Back in 2018, the Hyundai Kona captivated hearts with its charming mix of affordability, practicality, and cheeky looks. It was a near miss for my own mother, who was swayed only at the last moment by a Tucson Limited’s extra sparkle in the dealership spotlight. 

From Cute to Cosmic  

For 2024, Hyundai decided to take the Kona on a cosmic leap, transforming the adorable urbanite into a futuristic spectacle that looks like it zipped right out of a sci-fi flick. Appealing to a more modern influence, the Kona introduces a cutting-edge aesthetic with its ultra-thin daytime running light spanning the entire width of the car with a matching rear red running light.  

Unfortunately for the Kona, innovation comes at a cost as it sees a price increase of $2,000 starting at $24,250. And should you want the sportier N Line with its funky 19-inch wheels, hot-hatch inspired rear spoiler and turbocharged engine like our example, it starts at $30,800. 

Tech Forward 

Hyundai hasn’t held back on the cabin’s features. It’s sleeker, more refined, and fully digital, boasting dual 12.3-inch screens seamlessly integrated into a single dashboard panel. Even the base SE model gets this high-tech treatment. Those willing to splurge on the Limited model will find themselves enveloped in luxury, with features like a 360-degree camera, power-operated tailgate, and heated and cooled seats. 

LIKED: Fuel efficiency, improved transmission, microfiber suede seat inserts  

The cabin of the Kona is designed to comfortably accommodate passengers of all sizes. The front seats offer solid support, complete with a power-adjustable driver’s seat. In the back, there’s ample legroom that allows for stretching and even folding your legs, ensuring a comfortable ride even on longer trips. Additionally, the abundance of USB-C ports and cleverly designed storage compartments are a convenient touch, keeping everything charged and neatly stowed away. Opt for the N Line and you’ll get these rather nifty seats covered in microfiber suede and leatherette material that will make summertime driving much more appealing.  

Reinventing PRNDL 

Over the years, we’ve witnessed a fascinating evolution of the PRNDL shifter, which traditionally sprawled across the center console in a handle form, labeled with the familiar Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive, and Low Gear. Mercedes-Benz led the charge with an electric column-mounted shifter, followed by RAM/Jeep introducing a rotary knob and GM adopting buttons. Now, it’s Hyundai’s turn to shake things up. 

Hyundai didn’t just mimic the established patterns of its competitors, who typically design their electronic shifters with an intuitive push up for reverse and down for drive — a standard found in brands like Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Mazda, Volvo, Toyota, Infiniti and even Mitsubishi. Instead, Hyundai introduced a twist of common sense with their new column-mounted shifter: push forward to drive forward and pull back to reverse. This logical arrangement might require a bit of readjustment for those accustomed to the more common setups, but its intuitive nature makes a compelling case for the change. 

No More Transmission Jitters  

If you have a fondness for the classic PRNDL shifter, the Kona doesn’t disappoint. The base SE and SEL models retain the traditional console-mounted handle, paired with the standard 2.0-liter, 147-horsepower engine. For those craving a bit more zest, the new electronic shifter supports an advanced 8-speed automatic transmission linked to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers a robust 190 horsepower. This new setup is a breath of fresh air compared to the older 7-speed dual-clutch system, which frankly, didn’t measure up. I can vouch for this improvement personally, as I’ve experienced less-than-smooth transmission in my own Hyundai and Kia vehicles. 

I digressed… the new 8-speed automatic is a far better improvement making the Kona peppier and more energetic despite it being slightly slower than the previous generation. But that’s okay! Despite taking 7.5-seconds to achieve 60-mph, the transmission is smooth with linear direct responsiveness and can even be a little playful through the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. 

Creeping into Hot Hatchery Territory  

Don’t be fooled by its lifted stance—this Kona dips into hot hatch territory with gusto. It’s a delight in urban antics, with responsive controls and a suspension system that adeptly absorbs bumps and dips. It may not be on the same level as the previous generation high-performance Kona N, but with the drive mode switched to Sport, the Kona behaves like an excited scamp on a school field trip.  

The Kona comes standard in front-wheel drive; however, all-wheel drive is available for a mere $1500 more. Our example fitted with the all-wheel drive returned a pleasant surprise in fuel economy as we averaged just over 28-mpg’s combined and returning 31-mpg’s on the highway beating the EPA rating by 2-mpg’s on both counts.  

DISLIKED: No hidden storage compartment, weird cupholders, the new PRNDL shifter. 

Despite a few quirks like unconventional cupholders and the new shifter setup, the 2024 Hyundai Kona continues to stand out in a crowded market. Priced at $33,695 for our all-wheel drive N Line model, it offers a blend of style, technology, and driving pleasure that remains a compelling choice for those seeking a dose of the future in a practical package.