🚙 2025 Hyundai Kona: Full Review, Specs, Trims, Tech, Buying Guide & Why It’s the Hottest Small SUV in America

2025 Hyundai Kona: Full Review, Specs, Trims, Tech, Buying Guide & Why It’s the Hottest Small SUV in America
🔥 The 2025 Hyundai Kona is making waves as one of America’s most popular small SUVs, thanks to its bold new design, tech-packed interior, versatile trims, and strong value. Whether you’re cross-shopping the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, or Mazda CX-30, this is your ultimate, visually-rich guide to the 2025 Kona: specs, trims, reviews, features, and expert buying tips for US drivers.
Hyundai USA: Official 2025 Kona Page

🌟 What’s New for the 2025 Hyundai Kona?

🆕 Redesigned for 2024, enhanced for 2025: The Kona enters its second generation with a futuristic look, more space, and new SEL Convenience and N Line S trims for 2025.
Powertrains: 2.0L 4-cylinder (147 hp), 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder (190 hp), and the all-electric Kona EV (201 hp, 64 kWh battery, 261-mile EPA range).
Drivetrains: FWD standard, AWD available on all trims.
Tech: Dual 12.3-inch digital displays, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, over-the-air updates, Digital Key, and ambient lighting.
Safety: Hyundai SmartSense with 20+ driver-assist features standard or available.
Pricing: $24,350–$33,400 for gas models, $39,500+ for Kona Electric.
Competitors: VW Taos, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, Honda HR-V, Chevy Trax, Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Seltos.

📊 2025 Hyundai Kona Specs & Trims

Trim Engine Horsepower Drivetrain Transmission MPG (Comb.) Starting Price
SE / SEL 2.0L I4 147 hp FWD / AWD CVT 31 $24,350–$28,245
SEL Convenience 2.0L I4 147 hp FWD / AWD CVT 31 $31,839
N Line / N Line S 1.6L Turbo I4 190 hp FWD / AWD 8-spd Auto 28 $33,275–$33,600
Limited 1.6L Turbo I4 190 hp FWD / AWD 8-spd Auto 28 $35,795
Kona Electric SEL Electric (64 kWh) 201 hp FWD Single-speed EPA 261 mi $39,500
Kona Electric Limited Electric (64 kWh) 201 hp FWD Single-speed EPA 261 mi $44,400
📏 Dimensions:
  • Length: 171.3–172.6 in
  • Width: 71.9 in
  • Height: 62.4–63.6 in
  • Wheelbase: 104.7 in
  • Cargo: 25.5–26 cu ft (seats up), 63.7–64 cu ft (seats down)
  • Seating: 5
  • Ground clearance: 6.9 in
  • Curb weight: 3,053–3,450 lbs
Edmunds: 2025 Hyundai Kona Specs & Features

🚗 Design & Interior: Futuristic Looks, Big Tech, More Space

🎨 Exterior: Parametric Dynamic design, full-width LED light bars front and rear, bold grille, two-tone roof options, 17–19" alloys.
Interior: Dual 12.3" curved displays, floating center console, ambient lighting (64 colors), premium materials, more rear legroom and cargo space.
Comfort: Heated/ventilated seats, dual-zone climate, power driver seat, eco-leather or cloth upholstery, panoramic sunroof (Limited).
Storage: Up to 64 cu ft cargo, hands-free liftgate, split-folding rear seats.

⚙️ Performance, Powertrains & Driving Experience

🏁 Engines:
  • 2.0L I4: 147 hp, 132 lb-ft, CVT, 0–60 mph ~9.8s
  • 1.6L Turbo I4: 190 hp, 195 lb-ft, 8-spd auto, 0–60 mph ~7.5s
  • Electric: 201 hp, 188 lb-ft, single-speed, 0–60 mph ~6.4s, 261-mile EPA range
AWD: Available on all gas trims.
Ride & Handling: More comfortable than previous Kona, firm but rarely harsh, agile in the city, stable on the highway.
Fuel Economy: 29–34 mpg gas, 261 mi EPA electric.
Driving Feel: Easy to drive, smooth transmission, but base engine can feel underpowered when loaded or merging.
Braking & Steering: Confident, with a slightly rubbery steering feel but good control.
Car and Driver: 2025 Hyundai Kona Review & Specs

🛡️ Safety, Warranty & Awards

🛡️ Safety: Hyundai SmartSense: Forward Collision-Avoidance, Lane Keeping, Blind Spot, Rear Cross-Traffic, Driver Attention, Adaptive Cruise, Highway Driving Assist, Surround View, Parking Assist, and more.
Awards: 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, KBB Best Buy Subcompact SUV.
Warranty: 5yr/60k mi basic, 10yr/100k mi powertrain, 3yr/36k mi complimentary maintenance, 5yr/unlimited roadside.
Hyundai USA: 2025 Kona Features & Specs

💬 Real Owner Reviews & Expert Opinions

👍 Praise:
  • “Fantastic to drive, great small vehicle for long distances and city.”
  • “Love the tech and digital dash—CarPlay connects instantly.”
  • “Much improved ride and more space than my old Kona.”
  • “Great value, loaded with features, and stylish.”
  • “Handles well, especially with the turbo engine.”
👎 Criticism:
  • Base engine is slow to accelerate, especially when loaded.
  • Ride can feel bouncy on rough roads.
  • Second-row legroom is only average for the class.
  • Highway noise is still a bit loud at speed.
  • Some miss the old playful driving feel.
🗣️ Community Tip: Try the turbo or EV for more power. SEL Convenience or N Line trims offer the best feature-to-price balance.
SureCritic: 2025 Hyundai Kona Owner Reviews

🆚 2025 Hyundai Kona vs. The Competition

Model Base Price Horsepower MPG (Comb.) Cargo (cu ft) AWD? Electric/Hybrid?
Hyundai Kona $24,350 147/190/201 (EV) 31 26/64 Yes EV, Hybrid
Honda HR-V $25,950 158 28 24/55 Yes No
Toyota Corolla Cross $25,210 169 32 25/66 Yes Hybrid
Mazda CX-30 $26,370 191/250 29 20/45 Yes No
Chevy Trax $21,495 137 30 25/54 No No

💡 FAQ: What US Shoppers Want to Know About the 2025 Kona

💡 FAQ
  • Is the 2025 Kona redesigned? Yes, it’s the second-gen Kona, bigger, bolder, and more tech-packed.
  • Which engine is best? The 1.6L turbo is quickest; the EV is most efficient. The 2.0L is best for value.
  • Is AWD available? Yes, on all gas trims.
  • How’s the warranty? 5yr/60k mi basic, 10yr/100k mi powertrain, 3yr/36k mi maintenance.
  • Is there a hybrid? Yes, but not in all markets yet; the EV is widely available.
  • How’s the resale value? Very strong, especially for Limited and EV trims.
  • What’s the best trim? SEL Convenience or N Line for most features per dollar.
  • How’s the tech? Dual 12.3" screens, wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, OTA updates, Digital Key.
  • Is it good for families? Yes, with more space and safety features than before.
  • How’s the ride? Comfortable, but a bit bouncy on rough roads with the base suspension.
Edmunds: 2025 Hyundai Kona Review & Ratings
©️ 2025 | 2025 Hyundai Kona: Complete Guide for US Drivers, Small SUV Fans & Value Seekers
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