The popular subcompact SUV grows in size – and its engine needs to as well
Why does the 2024 Hyundai Kona look like… that?
Is the 2024 Kona N Line an EV?
Whilst the Kona is available with an all-electric powertrain (in fact, Hyundai says the platform was designed as an EV first, with internal combustion fitted second – the inverse of many developments), the N Line trim itself is limited to gasoline power.
What’s under the hood, then?
Mercifully, the 1.6L engine dances with a transmission which has real gears – eight of them, in fact – a feature which would make upgrading from the 2.0L mill and its continuously variable transmission one of the easiest decisions since this morning when I went back for a second plate of bacon at breakfast. The sole complaint with this gearbox is its propensity to mull the situation when a downshift is called for from third to second gear, a development which often happens when merging into a lane around town or rolling out of a parking lot onto the main drag. Stabbing the drive mode button until it reaches ‘sport’ fixes this malady, though one must perform this chore each time you start the car.
How big is the Hyundai Kona?
Can the 2024 Hyundai Kona tow? Is there good cargo space?
The 2024 Kona does offer a skiff of utility, with 723 litres (25.5 cubic feet) of room when the rear seats are in place or 1,803 L (63.7 cu. ft.) when they are folded down. Interestingly, official specs for this year’s Kona say towing is not recommended; keep this in mind since a quick Google search immediately brings up claims from dunderhead dealers that it can haul 5,000 pounds. Pro tip: it most certainly cannot.
Interior features of the 2024 Hyundai Kona
Designers integrated bushels of thoughtful touches to the interior, including a handy storage ledge directly ahead of the passenger which is accented in this N Line by a jaunty red stripe. This would be a killer space for an extra wireless device charger, extra costs notwithstanding. Dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, one each for gauges and infotainment, with the former featuring several driver-selectable styles. Material quality is appropriate for the price point and a sufficient number of redundant buttons for major controls like the radio and ventilation mean one is not constantly digging through digital menus.
Also grabbed from the Ioniq? The substitution of four dots on the steering wheel instead of a corporate ‘H’ logo. Nerds (raises hand) will notice this is the notation for such consonant in Morse Code, though getting an official remark from anyone at Hyundai if this is intentional is akin to locating the holy grail.
Is the 2024 Hyundai Kona N Line efficient?
Final Thoughts
Moving up half a size class certainly hasn’t dented the Kona’s appeal, even if its price has climbed accordingly. Styling will appeal to some and be a non-starter for others; this author is just glad it doesn’t induce narcolepsy like the play-it-too-safe Honda HR-V. Toss in a wealth of creature comforts plus a comfortable cabin and it’s clear the Kona is set to continue enjoying its lofty place on the sales charts in Canada.
Pros
✔ Reasonable price
✔ Bold styling
✔ Interior packaging and controls
Cons
✘ Sunroof eats headroom space
✘ Minorly irritating transmission habit
✘ Where’s the 225+ hp trim?
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