultra Black
Interior details
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
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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