Hyundai Kona (2017 to 2023)

Score: 7 / 10
“Hyundai has done a creditable job of creating a small SUV that offers a little distinction in an overcrowded market.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona has funky looks and great on-board tech, although isn’t as good to drive as the class leaders.”

Model reviewed: Hybrid 2021
Score: 6 / 10
“The Kona Hybrid’s official CO2 emissions are low, to help with BIK rates, while its practicality remains so-so, its scores in these areas are, in truth, in the same ballpark as those of one of its main rivals.”
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Model reviewed: 2021 update
Score: 7 / 10
“Updates to the Hyundai Kona improve its overall experience, with an efficient and effective mild-hybrid powertrain, a more composed and comfortable ride, and some useful tech upgrades in the cabin.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 6 / 10
“Well known engines but an all-new platform beneath them.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona is not a spectacular car to drive, but it feels light and easy around town and secure and stable on the motorway. Although it’s a compact car, it still manages to feel airy with enough space for four to travel in comfort.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol T-GDI automatic Premium GT
Score: 6 / 10
“Ignore the propaganda about a ‘true SUV’ – there is nothing sporty about the Kona’s coarse 1.6-litre engine and little utility in the small boot and compact rear seats. You have to love the way the Kona looks and truly value the long list of standard kit to warrant spending £25,000 on this version, too.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“Updates to the Hyundai Kona certainly make it better than ever. It’s a very good all-rounder, even in this entry-level engine, with a pleasant driving experience, attractive styling and high-quality interior.”
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Model reviewed: Hybrid
Score: 8 / 10
“The Kona Hybrid offers an interesting alternative to the standard petrol Kona that will be exceptionally cheap to run. It also retains the standard model’s well-equipped interior, spaciousness and interesting styling. However, you do need to consider if it’s worth the expense over the regular car.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona is a practical and quirky introduction to the small crossover class. It has a premium feel, and while the £24,995 top-end price makes it quite expensive, it is well equipped.”
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Model reviewed: Hybrid
Score: 6.6 / 10
“Choose a Hyundai Kona Hybrid if you want to keep costs down but can’t charge an electric car at home.” (Andy Goodwin)
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona looks more exciting than the brand’s other cars, but delivers sensible, middling competence rather than excellence in any one area.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 4 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona handles tidily and is well equipped, but has uncomfortable suspension and an average boot.”

Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol hybrid automatic Premium SE
Score: 8 / 10
“if for some reason a pure EV doesn’t work for you (for example you may not have any way to charge at home) then for use in built-up areas the Hyundai Kona Hybrid will be cleaner than the Petrol or Diesel models.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre diesel manual Premium
Score: 7 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona remains one of our favourite cars, but we’re just struggling to find a reason to recommend the diesel over the petrol or electric models.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 6 / 10
“The Hyundai Kona isn’t in the same league as the Skoda Kamiq or Ford Puma, but it represents reasonable value for money. The latest revisions have made it a bit more competitive, but it’s still not the most practical choice – nor the best drive.”
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Score: 6 / 10
“As a value-focused crossover, the Kona gets lots of things right, with its low running costs and comprehensive warranty being its two standout selling features. However, the cramped interior and so-so ride quality leave the Kona feeling distinctly short on quality and comfort compared to its rivals.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“For young families with a vibrant outlook on life, or those who find themselves in need of a family car but who aren’t quite ready for a ‘boring’ one, the Hyundai Kona has much to recommend it. It’s a lot more fun and a lot more outgoing than many of its rivals.”
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Model reviewed: Range review
Score: 7.8 / 10
“Hyundai’s smallest SUV bristles with appeal and funkiness”
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“Hyundai’s mission is to convince the world this is a fun car for young and funky people. It’s doing this with bold styling, modern tech and more colour combinations than Elton John’s wedding.”
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Model reviewed: Hybrid Premium SE
Score: 6 / 10
“In hybrid form, the Kona is a likeable little SUV with plenty going for it, and if it’s a hybrid in particular that you’re after, then this is one of the best. Trouble is, it’s hard to recommend over its more conventionally powered rivals, which offer more for less, despite being more costly to run.”
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Model reviewed: 1.6-litre petrol automatic 4×4 Highlander
Score: 6 / 10
“In the class the Kona rates no more than a decent three-plus, but so many of its rivals are worse. In this 4×4, 1.6-litre petrol form it’s good looking, goes well and has a utility that rivals lack. Trouble is, with just a bit more time and money spent on steering and damping it could have been a zillion times better.”
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Model reviewed: 1.0-litre petrol manual Premium SE
Score: 6 / 10
“The bold styling and high levels of equipment are welcome, but the Hyundai Kona needs more space and a smoother ride to justify the extra star that would put it in contention with the class leaders.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7 / 10
“We like the Hyundai Kona for trying as hard in the handling department as in the styling studio, and rising above the droves of humdrum rival crossovers.”
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