The Hyundai Kona has established its place as one of the most popular subcompact SUVs. With an all-electric variant and a performance-oriented N model available, the Kona is good at pleasing all kinds of buyers. Even more impressive, Hyundai Kona sales have managed to outdo two of its most notable Kia rivals.

Here are the Hyundai Kona’s current sales totals this year

Thanks to another impressive boost in popularity last August, the Hyundai Kona’s total sales for the year stand at 49,825 units. Its year-to-date sales are up by 23% so far, making it one of Hyundai’s most successful models this year. The Kona’s demand may rise even more as its redesigned model hits dealership lots this fall. 

Both the 2023 and 2024 Kona models have the same powertrain options. The standard powertrain is a 147-hp four-cylinder engine, while the upper trims are equipped with a 190-hp turbo-four. The latter loses five ponies on the 2024 model, but we expect that its performance will be largely unchanged. 

Gearbox options include a continuously variable unit and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Both engines are also very efficient, promising up to 35 mpg on the highway with front-wheel-drive. If you’re using your Kona to commute, you can enjoy earning 30 mpg with the base engine. 

Only the 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited and N Line models are available now, so we’re not sure how the other two models will look inside. However, it’s clear that the interior has undergone some considerable polish. The 2024 version also offers 24 cubic feet of storage space (up from 19 cu. ft.) behind the second row because the whole SUV grew by nearly 7 inches.

The 2023 Hyundai Kona still offers reasonably comfy accommodations, plus a lot of standard technology features. Alongside essential driver’s aids like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, the base Kona model has wireless smartphone integration for added convenience. 

Buyers pick the Hyundai Kona over the Kia Soul

The Kia Soul’s total sales stand at 44,781 units so far this year, which is a 17% increase compared to 2022. GoodCarBadCar reports that this SUV had a little bit of trouble attracting buyers in July, but it’s still a great vehicle. Its boxy shape allows you to utilize its storage space more easily than many of its rivals. There are more than 24 cubic feet worth of cargo area available even with all the seats up.

However, since Kia retired the Soul’s turbo engine for the 2023 model year, your only powertrain choice is a 147-hp four-cylinder engine. The Kia Soul can’t be optioned with all-wheel drive, and it’s only available with a CVT.

The Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul also share many of the same interior features, both standard and available. Interestingly, having a lower starting price still didn’t let the Kia Soul top the Kona’s sales. A new Soul LX currently retails for just under $20,000, and the Kona’s base price is usually about $2,000 more. 

Hyundai Kona sales speed ahead of the Kia Seltos

While the Kia Seltos experienced both monthly and yearly increases this year, it needs about 7,500 more sales if it wants to match the Kona’s success as of August 2023. The Seltos and the Kona are nearly identical in terms of powertrain options, gas mileage, passenger legroom, and cargo capacity. The Kia Seltos doesn’t have a sporty variant, but the 18-inch wheels and black roof rails on the X-Line model make it appear more adventurous. 

However, the 2024 Kia Seltos is more expensive at $24,390 to start. It’s also younger than the Hyundai Kona by three years, and it clearly hasn’t won the hearts of most consumers just yet. Both the Seltos and Soul will have to work hard if either wants to steal the Kona’s crown this year.