If you’re looking for a well-rounded SUV that packs tons of value you’re in the right place. The Hyundai Kona checks off plenty of important boxes, but it may come with a few compromises. Check out the 2024 Hyundai Kona pros and cons for daily driving. 

2024 Hyundai Kona pros and cons for daily drivers 

Use this list of 2024 Hyundai Kona pros and cons to see where this spirited compact SUV hits and misses. I spent hours in this tiny SUV to discover its best and worst attributes during my week with the N-Line model. 

I took it on the interstate, back country roads, up mountain climbs, on gravel and dirt roads, and downtown in crowded city areas to fully put it to the test. There are a few things that you shouldn’t ignore. 

Hyundai Kona Pros 

1. The 2024 Hyundai Kona is comfortable.

I’ve already gushed about its smooth ride and quiet cabin, but I didn’t go into enough detail about the seats. 

The front row seats recline to a perfect flat-laying position for resting. I reclined all the way back and turned on the sounds of nature and it was over. 

I passed out almost immediately while my passenger ran into the grocery store, only to be woken up when they knocked on the window. It’s like the perfect escape pod and provides a convenient space to take breaks. 

2. The Kona is secretly spacious 

The 2024 Kona looks smaller on the outside than it actually is. It has a surprising amount of passenger space. At 5’1” I had an abundance of space in the rear for stretching out and relaxing. 

Plus, the font seats have tons of adjustment controls for shorter and taller folks to find the perfect driving and riding positions. 

You can access up to 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear and up to 63.7 cubic feet in total. The rear seats fold flat to create a level cargo floor with plenty of practical uses. 

3. The 2024 Kona packs in the value 

The 2024 Hyundai Kona starts at $25,625 with the $1,375 destination fee included. The top-spec Limited model only takes the price up to $33,175. It’s a bargain compared to the Honda HR-V. 

Standard features include: 

• 17-inch alloy wheels 
• LED headlights 
• Automatic high beams 
• Wireless Apple Car{lay/Android Auto 
• Keyless entry 
• A 12.3-inch touchscreen 
• Four USB ports
• Connected services 
• Driver attention warning 
• Forward collision warning 
• Automatic emergency braking 
• Blind-spot warning 
• Rear cross-traffic alert 
• Lane departure mitigation 
• Lane centering assist
• Rear seat reminder 

2024 Hyundai Kona cons 

1. The standard engine is a bit weak 

The 2024 Hyundai Kona has a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder trim with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. While this is adequate for the class, it’s a little sluggish. 

It’s worth turning up the fun with the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. It helps the Kona accelerate from 0 to 60 in about 7.3 seconds. 

2. There’s no Kona XRT trim 

The Hyundai Palisade, Tucson, and Santa Cruz have an off-roading-oriented XRT trim, but the Kona doesn’t! This is a travesty for those who want a convenient option with the ability to adventure in the wild. 

I took the Kona in the woods but didn’t use the Snow mode. Instead, I jostled over gravel and bumps, wishing for an XRT model with off-roading drive modes. 

It already has roof rails, so a skid plate, protective cladding, and beefy all-terrain tires are all it needs. Plus, it has a ground clearance of 8.3 inches, which is a great start. It only needs a slight lift. 

3. Some features are missing or limited to higher trim levels 

Desirable features such as a heated steering wheel and ventilated seats are only available with the top-tier Kona Limited trim. It’s also the only model with a 360-degree camera, which would have been helpful in the woods. 

There’s no powered liftgate or head-up display. However, the digital gauge cluster provides tons of crucial information without being distracting.