Want to know which Hyundai Kona years shine and which fall short?
We’ve analyzed data from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book to bring you the facts.
We’ll cover engines, safety tech, common issues, and recalls to help you spot the best Konas. Ready?
Let’s dive in!
Table of ContentsShow
Hyundai Kona Generations
The Hyundai Kona burst onto the scene in 2017, quickly making waves in the compact SUV world. It turned heads with its sleek looks, comfy interior, and impressive tech features right out of the gate.
Kona’s standard package? It’s packed with advanced safety gear and a user-friendly infotainment system that’ll make tech lovers smile.
Here’s a brief rundown of Kona generations since its debut:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st Generation (OS) | 2018-2023 |
| 2nd Generation (SX2) | 2024-Present |
When you’re choosing between generations, keep an eye out for significant design updates and tech improvements. These could be game-changers in your decision-making process.
Hyundai Kona Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
So, how do we separate the Kona’s best years from the rest? We dive into a whole bunch of factors:
- What owners are saying about reliability
- How much you’ll shell out for yearly maintenance
- Safety ratings (because who doesn’t want to feel secure?)
- Consumer Reports’ take on reliability and owner satisfaction
- NHTSA data on recalls, investigations, and complaints
- Ratings from Edmunds, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, VehicleHistory, and Cars.com
We’ve crunched all these numbers to give you a clear picture. Check out this graph:
Now, let’s break it down even further. Here’s a clear-cut guide to the Kona’s best and worst years:
| Generation | Best Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation (OS) | 2018 2021 2022 2023 | 2019 2020 |
| 2nd Generation (SX2) | 2024 | N/A |
Here’s a pro tip: Keep an eye on those NHTSA recalls. A bunch of recalls usually means lower reliability, which is why some years end up in our “worst” category.
Ready to dive deeper? Let’s examine the best and worst years for each Kona generation.
Best & Worst Years for Hyundai Kona 1st Generation (2018-Present)
The first-gen Kona hit the streets with a bang. It caught eyes with its modern design, fun driving experience, and a lineup of engine options – including an eco-friendly electric version for the green-minded drivers out there.
In this generation, 2018 and 2021-2023 stand out as the cream of the crop. On the flip side, you might want to think twice about the 2019 and 2020 models.
The Best Years: 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023
What makes these years gleam? It’s all about improvements in tech, performance, and dependability.
The 2018 Kona kicked things off with two robust engine choices:
- A peppy 147-hp 2.0L MPI engine
- An optional 175-hp 1.6L Turbo GDI for those craving more oomph
These engines paired up with a 6-speed auto or a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, depending on which you picked.
Fuel efficiency? Not too bad. The 1.6L model gives you about 28 city/32 highway MPG, while the 2.0L Kona offers 27 city/33 highway MPG (both in FWD setup).
By 2021, Hyundai elevated their safety game. They made forward collision-avoidance assist and lane-keeping assist standard features. Nice move, Hyundai!
And let’s not forget the electric Kona. With its 201-hp electric motor and up to 258 miles of range, it became a substantial competitor in the EV market.
These years hit the sweet spot – balancing performance, cutting-edge safety features, and improved reliability.
The Worst Years: 2019, 2020
Now, onto the years you might want to skip: 2019 and 2020. These models faced some significant issues and recalls.
The biggest headache? Problems with the 2.0L MPI engine. Owners reported excessive oil consumption and engines stalling out – not what you want to hear when you’re cruising down the highway.
Hyundai had to issue a recall for incorrectly heat-treated piston oil rings, which could lead to severe engine damage. Ouch.
The 2019 Kona Electric didn’t fare much better. It got hit with recalls for battery short circuits (hello, fire risk) and issues with the electronic braking system.
These issues put a dent in the 2019 and 2020 Kona’s reputation. If you’re after dependability and peace of mind, you might want to look elsewhere.
Want more information? Check out the NHTSA website for the full list of 2019 and 2020 Hyundai Kona recalls and complaints.
Best & Worst Years for Hyundai Kona 2nd Generation (2024-Present)
The 2024 Kona marks the start of a new era. This second-gen model is a big step up in design, tech, and performance.
Hyundai’s given the Kona a sleeker, more sophisticated look and bumped up the interior quality. It’s setting new standards for compact SUVs, with a big focus on electric power and cutting-edge tech.
The Best Years: 2024
The 2024 Kona is the new kid on the block, and it’s making quite an entrance. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Updated 1.6L Turbo GDI engine: Better fuel efficiency and more punch
- Electric version: Aiming for over 300 miles on a single charge – that’s serious EV range
- Tech overload: Fully digital dashboard, bigger infotainment display, and improved connectivity
- Safety first: Hyundai’s latest SmartSense suite, including enhanced autonomous driving features
You can pick from SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims, each filled with features to fit diverse needs and budgets.
The 2024 Kona is shaping up to be another winner in Hyundai’s lineup, offering style, efficiency, and tech in one compact package.
Hyundai Kona Resale Values
Curious about how well the Kona holds its value? Check out this graph:
Conclusion
So, which Hyundai Kona year takes the crown?
Our deep dive points to 2018, 2021-2023, and 2024 as the top picks. These models represent the best of what the Kona has to offer – fewer reliability issues, fewer recalls, and more bang for your buck.
On the flip side, you might want to steer clear of the 2019 and 2020 models. They faced some reliability hiccups that could give you headaches down the road.
Looking for the sweet spot between cutting-edge tech and value?
The later years of the first generation (2021-2023) might be your best bet.
What’s your take? Have you had familiarity with any of these Kona models?
Share your views in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!
