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3.8/5· Hyundai

Hyundai Kona SUV (2017 - 2023)

2017 – 2023· 5 owner Q&As

Petrol5 Door
Motoring.Today Verdict
7.6/10

Very good

With a stylish design, competitive pricing starting from £21,000, and a 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating (87% for adult occupants), the Hyundai Kona remains a top contender in the electric vehicle market. This retro icon reimagined boasts advanced tech and efficiency, making it a commuter's dream.

At a glance

118

hp · Power

485

miles · Range / tank

11.6s

0–60 mph

£

Running costs

From £323/mo

Typical finance

Motoring.Today. verdict

Best for

  • Impressive electric range in the EV model
  • Stylish, modern design with retro influences
  • Excellent driving dynamics and handling

Consider alternatives if

  • Limited rear visibility
  • Not as spacious as some rivals
  • Touchscreen can be distracting when driving

Finance snapshot

Typical monthly payment

£323/month

Based on PCP · 48 months · £1,900 deposit

Best suited for

  • Company Car Drivers
  • Petrol/Diesel Buyers
  • High Mileage Drivers
  • Families

Affordability

Very affordable

Great fit for most budgets.

Ratings breakdown

performance40/10
practicality36/10
running costs32/10
behind the wheel40/10
comfort35/10
equipment40/10
green credentials31/10
handling38/10
reliability42/10
safety45/10

Theo's AI summary

In conclusion, the Hyundai Kona SUV successfully marries classic styling with cutting-edge technology, particularly with its 'retro icon reborn' electric variant. This vehicle excels in versatility, from city driving to lengthy excursions, appealing to a diverse audience. Whether prioritising sustainability or performance, the Kona stands out as an exemplary choice in the compact SUV segment. Buyers seeking an engaging driving experience and comprehensive feature set will find the Hyundai Kona to be an excellent investment.

Best match for

  • Performance enthusiasts
  • Practical families
  • Budget-conscious buyers

Estimated ownership costs

Based on 10,000 miles per year

Fuel

£133/month

Insurance

£67/month

Road Tax

£16/month

Servicing

£60/month

Estimated total

£276/month

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Safe, secure and confidential

With precise steering and a well-tuned suspension, the Hyundai Kona provides a confident handling experience. Drivers will appreciate the sporty feel, whether navigating tight bends or cruising along dual carriageways. The electric version enhances this with an even lower centre

External voices

What the experts say

Parkers

The Hyundai Kona impresses with its stylish design, spacious interior, and a good mix of petrol and electric options. Owners appreciate the comfortable ride quality and user-friendly tech features. However, some note that the performance could be zippier and the boot space is slightly smaller than rivals.

Read full review
Autocar

The Kona stands out with its bold styling and modern interior. Reviewers highlight its high-quality materials and intuitive infotainment system. While the handling is decent, it doesn’t quite match the agility of competitors, and the engine noise can be intrusive under acceleration.

Read full review
WhatCar

The Kona is praised for its excellent reliability ratings and overall build quality. Owners report few serious issues, but some have mentioned minor tech glitches. Overall, it remains a solid choice for buyers prioritising dependability in a compact SUV.

Ownership intelligence

The real cost of owning one

Finance & affordability

Financing options for the Hyundai Kona SUV are varied, catering to different customer preferences. Flexible leasing agreements, traditional loans, and attractive purchase options make it simple for prospective buyers to enter the compact SUV market. Additionally, various incentives for electric vehicle purchasers can further lessen the overall investment.

Day-to-day running costs

When considering ownership of the Hyundai Kona SUV, particularly the electric variant, running costs are remarkably competitive for the segment. Owners can expect lower maintenance expenses compared to traditional petrol or diesel models. Moreover, the vehicle's fuel efficiency contributes to significant savings, especially in urban driving conditions.

Charging & fuel

For the electric version, charging is straightforward with multiple options available, including home charging stations and public fast-charging points strategically located throughout urban and rural areas. Hyundai's commitment to providing access to charging infrastructure makes owning an electric Kona a hassle-free experience. For non-electric models, fuel consumption remains efficient, ensuring drivers can benefit from economical mileage.

Heritage

Milestones & history

  1. 2017

    Launch of the original Hyundai Kona SUV.

  2. 2020

    Introduction of hybrid and electric variants.

  3. 2021

    Facelift and updates to tech features.

  4. 2023

    Recognition as a leading choice in the compact SUV segment.

Read full launch story

The Hyundai Kona was designed to meet the demands of urban consumers seeking style, practicality, and advanced technology in a compact SUV. Since its introduction in 2017, the Kona has evolved to include hybrid and electric variants, catering to the growing market for eco-friendly vehicles while maintaining its sporty and versatile character.

Compare with alternatives

The Hyundai Kona SUV (2017 - 2023) competes effectively with rivals by balancing modern features, appealing design, and reasonable pricing.

Mazda CX-30

Reference only

Positioned as a premium small SUV with a focus on driving dynamics and style.

vs features
The CX-30 offers a more refined interior and sportier handling compared to the Kona, but may lack some advanced tech features found in the Kona.
vs price
Typically slightly more expensive than the Kona, reflecting its premium positioning and higher-quality materials.
No Motoring.Today review

Nissan Rogue Sport

Reference only

A practical and slightly larger compact SUV aimed at families and everyday usability.

vs features
Offers a more spacious interior and larger cargo space compared to the Kona, but with less engaging handling and features may seem basic in comparison.
vs price
Rogue Sport is often priced similarly to the Kona, making it a direct competitor.
No Motoring.Today review

Honda HR-V

Reference only

Budget-friendly small SUV known for its versatility and spaciousness.

vs features
The HR-V offers practicality and excellent cargo space; however, it may fall short in driving excitement and tech features when compared to the Kona.
vs price
Generally comparable in price to the Kona, with both models appealing to budget-conscious buyers.
No Motoring.Today review

Available now

Hyundai Kona SUV (2017 - 2023) for sale on Motoring.Today

Specs by trim

S 1.0 T-GDi 120PS 2WD 5dPetrol Manual · 2017–2021
Power
118 bhp
0–60 mph
11.6 s
Top speed
112 mph
Torque
172 Nm
Economy
45.6 mpg
Range
501 mi
CO₂
142 g/km
Insurance group
9
Road tax
£190
New price
£18,035
SE 1.0 T-GDi 120PS 2WD 5dPetrol Manual · 2017–2021
Power
118 bhp
0–60 mph
11.6 s
Top speed
112 mph
Torque
172 Nm
Economy
44.1 mpg
Range
485 mi
CO₂
145 g/km
Insurance group
9
Road tax
£190
New price
£19,335
Premium 1.0 T-GDi 120PS 2WD 5dPetrol Manual · 2017–2021
Power
118 bhp
0–60 mph
11.6 s
Top speed
112 mph
Torque
172 Nm
Economy
44.1 mpg
Range
485 mi
CO₂
146 g/km
Insurance group
10
Road tax
£190
New price
£20,635
Premium GT 1.6 T-GDi 177PS 4WD DCT auto 5dPetrol Automatic · 2017–2021
Power
174 bhp
0–60 mph
7.6 s
Top speed
127 mph
Torque
265 Nm
Economy
34 mpg
Range
374 mi
CO₂
189 g/km
Insurance group
19
Road tax
£190
New price
£27,000
Premium SE 1.0 T-GDi 120PS 2WD 5dPetrol Manual · 2017–2021
Power
118 bhp
0–60 mph
11.6 s
Top speed
112 mph
Torque
172 Nm
Economy
44.8 mpg
Range
492 mi
CO₂
147 g/km
Insurance group
10
Road tax
£190
New price
£23,035
SE 1.6 CRDi 115PS 2WD 5dDiesel Manual · 2018–2019
Power
113 bhp
0–60 mph
10.4 s
Top speed
114 mph
Torque
280 Nm
Economy
56.5 mpg
Range
621 mi
CO₂
111 g/km
Insurance group
13
Road tax
£190
New price
£20,095

+ 20 more trim variants

FAQs

What is the starting price of the Hyundai Kona Electric?
The Hyundai Kona Electric starts from £21,000, making it an affordable choice in the electric vehicle market.
What are the key safety ratings for the Hyundai Kona?
The Hyundai Kona boasts an impressive 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with 87% for adult occupants.
How does the Kona Electric perform in urban environments?
The Kona Electric is nimble in city traffic, offering instant torque for quick acceleration and a comfortable ride.
What financing options are available for the Hyundai Kona?
Financing options include a PCP scheme starting at £249 a month with a £2,500 deposit at 5.9% APR.
What features make the Hyundai Kona a good choice for eco-friendly driving?
The Kona Electric offers impressive running costs, a competitive range, and low charging expenses compared to petrol vehicles.

Hyundai Kona SUV (2017 - 2023) (2017–2023)

From £323/month