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 reviewHyundai Kona SUV (2017 - 2023)
2017 – 2023· 5 owner Q&As
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
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
£133/month
£67/month
£16/month
£60/month
Estimated total
£276/month
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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
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 reviewThe 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
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.
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.
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
2017
Launch of the original Hyundai Kona SUV.
2020
Introduction of hybrid and electric variants.
2021
Facelift and updates to tech features.
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
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.
Nissan Rogue Sport
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.
Honda HR-V
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.
Available now
Hyundai Kona SUV (2017 - 2023) for sale on Motoring.Today
Gallery
(15)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.














