Hyundai offers the 2024 Kona in four trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited. The base engine (SE and SEL) is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and pairs with an intelligent variable transmission (IVT). The more powerful 1.6-liter turbo-four engine (N Line and Limited) supplies 190 horsepower and upgrades to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Kona gets front-wheel drive (FWD) by default but can be optioned with all-wheel drive (AWD).
The standard engine/FWD configuration returns an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway (SE trim) or 28 mpg city and 35 mpg highway (SEL). AWD changes those ratings to 27 city/29 highway (SE) and 26 city/29 highway (SEL). The turbocharged trims (N Line and Limited) are more exciting to drive but take a slight dip in fuel economy, returning an EPA-estimated 26 city/32 highway with FWD and 24 city/29 highway with AWD.
The SE doesn’t skimp on any standard feature, providing a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks, dual front and rear USB ports, proximity key entry with push-button start, a 12-volt outlet, and a 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster. Highlights of its exterior styling are LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, active grille shutters, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The SEL adds an 8-way power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control with second-row HVAC vents, heated side mirrors with LED turn-signal indicators, black roof rails, and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The N Line is designed to stand out among the four trims with its gloss black exterior mirrors, trim-specific badging and front and rear fascia, a twin-tip exhaust, and 19-inch special-edition alloy wheels. It also gets heated front seats, a power-tilt-and-slide sunroof with shade, a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless device charging, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation-based smart cruise control, and LED ambient lights. The Limited builds on the SEL’s standard equipment with ventilated front seats and 19-inch alloy wheels, along with additional tech features (detailed below).
Hyundai provides the advanced SmartSense driver-assist suite in all Kona trims. This technology bundle includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic avoidance, forward collision avoidance, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, safe exit warning, and rear seat alert. The SE and SEL include a rear-view monitor with parking guidance, while the higher trims upgrade to a surround view monitor. Navigation-based smart cruise control, pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, and highway driving assist are added at the N Line level, while the Limited trim enhances safety even further with a surround-view monitor, a blind-spot view monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, parking collision-avoidance assist, and reverse, side and forward parking distance warnings.
As part of the redesign, the Kona SE and SEL now get the same 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen as the higher trims, along with Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a six-speaker sound system. The N Line and Limited (as well as the SEL with Convenience Package) add navigation, voice recognition, and access to a Wi-Fi hotspot. The N Line and Limited get the ultimate sound system, a premium eight-speaker Bose unit with an external amplifier.
