The Hyundai Kona is currently one of the most popular subcompact SUV’s on the market. With ample powertrain options and even a track-ready Kona N, it is truly alone in this segment. However, it is undergoing a pretty substantial redesign for 2024.
I personally owned a 2021 Hyundai Kona Night Edition. I really loved that car, but I ended up selling it because I needed more space. The Night Edition had the 1.6L turbocharged engine which was genuinely fun to drive in such a small vehicle. The Kona received a refresh in 2022 that made it look a bit softer and less aggressive than the first released model. While the refresh did bring in the N-Line and N trims, which looked phenomenal, the normal Kona’s looked less appealing to me.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona blows both of the prior designs out of the water. This redesign adopts a new design language for Hyundai, which includes this massive full-length horizontal light bar across the grill. This design is shared with the all new 2024 Hyundai Sonata, as well, and I love it.
2024 Hyundai Kona Powertrains
The 2024 Hyundai Kona is going to release with 3 initial powertrains, as the Kona N has not been confirmed for the redesign yet.
The Limited trim will come with a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine. This isn’t a particularly exciting powertrain but it will be perfectly fine for a vehicle of this size. The Limited trim will have unpainted fender flares, so this will be the better option for “off-roading”. This option will be offered in both FWD and HTRAC AWD.
The N-Line trim comes with the 1.6L turbocharged engine that puts put 190hp and 196lb ft of torque. This is a fun and engaging powertrain making ample power for a vehicle of this size. The fender flares are paint matched and look phenomenal. The previous generation Kona with the 1.6t engine utilized a dual-clutch transmission that was a bit jerky at times. However, for 2024 the dual-clutch has been replaced with an in-house designed traditional 8-speed transmission. This will likely make for a better driving experience for the typical driver. This option will also be offered in both FWD and HTRAC AWD.
Lastly, the Kona will once again get a fully electric model. This model will be FWD only, however. We don’t have specs for the Kona Electric yet, but it will likely have the same 201hp and 250ish miles of range.
The AWD models will receive a multi-link rear suspension while the FWD models will receive a torsion beam rear suspension.
2024 Hyundai Kona Dimensions
The 2024 Kona has been eating its’ Wheaties because it has grown up.
The new Kona will be a whopping 7 inches longer than the outgoing model. Its wheelbase has grown by 2.3 inches, and the Kona itself will be 1 inch taller and 1 inch wider. The new Kona is going to be a much more appealing option for a growing family.
2024 Hyundai Kona Release Date
While we don’t have an exact date, we know the 2024 Hyundai Kona will be coming to the USA in late 2023. We don’t expect driving impressions to change much from the current Kona, however, the added size and new transmission may change our mind.
Do you like the redesign or do you prefer the outgoing model? Let us know in the comments!
