There are four trim choices for the popular Hyundai Kona: SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited. The SE and SEL come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 hp and is coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The higher-ranking N Line and Limited upgrade to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine (195 hp and 195 lb.-ft. of torque) that partners with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard with each; however, all-wheel drive is optional. According to the EPA, the FWD SE and SEL return an estimated 30 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. With AWD, they achieve 28 city/33 highway. The FWD N Line and Limited fulfill 29 city/35 highway, and with AWD, they’ll give you 27 city/32 highway.
For the first time ever, the base SE gets heated side mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators, adding convenience while raising the safety factor. It also has a 4.2-inch gauge cluster, cloth seats, three USB ports (two front and one rear), a 12-volt power outlet, and a rear seat that splits and folds down. Hyundai SmartSense comes standard as well to equip the SE with forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. The multimedia system in this entry-level Kona uses an 8-inch touchscreen to manage wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, and BlueLink connected services.
The SEL is enhanced with proximity keyless entry, push-button start, rooftop rails, a power driver’s seat, HD radio, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The optional Convenience Package will add a slew of desirable features: heated front seats, wireless phone charging, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sunroof, automatic climate control (single zone), Digital Key (where your smartphone acts as the vehicle’s key), and a few infotainment upgrades: a 10.25-inch touchscreen, plug-in smartphone integration, and dynamic voice recognition.
The N Line receives all of the contents of the SEL Convenience Package as standard, along with navigation. It also gets a few distinctive styling elements (namely gloss-black and dark-gray exterior accents), a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, special cloth upholstery, a twin-tip exhaust, and trim-specific bumpers, badging, and wheels.
The Limited goes back to the more conventional outward appearance, but adds LED headlights and taillights. The interior upgrades are leather upholstery, ambient interior lighting, an eight-speaker audio unit by Harman Kardon, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. This top-of-the-line Kona augments its safety technology suite with rear parking sensors, cyclist detection, highway driving assist, and automatic high beams.
