Hyundai recently teased the all-new 2024 Kona crossover, but that version is for other global markets. Now, the Korean automaker has unveiled the North American Kona at the New York International Auto Show, debuting a more modern-styled SUV with three available powertrain setups and an electric-first platform. The new Kona shares some design elements with Hyundai’s futuristic Ioniq 5, especially in the front. However, it retains its unique look with large light units mounted lower in the front fascia.
Hyundai offers the 2024 Kona with an all-electric powertrain or with one of two gas engines. Though the outgoing Kona was available in an ultra-hot N variant, the new model will start with an available N Line trim with a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. Hyundai says the gas version will debut first in the summer of 2023, while the 2024 Kona Electric will arrive later in the fall.
The Hyundai Kona has long had a somewhat awkward face, with sharp LED running lights mounted high in the front and headlights lower down. While the 2024 Kona is far smoother and more modern than before, it retains the previous model’s lower headlight units. In place of the funky upper LEDs, there’s a slim light bar spanning the front end.
Hyundai says the new Kona’s exterior design is EV-driven and aerodynamic, with a drag coefficient of 0.27. “EV-driven” for the Kona means that Hyundai developed the vehicle from the ground up as an EV (electric vehicle) and then adapted it for gas powertrains instead of the other way around, which is generally the case.
With the 2024 redesign, Hyundai increases the Kona’s exterior dimensions by a sizable amount. The new SUV is 5.7 inches longer, has a 2.3-inch longer wheelbase, and it’s one inch wider. Like the new Hyundai Tucson, the Kona features sculpted side panels with parametric shapes. The rear-end design mirrors the nose, with lower light units and a side-to-side light bar. Kona EVs get pixelated lights similar to the Ioniq 5’s taillight setup.
Increases to the Kona’s exterior dimensions afforded more space inside, and Hyundai says it designed the interior as a living space. The gear shift system now resides on a stalk behind the steering wheel instead of on the center console, giving it an open feel. A large storage space divides the center stack. Hyundai says it shaved 30 percent off the front seats to deliver more rear-seat legroom and redesigned the rear bench for better space and comfort. The sporty Kona N Line gets sport seats with red accents, N Line scuff plates, and aluminum pedals.
Though it offers two gas engines, the star of the 2024 Kona show is the electric powertrain. With the base 48.6-kWh battery, the Kona Electric delivers 133 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up to the optional 64.8-kWh battery bumps the output to 201 hp. A new i-Pedal one-pedal driving system lets the driver operate the vehicle primarily with the gas pedal, and the regenerative braking system adapts to varying driving conditions.
The Kona EV relies on 400-volt architecture, which Hyundai says enables fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in 43 minutes. Hyundai equips a vehicle-to-load system that lets the Kona act as a generator to power camping equipment, charge electric devices, and act as emergency backup during a power outage.
The base gas engine is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 147 hp and 132 pound-feet of torque. It’s a carryover from 2023, and Hyundai pairs it with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The top N Line and Limited trims get a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder that makes 190 hp and 195 pound-feet of torque. It works with a conventional 8-speed automatic transmission that Hyundai says gives it smoother operation and better performance.
Hyundai says that changes in the Kona’s exterior dimensions also benefit driving dynamics. The automaker says the longer wheelbase and wider stance give it better handling and a more comfortable ride. Available all-wheel drive improves stability in bad weather conditions, and Hyundai updated the suspension systems for 2024.
The outgoing Kona offered plenty of standard safety tech, including blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Those features will likely remain standard.
Hyundai offers a load of new safety tech for 2024, including a blind-view monitor system with an in-dash camera view when the driver activates the turn signal. The available enhanced forward-collision warning system now includes intersection turn assistance, and the Kona is now available with a Highway Driving Assist system. Other available tech includes Hyundai’s Remote Smart Parking Assist system, adaptive cruise control, and navigation-based adaptive cruise.
At publication, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) had published crash-test results for the all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona.
Hyundai offers a dual-12.3-inch screen system in the 2024 Kona. The setup marries the infotainment touchscreen and digital gauge cluster behind a single panel, though there are still two separate displays. The base screen size isn’t yet known, but the 2023 Kona starts with an 8-inch unit, which buyers can upgrade to a 10.25-inch display. The system brings over-the-air updates and offers an updated digital key system that uses near-field communication from smartphones and watches. Owners can share their key with up to three others and take it back whenever they want.
A Bose eight-speaker stereo with a subwoofer is available, and Hyundai offers a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Kona comes with a year of Hyundai Bluelink+ services, including automatic collision assistance, remote diagnostics, and other connected services. The new Kona Electric adds app support for monitoring the state of charge, charging time, range, and more.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona has a fierce field of competitors, but its electric powertrain may be its secret weapon. Buyers may consider the recently redesigned Honda HR-V, which gets a surprisingly upscale interior and competent handling. The Subaru Crosstrek offers an adventurous take on the segment and will soon be available in a new Wilderness off-road trim. Finally, the Kia Seltos brings good interior space and agreeable styling. While it shares elements with the previous Kona, the new Hyundai offers more choices.
Hyundai is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of April 5, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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