Likes
- Loaded with standard features
- Good interior space and practicality for the size
- Local tuning makes for a good driving experience
Used Hyundai Kona review
2017 - 2022
Dislikes
- Looks won’t be to everyone’s taste
- Early base grades miss out on some safety features
- Interior trim has a few cheap plastics
- Reports of issues in the 2.0-litre engines
Stuff you should know
The first-generation Hyundai Kona, a compact SUV, entered the Australian market in 2017, quickly gaining popularity for its sleek design and strong performance. Over the years, the vehicle has been available in several variants, including petrol, diesel, and a fully electric model.
The Kona’s petrol and diesel variants provide various engine options, ranging from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine to a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine. The electric version comes with a high-capacity battery, allowing for an impressive driving range of around 450 kilometres on a single charge. The petrol and diesel models come with both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options.
The Kona’s fuel economy depends on the model and engine type, but it averages between 6.2 – 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres for the petrol variants. The electric version offers a cost-effective alternative with zero emissions.
The Hyundai Kona has been commended for its advanced safety features, including autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot detection. The car has modern infotainment options, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The pricing for the Hyundai Kona varies based on the model and additional features, ranging from around AUD $25,000 for the base model to upwards of AUD $65,000 for the fully equipped electric version.
Throughout its production from 2017 to 2022, the Hyundai Kona underwent several updates, most notably a significant facelift in 2021. The refreshed design introduced more refined styling and improved technology offerings.
The Kona was well-received in Australia for its blend of style, performance, and value for money. Its varied engine choices and the inclusion of an electric option made it appealing to a wide audience.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
- There are reports of some dodgy electronics, some owners have reported things like headlights not operating properly. The electrical issues have been reported more on early models.
Interior:
- There are sporadic reports of Apple Car Play not staying connected, or not connecting at all.
Mechanically:
- There are several reports of the Kona using excessive amounts of oil.
- There are sporadic reports of the transmissions having issues, causing a clunking sound when accelerating.
- Some owners have reported that the Blind-Spot Monitoring system and the Front Collision Warning being faulty. In the case of the Front Collision Warning, the system would activate unexpectedly.
- There were reports of short circuits occurring in the EV versions. There were two recalls to address this problem.
- EV versions were also reported to have brake performance issues, a recall was issued to fix the problem.
Recalls:
- January 2019 – Faulty assembly in Hyundai KONA 1.6T vehicles from 2018, with 6,078 units affected, where incorrectly fitted front brake tubes can contact the exhaust system, potentially compromising brake performance and causing a risk of accidents or fires.
- November 2020 – Faulty Lithium-ion batteries or BMS control software in certain Hyundai KONA EV units from 2018-2020 may cause post-charging electrical short circuits leading to vehicle fires, affecting 796 units.
- January 2021 – Software fault in the Integrated Electronic Brake of certain HYUNDAI KONA EV and NEXO models (2018-2020) could lead to reduced braking performance, affecting 1,072 units and increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, or fatalities to occupants and other road users.
- August 2021 – A manufacturing defect in certain HYUNDAI KONA EV units produced between 2018 and 2020 may cause the battery to not meet specifications, posing a risk of electrical short and potential vehicle fires, affecting 615 units.
- September 2019 – Defective piston rings in Hyundai Kona and Veloster models from 2018 to 2020, affecting 15,371 units, could lead to engine damage, stalling, oil leaks, and potential accidents or fires.
- January 2023 – Hyundai recalls 4,469 units of various models (Santa Fe, Kona N, i30N Sedan, Sonata N-Line) manufactured between 2020 and 2022 due to a programming issue affecting the “fail-safe” driving mode, which might not engage properly during certain transmission faults, potentially leading to reduced acceleration and loss of motive power, posing a hazard of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Exterior:
- There are reports of some dodgy electronics, some owners have reported things like headlights not operating properly. The electrical issues have been reported more on early models.
Interior:
- There are sporadic reports of Apple Car Play not staying connected, or not connecting at all.
Mechanically:
- There are several reports of the Kona using excessive amounts of oil.
- There are sporadic reports of the transmissions having issues, causing a clunking sound when accelerating.
- Some owners have reported that the Blind-Spot Monitoring system and the Front Collision Warning being faulty. In the case of the Front Collision Warning, the system would activate unexpectedly.
- There were reports of short circuits occurring in the EV versions. There were two recalls to address this problem.
- EV versions were also reported to have brake performance issues, a recall was issued to fix the problem.
Recalls:
- January 2019 – Faulty assembly in Hyundai KONA 1.6T vehicles from 2018, with 6,078 units affected, where incorrectly fitted front brake tubes can contact the exhaust system, potentially compromising brake performance and causing a risk of accidents or fires.
- November 2020 – Faulty Lithium-ion batteries or BMS control software in certain Hyundai KONA EV units from 2018-2020 may cause post-charging electrical short circuits leading to vehicle fires, affecting 796 units.
- January 2021 – Software fault in the Integrated Electronic Brake of certain HYUNDAI KONA EV and NEXO models (2018-2020) could lead to reduced braking performance, affecting 1,072 units and increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, or fatalities to occupants and other road users.
- August 2021 – A manufacturing defect in certain HYUNDAI KONA EV units produced between 2018 and 2020 may cause the battery to not meet specifications, posing a risk of electrical short and potential vehicle fires, affecting 615 units.
- September 2019 – Defective piston rings in Hyundai Kona and Veloster models from 2018 to 2020, affecting 15,371 units, could lead to engine damage, stalling, oil leaks, and potential accidents or fires.
- January 2023 – Hyundai recalls 4,469 units of various models (Santa Fe, Kona N, i30N Sedan, Sonata N-Line) manufactured between 2020 and 2022 due to a programming issue affecting the “fail-safe” driving mode, which might not engage properly during certain transmission faults, potentially leading to reduced acceleration and loss of motive power, posing a hazard of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Exterior:
- There are reports of some dodgy electronics, some owners have reported things like headlights not operating properly. The electrical issues have been reported more on early models.
Interior:
- There are sporadic reports of Apple Car Play not staying connected, or not connecting at all.
Mechanically:
- There are several reports of the Kona using excessive amounts of oil.
- There are sporadic reports of the transmissions having issues, causing a clunking sound when accelerating.
- Some owners have reported that the Blind-Spot Monitoring system and the Front Collision Warning being faulty. In the case of the Front Collision Warning, the system would activate unexpectedly.
- There were reports of short circuits occurring in the EV versions. There were two recalls to address this problem.
- EV versions were also reported to have brake performance issues, a recall was issued to fix the problem.
Recalls:
- January 2019 – Faulty assembly in Hyundai KONA 1.6T vehicles from 2018, with 6,078 units affected, where incorrectly fitted front brake tubes can contact the exhaust system, potentially compromising brake performance and causing a risk of accidents or fires.
- November 2020 – Faulty Lithium-ion batteries or BMS control software in certain Hyundai KONA EV units from 2018-2020 may cause post-charging electrical short circuits leading to vehicle fires, affecting 796 units.
- January 2021 – Software fault in the Integrated Electronic Brake of certain HYUNDAI KONA EV and NEXO models (2018-2020) could lead to reduced braking performance, affecting 1,072 units and increasing the risk of accidents, injuries, or fatalities to occupants and other road users.
- August 2021 – A manufacturing defect in certain HYUNDAI KONA EV units produced between 2018 and 2020 may cause the battery to not meet specifications, posing a risk of electrical short and potential vehicle fires, affecting 615 units.
- September 2019 – Defective piston rings in Hyundai Kona and Veloster models from 2018 to 2020, affecting 15,371 units, could lead to engine damage, stalling, oil leaks, and potential accidents or fires.
- January 2023 – Hyundai recalls 4,469 units of various models (Santa Fe, Kona N, i30N Sedan, Sonata N-Line) manufactured between 2020 and 2022 due to a programming issue affecting the “fail-safe” driving mode, which might not engage properly during certain transmission faults, potentially leading to reduced acceleration and loss of motive power, posing a hazard of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Should you buy it?
Despite a handful of issues with the Hyundai Kona, many of which have had recalls to fix, the Kona is a reliable SUV, praised for its value and driving experience.
There’s good reason why the Kona has been so popular since its launch in 2017, offering a feature-packed, practical, fun car, all for a reasonable price tag. Plus, the locally-tuned suspension provides are very well-sorted ride.
Our tip would be to go for the 1.6-litre turbo models, as they’re not just more fun to drive, but you’ll avoid some of the engine issues that seem to affect the 2.0-litre powerplant more.
Of course, buy the newest one you can to ensure you have the most factory support possible, and make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection done. Lastly, investigate if the car you’re looking at has an outstanding recalls and get proof of any that have been seen to.
Despite a handful of issues with the Hyundai Kona, many of which have had recalls to fix, the Kona is a reliable SUV, praised for its value and driving experience.
There’s good reason why the Kona has been so popular since its launch in 2017, offering a feature-packed, practical, fun car, all for a reasonable price tag. Plus, the locally-tuned suspension provides are very well-sorted ride.
Our tip would be to go for the 1.6-litre turbo models, as they’re not just more fun to drive, but you’ll avoid some of the engine issues that seem to affect the 2.0-litre powerplant more.
Of course, buy the newest one you can to ensure you have the most factory support possible, and make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection done. Lastly, investigate if the car you’re looking at has an outstanding recalls and get proof of any that have been seen to.
Should you buy it?
Despite a handful of issues with the Hyundai Kona, many of which have had recalls to fix, the Kona is a reliable SUV, praised for its value and driving experience.
There’s good reason why the Kona has been so popular since its launch in 2017, offering a feature-packed, practical, fun car, all for a reasonable price tag. Plus, the locally-tuned suspension provides are very well-sorted ride.
Our tip would be to go for the 1.6-litre turbo models, as they’re not just more fun to drive, but you’ll avoid some of the engine issues that seem to affect the 2.0-litre powerplant more.
Of course, buy the newest one you can to ensure you have the most factory support possible, and make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection done. Lastly, investigate if the car you’re looking at has an outstanding recalls and get proof of any that have been seen to.
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of Sep 27, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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