Some vehicles everyone knows, and then there are the stealth cars. The vehicles that fly under the radar … like the 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD.
The 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited is Hyundai’s do-it-all machine.
The Kona is Hyundai’s do-it-all machine. Actually it’s better described as a multi-segment machine. If you want an affordable, attractive, efficient vehicle for a young driver, think Kona.
You want lots of goodies, but don’t want to break the bank … think Kona. The pricing on the Kona starts at just under $25K. Our Limited with all-wheel drive features just about every upgrade you can get and comes in at almost exactly $35,000. The Kona at any level is a great value.
Curb appeal
Not only that, it’s a good-looking vehicle. With its clean, rounded look, it’s clear it cuts through the wind while offering ample interior space to match its contemporary exterior styling. The first thing you notice is the thin light bar across the front of the vehicle, giving it an almost space-age look.
Black plastic molding is used to bulk up the fenders as well as giving the bottom third of the side a more athletic look.
The grille beneath is almost more functional than aesthetic. It’s not distinctive, in the same way the front grille on a Lexus is. It does its job and looks sporty and … appropriate. Much of it is in black plastic, which is used to bulk up the fenders as well as giving the bottom third of the side a more athletic look.
The Limited comes with 19-inch wheels that accent the car’s styling, although 17-inchers are standard and 18-inch wheels are available. Our test model came in a classic color combo: Atlas white with a gray interior.
Motoring along
Moving up to the Limited, the highest trim level, gets you and upgraded powertrain. The 1.6-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder puts out 190 horsepower and is matched to an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Fortunately, there was no CVT and its droning while searching for the right gear. It’s responsive and quick, perfect for a daily commute or weekend errands. To that extent, the Kona also is good on gas. It gets 24 mpg city and 29 mpg highway resulting in 26 mpg combined.
It’s responsive and quick, perfect for a daily commute or weekend errands. To that extent, the Kona also is good on gas.
If you want better mileage, take a look at the Kona S or SE, which come with a less powerful 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that gets up to 31 mpg combined. You can also get the Kona in hybrid or all-electric form.
On the inside
In the cabin, technology and spaciousness abound, starting with the 12.3-inch touchscreen that helps control all of your infotainment functions. The automaker’s H-Tex faux leather covers the heated and ventilated seats, which for the driver also include lumbar support. No, it’s not a Mercedes, but the materials are well above the segment standard.
Additionally, our model came with a wireless smartphone charger as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, amazing storage, several USB ports, a Bose premium sound system and more. It also comes with a slew of safety tech one expects from a Hyundai as well as smart cruise control, highway driving assist and remote parking assist when you don’t feel like you can park the vehicle on your own.
So should you …
The Kona may be the most underappreciated offering in Hyundai’s lineup. The only way it could be better is if it were a bit bigger. If you need a smart, responsive, tech-forward vehicle at a great value, grab a Kona.
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