2025 Hyundai Kona Affirms That Good Things Come in Small Packages

Automotive journalists who test drive cars on a regular basis know that there are some vehicles that just simply attract a lot of attention. For instance, drive around town in a Rolls-Royce Ghost for a week, and you'll almost certainly notice people staring as you pass by, smiling while nodding their heads in approval, and even waving exuberantly from what can seem like half a mile away. It's not uncommon for people to walk up to auto writers and make comments like. Wow, that's sharp! or ask questions like, How do you like it? and How does it drive? Becoming somewhat of a brand spokesperson, or even acting as an impromptu sales representative, is an unequivocally significant part of the occupational territory. Such is the case regarding the new 2025 Hyundai Kona. Conversations with multiple groups of impressed onlookers seem to indicate that this subcompact crossover SUV will continue to punch above its weight in the marketplace for not only its base demographic of entry-level buyers, but also a wide spectrum of consumers.

Buyer Demographics

Thanks to its combination of distinctive design, advanced technology, and impressive versatility, this subcompact crossover SUV has carved out a particularly broad appeal and attracts quite a diverse group of consumers. Younger buyers, typically between the ages of 25 and 45 and often early in their careers or family life, are drawn to the Kona for its sleek, youthful appearance and its ability to seamlessly transition from urban commuting to weekend adventures. With its compact size, the Kona offers ease of maneuverability in busy city environments, while its efficient fuel economy, range of tech-savvy features (such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), and a user-friendly infotainment system make it an ideal choice for the digitally connected consumer. Additionally, the Kona's relatively affordable starting price—well under $25,000 for the base model—makes it particularly attractive to first-time buyers and those seeking value without sacrificing quality. These consumers, often seeking both affordability and versatility, find the Kona's combination of compact dimensions and high-tech features to be an ideal match for active lifestyles. At the same time, the vehicle resonates with a slightly older demographic of 45-60-year-olds, many of whom are looking to downsize from larger, more expensive SUVs or sedans in favor of more compact, efficient alternatives that offer plenty of interior space and modern amenities at a more affordable price point. The available all-wheel-drive (AWD) option further enhances the Kona's appeal in regions with harsher climates, making it a viable choice for those who live in areas prone to snow or wet weather, or for active buyers who enjoy activities such as skiing, hiking, or camping.

Trim Levels

The 2025 Hyundai Kona is available in a range of trim levels, each offering a distinct set of features to cater to different preferences and budgets. The base SE trim provides a solid foundation with essential features like a 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of standard safety features including forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Moving up to the SEL trim adds more comfort and convenience with additional features such as heated front seats, keyless entry, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The N Line trim delivers a sportier edge with more aggressive styling, including unique exterior accents, a sport-tuned suspension, and a turbocharged engine option for a more dynamic driving experience. At the top of the range, the Limited trim offers a premium experience with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, leather upholstery, a sunroof, and advanced safety tech like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. For those interested in an all-electric option, the Kona Electric trim offers an impressive electric driving range, making it an ideal choice for eco-conscious buyers.

Exterior Styling

As the smallest SUV in Hyundai's lineup, the Kona stands out with its futuristic exterior design by blending sleek, athletic lines with a bold, modern look. Its sharp angles, sculpted body, and signature wide front grille give the Kona a forward-thinking design that feels both strikingly avant-garde and casually sporty. When it comes to performance, the Kona offers a range of powertrains to match different driving styles and needs. The base 2.0L engine in the SE and SEL trims delivers a respectable 147 horsepower, offering a smooth, practical driving experience with excellent fuel economy of up to 35 MPG on the highway. However, for those seeking more power and thrill, the N Line and Limited trims come with a turbocharged 1.6L engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, ensuring a more energetic drive. This engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the available AWD, makes the Kona not only reasonably fun to drive but also confident enough in its handling.

Interior Amenities

After its 2024 redesign, the compact-sized Kona benefits from a surprisingly spacious interior that provides ample room for passengers and cargo. While the rear seat may feel a bit tight for taller adults, the front seats provide generous space, and the overall cabin feels open, with a sleek, futuristic design that incorporates high-tech elements seamlessly into the dashboard. The centerpiece of the interior is the widescreen display, which houses both the instrumentation and infotainment system, providing a clean, modern aesthetic. Standard interior features include cloth seats on the SE and SEL trims; but for a more premium feel, higher trims such as the N Line and Limited offer elevated options like Alcantara® upholstery and H-Tex® leatherette trim. The cargo space is one of the Kona's standout features, making it more versatile than many might expect from a vehicle of its size. This combination of style, technology, and well-designed space makes it a standout option for drivers who need a compact yet versatile SUV that offers both comfort and utility.

Advanced Technology

Despite its entry-level positioning, the Kona comes equipped with a wealth of standard and available tech offerings. At the heart of the Kona's technology suite is the 12.3-inch touchscreen (available on the SEL Convenience, N Line, and Limited trims), which serves as the central hub for infotainment and vehicle controls and ensures clear, vibrant visuals for navigation, media, and connectivity. The available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster takes things a step further by offering a cutting-edge display of driving information in high resolution. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, enabling seamless smartphone integration for navigation, media, and messaging directly through the touchscreen. The addition of navigation on the higher trims enhances the Kona's connectivity by providing turn-by-turn directions with real-time traffic updates. For music enthusiasts, the N Line and Limited trims offer an available Bose premium audio system which includes a total of eight speakers delivering immersive sound quality to ensure that drives are accompanied by superior sound.

Safety Features

Across the entire line, Hyundai has prioritized advanced driver-assistance technologies that work together to create a safer driving experience. All Kona models come equipped with Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Warning (BCW), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Lane Following Assist (LFA) as well as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian/Cyclist Detection for added protection in the event of potential collisions. These features, along with Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) and Driver Attention Warning (DAW), demonstrate Hyundai's commitment to preventing accidents and promoting safer driving habits. Additional safety technologies like High Beam Assist (HBA), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), and Safe Exit Warning (SEW) contribute to the Kona's overall safety profile, making it an excellent choice for families and safety-conscious drivers. On higher trims like the SEL Convenience, N Line, and Limited, the Kona's safety offerings become even more robust. These trims feature Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with advanced detection for Junction Turning and Dooring (JT/DO) which provides further protection in complex traffic situations. The Highway Driving Assist I (HDA I) system available on these trims additionally offers semi-autonomous driving assistance that helps with steering, acceleration, and braking on highways, making long-distance driving easier and safer. The Limited trim also introduces a more comprehensive Parking Distance Warning (PDW) which offers forward, side, and reverse alerts with contour warning to help drivers navigate tight spaces and avoid obstacles when parking. Thanks to these standard and available safety features, the 2025 Hyundai Kona not only delivers a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but also offers peace of mind for those who prioritize protection and technology.

From younger buyers seeking a stylish yet practical daily driver to older consumers looking to downsize without compromising on quality or features, the Kona is proving itself to be much more than just a compact SUV. This well-equipped, value-driven vehicle continues to capture the attention of potential consumers who appreciate quality, innovation, and practicality.

Learn More

For more information or to test drive this vehicle for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit online at:
Hyundai Kona

About Hyundai

Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company's Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (in development in Georgia), and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai's 835 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.