Hyundai unveiled its 2024 Kona SUV on Sept. 12. The all-new Kona is positioned as an all-electric variant that offers an electric range of 260 miles based on preliminary Hyundai internal estimates.

Customers can choose from electric and internal combustion powertrains, including a sporty N Line version. The 2024 Kona is on sale now at U.S. dealers and the Kona Electric will be available late fall.

Hyundai has developed the new Kona platform with an electrified powertrain first, in line with the company’s accelerated electrification strategy announcement that will bring 11 new Hyundai EVs to market globally by 2030.

“The all-new Kona and Kona Electric continue to build upon our extremely successful first-generation model, with outstanding efficiency, innovative technologies, distinctive styling, and comprehensive safety features,” said president and CEO of Hyundai Motor North America José Muñoz in a recent news release.

Among the upgrades are dual, 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, Digital Key 2 Touch, Over-the-Air (OTA) software updates, and a new infotainment system.

2024 Kona Electric Specifications

Kona Electric, equipped with the 64.8-kWh battery, is estimated to deliver up to 260 miles of range based on Hyundai’s preliminary internal testing.

This battery system is internally estimated to recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 43 minutes with available 400V fast-charging capability, along with 150kW of power and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. The standard battery is estimated to provide approximately 197 miles of range based on preliminary internal tests.

The Kona internal combustion version length is now 171.3 in., 5.7 in. longer, with a wheelbase of 104.7 in., a 2.3 in. increase, and its overall width is 71.9 in., a full inch wider than its predecessor.

More Versatile Interior

As part of Kona’s new layout, the shift-by-wire gear selector has been relocated from the center console to a stalk behind the steering wheel, allowing more storage in the open console area.

The front seats are 30% slimmer to maximize rear passenger legroom and the second-row curveless bench seat also enhances available space. A two-stage latching system allows rear seat reclining.

The fully foldable second-row seat and rear compartment provide 25.5 cubic feet of rear cargo volume with rear seatbacks up and 63.7 cubic feet with seatbacks folded down, along with improved loading convenience.

EV-Specific Features

In addition to the pixelated seamless horizon lamp and pixel graphics, Kona Electric offers even more features for an improved customer experience. Available battery preconditioning ensures secure charging and power performance in colder temperatures. A new charging port door lamp helps ensure visibility at night.

Kona Electric also comes with forward “frunk” storage, active grille shutters, exterior Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, i-PEDAL driving mode, and a smart regenerative system that adjusts regeneration according to real-time traffic conditions.

The new i-PEDAL enables a one-pedal driving mode that allows drivers to accelerate, decelerate, and stop using only the accelerator pedal when desired. The smart regenerative system automatically adjusts the levels of regenerative braking based on real-time data from forward traffic flow.

Efficient Internal Combustion Powertrains

Kona offers a choice of two gasoline powertrains.

A 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Atkinson engine produces an estimated 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm, paired with a Smartstream intelligent variable transmission (IVT) for maximum efficiency. The Atkinson cycle design maximizes the effective cylinder expansion ratio (compression stroke vs. power stroke) for greater efficiency.

N Line and Limited trims offer a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder direct-injected, turbocharged engine generating an estimated 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700-4,500 rpm for confident acceleration in city driving.

Peak torque delivery starts at only 1,700 rpm and holds through 4,500 rpm, for low-RPM responsiveness in everyday driving conditions. The Kona 1.6L turbo engine couples to an eight-speed automatic transmission for shifting and acceleration.

EPA Fuel Economy

Connectivity with Over-the-Air Updates

OTA software updates will allow the owner to improve their Kona’s performance or experience new features using wireless communication.

OTA software updates can also be used for maps and multimedia software.

The latest version of Hyundai Digital Key, Digital Key 2 Touch allows owners to leave their car key at home and use compatible smartphones to lock, unlock, and start their vehicle. Digital Key 2 Touch also allows secure sharing of keys with up to three persons and can be revoked at the owner’s discretion.

Inside, dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens are integrated into the audio-video navigation (AVN) system to give drivers a widescreen digital experience. While parking, a surround-view monitor (SVM) displays the vehicle from various driver-selectable viewpoints.

Driver and passengers alike have access to an eight-speaker Bose premium sound system, two USB-C chargers (including one with data support), and a 12V power outlet in the front, as well as two USB-C chargers in the rear and wireless device charging capability.

Kona also offers available Wi-Fi hotspot capability.

SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance

The second-generation Kona is offered with the next level of Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features not available on many small segment SUVs, providing elevated levels of safety and convenience.

Available remote smart parking assist (RSPA) aids drivers in getting in and out of parking spaces remotely. The press of the smart key button can move the vehicle forward or backward out of various parking scenarios. Blind-spot view monitor (BVM) can help when the driver makes a lane change by providing the driver with live video of the blind spot area in the instrument cluster.

Kona also offers additional safety features, such as enhanced forward collision-avoidance Assist (FCA), with junction turning support. It also offers highway driving assistance.

The Kona also offers other available SmartSense ADAS features, such as:

• Blind-spot collision warning (BCW)

• Intelligent speed limit assist (ISLA)

• High beam assist (HBA)

• Surround view monitor (SVM)

• Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist (RCCA)

• Driver attention warning (DAW)

• Rear occupant alert/safe exit warning

• Parking collision avoidance assist-reverse

Kona also offers available driving convenience functions, such as smart cruise control (SCC), navigation-based smart cruise control (NSCC) with stop and go, parking distance warning (forward/side/reverse with contour warning), and remote start.