2018 / 2019 Hyundai Kona 1.6L Full Review and Comparison 

Picked up my Kona in this exact trim three weeks ago and it is an all around great vehicle, has everything I wanted and then some and has made driving fun again. Strongly recommend this little rocket to shoppers you won’t be disappointed. Great review Alex

I don't care who you are, or whether you prefer cars or SUV's , but this is one sharp looking vehicle! Kudos to whoever designed this little gem!

I own the 2018 Kona Ultimate in Sonic Silver. I love it. I love the funky front, but that's because I prefer vehicles that have a more non traditional look. I like the back end of the vehicle also. The rear of today's cars and SUVs tend to be pretty staid and unremarkable. The "split" light configuration carried over from the front make the rear of the vehicle interesting looking. The vehicle also is very pretty when viewed from the sides and at angles at the front and back. Very nice lines. Curvy and interesting looking. I'm a big Hyundai fan and this is my third vehicle. The biggest selling point for Hyundai is that you get a lot of bells and whistles at a much lower price than other manufacturers. I really like the HUD, which I use whenever I'm doing highway driving or long trips. The larger sized screen in the Ultimate model is also really nice. The image is very clear and crisp and the menu screens are easy to use and very intuitive. Throw in the sunroof, all the anti collision features and Android Auto, ATC, and leather seats and this car is loaded. But wait, then there's the REALLY cool feature...wireless phone charging. All of this for under $30,000. You are simply not going to find a better deal. The car is fun to drive. The Ultimate comes with 18 inch alloy wheels standard, independent four wheel suspension which makes for a very nice ride. Yes, the one complaint would be road noise, but its not onerous, All in all this is really a terrific vehicle for the price.

I bought my first Hyundai in '98 with the Tiburon then in '05 got the new model of that year. I recently traded in my '05 Tiburon for the Kona Limited and love it. Great vehicle for my needs and it's nice to have a vehicle that you don't see at every corner on the road. Hyundai has been getting better over the years and that is why I have stayed with them.

I would get this in green, put a large Weenie Hut Junior's decal on both front doors, put a "Honk if You're Driving a Sandwich" decal on the hatch just below the glass, and drive around town with a megaphone yelling the lyrics to "One is the Loneliest Number" out the window while moving.

Hyundai and Kia continue to kill it in one market segment after another. Soon it won't be news that the Koreans are turning out some of the best vehicles out there. I suspect we'll see automotive journalists proclaiming, "Well, the European (or Japanese) "X" is a good vehicle but it's really a step or two beneath the Korean standard."

Received Mine 1 week ago (Kona 1.6T Ultimate Acid Yellow) . I think this car is Awesome.

Picked up a 2019 Kona Iron Man Edition last week. I love it. My other car is a Genesis G90 with the 5.0 Liter V8 and I was a bit worried that the 1.6 Turbo would be a slug, but it's not. For it's size it's a blast to drive. It has many luxury features, including a Head-Up Display. For what it is, it's a great bargain in the class. I traded my wife's MINI Cooper S convertible for it and have't regretted it one bit. For a small CUV runabout I don't think you can find a better deal.

Oddly I think the split light designs look better on Hyundai's than they did on the cherokee.

Just recently purchased a 2018 Ultimate with the 1.6t engine as my new commuter vehicle. Drove a CX3 the same day and settled on the Kona b/c it simply blew the Mazda away in the performance department. The CX3 also did not have a Center console and that was a deal breaker for me b/c I typically drive with my right elbow resting on the console. So far I have to say that I am completely satisfied with my Kona and have no regrets whatsoever with this purchase.

I've always believed the Subaru Crosstrek is as perfect as a car can be for me, but, this Kona seriously steps up to the plate.

I love the fact that the Kona comes in this metallic lime green, very much like the Hot Wheels and Johnny Lightning cars of the late 60's. A modern vehicle with a color that takes me back to my childhood. This is one of the few current vehicles can actually comes in fun colors.

Alex, you were dead on in explaining the DCT. I was so done with TFL when they did that video of the Kona on "Gold Mine Hill". Keep up the good work. Your reviews are always detailed and informative.

So I'm currently a Hyundai Santa Fe owner (2002) and it's been a great car all these years. Since it's approaching 17years old I figured I would start looking at getting a new car but I thought I wanted a Subaru Crosstrex? Good reputation, friends have them, I like the size of this class of car, etc., I had it in my head Subaru, Subaru, Subaru but then I drove the Crosstrex and was so underwhelmed, then drove the Mazda CX3 thought that was nice, definitely a contender, but then I drove the Hyundai Kona and fell in love with it. I also really like the look of it, not sure why people are complaining about it? The one nit picky thing about the Kona is I wish it had the shark fin antenna. I stand up paddle (a LOT) and will need to put my boards on top and I think eventually the antenna that's on top will brake? Other than that I'm pretty sold. Thank you the review.

You know Alex likes the car when he hops into the trunk 😂😂

Looks nice, way better than the jeeps front. For some reason the exterior looks good overall

After checking out a Subaru XV, Mazda CX3, Honda Civic hatch and HRV plus the Hyundai i30 hatch we bought a new Hyundai Kona for my wife a few weeks ago. She is very happy with it as the replacement for our unreliable Mercedes 180K coupe which we'd owned for 10 years. We were advised to sell it by a Merc specialist at 110,000km (65000miles) as the camshaft gears were shot. Looking forward to a more reliable ride in future. It's our fifth Hyundai so we are confident that it will be quite trouble free - if not there is a very comprehensive guarantee plus we purchased a 3 year service plan.

The video was a bit long, but hands down the best review video I've seen on RU-vid. The explanation of the dual clutch transmission and the comparison at the end helped clarify a lot.

In Korea, the Ultimate trim also gets ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel. That's what those empty buttons are on the US model. I don't know why they would bother to take that out. I think most people would love those features.

Trunk comfort index .. YAASSS ALEX, YAAAS !! I’m so glad you brought it back. This Kona Ultimate In this radioactive green is SOO “want”. Such a cool little car. Another great review. Thank you !!

Alex, your reviews are class-act! It's been incredible to see how much your reviewing style has changed over the years (the first one I watched was the Chrysler 200 review a long time ago).

Your interior review is better than others. The popup message box is nice too. Viewers can read the number easily.

Great review, as always, Alex! The Kona definitely seems like it is amongst one of "the cars to beat" in the pretty competitive Sub-Compact Utility Vehicle segment. From one car reviewer to another, keep up the impeccable work! I can't wait to get my hands on the all-new Kona, as well.

Best subcompact powertrain. Hands down.

I purchased the exact vehicle that you test drove and I love it. Fun to drive and tons of technology features.

Nice job describing and demonstrating the pros and cons of dual clutch transmissions.

Got mine a few days ago and love it. I have the Limited and the 1.6 turbo has plenty of get up and go.

Not particularly a fan of the exterior look of the Kona, but I drove one today and was shocked at how good it was. I also drove an Elantra Sport, and it felt a bit boring in comparison to the Kona. Plenty of power and great handling. The interior, while a touch basic, is also well done. I've given up on getting an Elantra GT Sport, since my dealer is unable to get one this year. Kona 1.6t Ultimate is in my sights now. It's a big pricey for the size, but I think it's a car that I'm going to want to drive for fun, rather than because I have to go somewhere, which is how I feel in my current wallowy Santa Fe.

Great review, Alex! I appreciate your details and vehicle comparisons as well.

I can't put my finger on it, but there's something about this 1.6l turbo AWD Kona that I really like. Oh yea, it's the 1.6l turbo with AWD.

Just wish you would have added the safety ratings.

The dual clutch set up is going to suffer premature wear if the have a lot of stop/start in traffic jam situations, also any turbo with direct injection is going to suffer 'Fur" lining the manifold and surface of the inlet valves and may require expensive maintenance and the miles build up, this applies to just about any make, however Toyota and one other, I think are fitting manifold and direct injection to try and keep the inlet tract clean.good argument for a "catch can" like is touted for use in Diesels.

The Kona 1.6T is 3 seconds faster to 60Mph than the Crostrek and 7 seconds faster to 100Mph. The Hyundai drives better, has a better warranty and is cheaper. Hyundai kicks Suburu butt all day long.

Eensie-Weensie, Teenie-Tiny made me LOL!!

I hated the styling of the pre-refreshed Cherokee, but I absolutely love the styling of this thing.

My wife and I just purchased a Kona Ultimate this past weekend after we test drove a CX3 and the Rogue Sport. Hands down, the Kona won among the three. Fun, loaded, and quick little ride. If you are in the market for a sub compact SUV be sure to test drive one of these. You will be surprised that the little Hyundai is a top contender.

very in-depth review...loved the emphasis on the transmission; its perks and drawbacks

15:20 [Car rolls backwards] - DCTs need traditional handbrakes. Electronic Auto Hold parking brake is overly complicated and too binary in operation. It's a fiddly solution to a problem better remedied by a simple handbrake.

hi man i enjoy all your videos very professional, i have a question about compact suv like this hyundai kona regarding reliability, which do you think is the best option, it is for my mom and she wants something reliable in the long term, thanks

Alex, I like the looks of the Kona and somehow this vehicle suits you. It looks like your vehicle.

Very accurate review. Great little car. Too much noise but really only a problem in the back seat at highway speeds.

I’ve been looking a the Impreza Sport hatch with the CVT for my next purchase, this video inspires the curiosity I already had for the quirky looking CUV with the awd Kona.

For this class, I'd say the 1.6L turbo equipped Kona is the best in segment followed by the Volvo XC40 as the best in this segment for the luxury end

I like the Kona - nice for trips to the Mt. or beach! Great video. Wonder how it handles in the snow?

Great review as always. There is a EV version of the Kona . Bjorn is testing one now. Long range. 300 miles I think. Be cool if you can test one once they get here.

DURING THIS MISERABLE TIMES OF KORONA VIRUS I FOUND OUT MORE ABOUT MY KONA !!! WHAT A GROUSE CAR TO EXPERIENCE !!!

Am strongly considering a bright red Kona in the high trim. Very much appreciate the thorough review. In my area (Syracuse , NY) I don't think I have seen any 2018 versions on the road. Does this suggest that our local dealers would like to give a good price to get their product where it can be seen? I would also add that the 5yr./60,000 mile warranty on a new model is very attractive.

Good overall review. He lets the user know about positives and negative aspects of the Kona and the other small utes. Value bang for buck! But of course, it's really about all what the driver wants and feels. If it's not the Kona great... if it is... so what if the owners are happy about their purchases. Happy driving either way!

Greetings for the truly engineering review of the car! That is the way to review a car. To the point! Thank you so much, Dear Alex! Zorrie, Bulgaria.

Yes, definitely better than the rest of the options! Especially that horrid cheap and ugly ecosport!

Happy Kona owner here. Highly recommend

It looks incredibly attractive to my eyes especially in this lime green persona!

Looks awesome, wish it would come to my country though :/

This is a great video review, especially the section that compares the Kone to similar vehicles. I am in the market for a sub-compact SVU (looking to upgrade but downsize from my 2002 Forester) and knowing what other vehicles are the competition and should be considered is a HUGE help.

Great review makes me want to trade in my 2013 Hyundai Accent HB which I love.

Alex, do you know what is fast vs quick? Faster is the car with most top speed. What you talking is "quicker", like 0-60

Its funny when my elantra sport rolls backwards, I would always say this thing needs hill assist,,lol but the way you broke down the explanation about the transmission makes so much sense now, thanks 👍👍

I like the front end. It has a lot going on, but it works in a futuriatic way.

Not abig fan of the separate light set up in the front and back. Also, don't understand why the front lights are separated differently then the back ones? In the front the blinkers are on top, while in the back they are at the bottom? This switch is just confusing to p]other drivers. I have driven a Kona in Europe as a rental and it was a very nice car to drive- firm, responsive, comfortable.

Hyundai Kona...Top choice all the way around!!

would the db rating be lower with the smaller wheel, more rubber tire option ? It sounds like a great option for my GF, but she has sensitive ears and too noisy road noise, will bother her more than your or I.

Looks nice. I just got mine. Really fun to drive.

For the price and mpg you're as well off going for the next segment up. Much better choice of motors, more space and not a great deal different in cost in a lot of cases.

Nice looking car. Great review

Love your reviews Alex! You're the best! There was one very significant omission from this review however. Part of the reason that top model handles so well is because it comes with a fully independent rear suspension. To my knowledge, only the 1.6T with AWD gets it. It makes a big difference. I tried the 1.6D FWD and the 1.6T AWD and it was day and night on twisty roads.

I realize the Niro is a hybrid, but would you compare the Kona and the Niro? How do they stack up against each other?

This was an extraordinarily good review. Well done.

Hi Alex, enjoyed this review. How do you think the turbo Kona compares to the turbo Soul? Also, have you heard if the Soul is supposed to get AWD in 2019?

Pls test more the active safety equipment, auto breaking, blind spot, lane assistant and auto driving

Alex, how do you feel about the dual clutch transmission? Will it hold up over time? My husband and I are considering this vehicle. Believe it or not we might trade in our 2017 Honda CRV.

I agree with you. Combine lamp modules, front AND rear, and ditch the black cladding...it is excessive and needs to be toned down a lot

Great review I like the comparisons .

Alex, which is the better model? A)2019 Mazda CX-3 B)Hyundai Kona C)Nissan Rouge Sport

Ergh, partial LED's? It's time to go all in guys. +1 for the rear turn signals being amber though =D

I think it looks really sharp!

Thank you for the price breakdown/options list! It's very helpful!

Can't stand the separate headlight modules. I think they need to put them on the bumper

This is a very beautiful car. Inside and out.

I drove one of these pretty hard the other day. I was impressed for a CUV but not for an overall vehicle.

One of the best reviews

Looked at a new Kona Night edition, and the all new Tucson recently. The new Tucson has an 8 speed wet dual clutch vs the 7 speed dry dual clutch in the Kona. The AWD Kona rides better than the FWD version because of the independent rear suspension. If we go Kona, it will be the AWD Night.

i love the look of this kona

A good comprehensive review.

Comprehensive information and I really appreciate the comparison between like cars.

Great review Alex... very detailed and I like the words you use on this like "divorced tail lights"... ha ha nice...

Could I fit a Great Dane comfortably in this?

Thank you for all the information you divulge. Very informative

Car actually looks pretty good in person. If you get it in a conventional color, it almost.... Almost blends in. Hahaha.

the Hyundai Kona Ironman Special edition looks really nice

Nice video. Good job getting into the trunk #commitment. Appreciate the comparison charts. Would be nice to include pics of those comparative vehicles when coursing around the car. Thanks again.

They should offer the 1.6T with a 6 speed manual

When comparing to the Honda HR-V you said the Kona doesn't have an adaptive cruise control but the Ultimate trim actually does. It's called SCC (smart cc). And unlike the Kona, the HR-V doesn't offer blind spot assist (also Honda only finally added Android Auto in 2019). After considering the HR-V for it's practicality I've come to conclude that the Kona is hands down the better car. It performs much better with similar fuel economy. Yes I would love the extra cargo space but that's not something you use everyday. However Kona only shines with the better engine on the Limited and Utlimate trim levels, don't bother with lower trims. AWD vs FWD is a pracitical choice but FWD is lighter and cheaper, get AWD only if necessary.

No shortie has empathy for taller people, but I think Alex should understand intellectually than drivers with longer legs will have knees higher off the floor, and therefore they cannot sense if the cushion long or short. It was the case for me.

It is an interesting car smaller on the outside but pretty wide inside and with a good driving position, minivan like. Leather seats are very good, I'm 6ft and I am comfortable. Same for the rear seats. Alex, you are 6ft tall: if you can sit behind yourself it means there is quite a good amount of rear leg room. Maybe less than the competition, but it doesn't matter: most tall drivers will only have a child behind. I question the idea of sliding the front passenger seat all the way back, inclining it too much backwards, and lowering it as much as possible. That is a sitting position for a 6'3" tall person. I've seen other reviews slamming the Kona with 'small rear legroom' when it's actually quite the opposite. Car reviews have this issue of comparing too much: what really matters is if it's good enough for the average person and separately for the taller persons. The trunk IS small, not good for luggage trips to the airport. Surprisingly, the glove box sits quite low which makes the legroom for the front passenger limited. Fabric seats comfort is so-so, have to slam to close the doors, GPS only on the Ultimate trim (big mistake), heads-up display is useless, bad blind spot on the left side, hard center arm rest. Worth mentioning the Kona EV has no spare tire and no emergency jack, while also being quite low to the ground: only 6.5in clearance. Overall, to me the Kona feels more solid and more mature car than the typical Honda/Toyota/Mazda.

And best of all, the Kona is getting an all-electric variant!

Thanks Alex for another very detailed review about a pretty good subcompact vehicle. My Hyundai dealer did a big promotion on the Kona about 8 weeks ago, had hot dogs, drinks, chips for those who showed up to kick tires or test drive. I personally don't like the headlight treatment that Hyundai has gone to for this and the new Santa Fe. My wife liked the 2018 more and we bought one (loaded) instead of waiting for the 2019. One comment about your gravel road. I wonder how many people (not off-roaders) actually drive on that type of road? I don't think you should ding ride quality on vehicles based on that "over the mountain road" you have to travel each day.

Great video. Super informative.

Awesome video Alex Hyundai is amazing estate the new kona

IMO the Kona EV solves many of the design “challenges” of the gas version. I hope it’s as much fun to drive.

Waiting to see another report about Sonata 2020! Thanks.