Most people wouldn’t buy a car blindly. They want to know what features come standard, how much it’ll cost to upgrade to the higher end of the trim levels, and whether it’s worth it to them or not. Sure, vehicles can add a lot of luxury-like extras, but are they always necessary?

The most important things to consumers seem to be safety and comfort-related, with a select few wanting the best performance vehicles. Some are in the market for an electric car, which despite consumers who seem to be hesitant to make the leap to electric, are continuing to break into the market. The question comes down to — what are you looking for?

The Hyundai Kona

Hyundai released the Kona in 2018, making 2020 it’s third year of production. Classified as a compact crossover, it comes in electric and gas versions. The Kona starts at just over $20,000 for the gas version and $37,500 for the electric version.

The Kona seats five in its two rows. With the electric comes style and speed, as the car can go from 0 to 60 in 6.4 seconds. The mileage is fantastic too, with an EPA-estimated 258-298 mile range. It has many of the same features as it’s non-electric versions and has taken safety seriously. 

Proving that the Kona is all it’s cracked up to be, Kelley Blue Book named it the best subcompact SUV for the second year in a row. That’s because the Kona is peppy, stylish, and efficient all at the same time. It stands out from its competitors with style all its own, both inside and out. 

Oh, and it’s safe, too. The Kona received the IIHS highest rating and earned a Top Safety Pick, while the NHTSA rated it overall as a 5/5. With an EPA-estimated 30 mpg overall, the Kona is a smart pick. Even J.D. Power agrees, giving it the highest ratings of ‘great’ across the board. 

Here’s what comes standard

When you choose the base SE trim, you’ll get a 147-hp four-cylinder engine and a six-speed automatic transmission that produces 132 lb-ft of torque. Front-wheel drive is also standard, but all-wheel drive is optional on all trim levels. The engine comes with Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist, too. The Hyundai Kona also comes with a generous warranty package, but you may not need it with how reliable these cars are. 

You’ll enjoy technology features like a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, MP3 players, dual front USB ports, 12V power outlet, and smartphone connectivity. Driver aids include remote keyless entry, steering wheel controls, cruise control, a rearview camera, automatic headlights, and heated side mirrors.

You’ll also like the safety standard features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, drowsy/distracted driving monitor, and lane-keep assist. 

Comfort is also a priority. Both the driver and front passenger seat are comfortable, and you’ll be surprised by the amount of cargo space behind the rear seats. There’s even an adjustable load floor with hidden storage, a nice perk. Cloth seats are standard as are rear-folding seats, and the windows are all power-operated. For those with a flair for style, you’ll like the slanted headlights, floating roof, rear spoiler, and 16-inch alloy wheels. 

All the extras the Hyundai Kona offers

When you upgrade to the SEL trim, you add blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, heated front seats, push-button start, rear privacy glass, heated side mirrors, HD and satellite radio, and 17-in alloy wheels.

Roof rails also become an option here, as well as a color-contrast roof. 2020 saw the addition of a new trim, the SEL Plus. With this trim, you add 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, the Infinity premium auto system, auto-dimming rearview mirror, fog lights, power sunroof, and wireless phone charging. You’ll also get Hyundai’s Blue Link system, where you can control and monitor car functions from your phone.

The real fun starts when you get to the last two trims: Limited and Ultimate. That’s because the engine gets an upgrade here, to a 175-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with a dual-clutch automatic. Leather interior, automatic climate control, 18-inch alloy wheels, and LED head and tail lights.

The Ultimate trim adds on adaptive cruise control, 8-inch touch screen with navigation, a head-up display, rear parking sensors, automatic high-beam control, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. 

Will the Kona be your next car?

If you are looking for a car that is not only highly rated by reviewers and consumers alike and that also comes in an electric option, the Kona is a great buy. With plenty of standard features and a brand you can count on to be reliable, it just makes sense.