Hyundai's designers managed the tough task of bringing the charm of the Kona's exterior design to the cabin while maintaining comfort and convenience. Quality materials, good ergonomics, and comfortable seats feel grown up and refined but not out of step with the Kona's funkadelic outward appearance.
The top three trims employ a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine linked to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Output is 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Again, front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is on the options list.
The lower three trims have a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The basic setup is that drive goes to the front wheels through a 6-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive is optional.
The 2021 Hyundai Kona comes in SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Night Edition, Limited and Ultimate trim levels. All-wheel drive is available at every trim level. All of these trim levels have the following details:
SE is well equipped with a 2.0-liter engine, 6-speed automatic transmission, 16-in alloy wheels, hill-start assist, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, driver attention warning, six airbags, power windows/door locks/side mirrors, automatic on/off LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, air conditioning, 60/40 split/fold rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB ports, 7-in infotainment touchscreen, audio system with satellite radio capability, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, dual-level cargo floor and a cargo cover.
SEL trim level adds 17-in alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry/ignition, rear privacy glass, heated outboard mirrors with turn signal indicators, illuminated vanity mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel/shift knob, and heated front seats.
SEL Plus trim level also brings a powered sunroof, 8-speaker Infinity audio setup, 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat (including lumbar support), wireless charging, LED fog lights and Blue Link (giving users the ability to perform various functions like remote locking/unlocking using a smartphone).
Night Edition moves the needle even further by boosting to the 1.6-liter turbocharged engine/7-speed transmission combination under the hood. It also includes black upholstery and black covers for the side mirrors, plus LED headlights/taillights and 18-in alloy wheels by Rays
Limited trim level has leather seating surfaces, 18-in alloy wheels as well and automatic climate control.
The "Ultimate" trim level is its highest offering and receives automatic high beams, rear parking sensors, head-up display, rain-sensing wipers, Blue Link with remote care/remote access/destination guidance, adaptive cruise control with stop and go.
The Hyundai Kona enters 2021 with relatively few changes the most significant change for this model year is the addition of a new Night Edition trim, which comes with the turbocharged engine.
The Hyundai Kona competes with other ultra-compact SUVs and crossovers, such as the Toyota C-HR and the Honda HRV. With a base price comfortably in the 21-29k range (gas only), the Kona offers far more style than is normally offered in the class, while also leading the way in technology with tons of safety and convenience options to offer.
