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Are you looking for a new SUV for your teen? SUVs are currently the most popular vehicle class, but which is best for your new driver? U.S. News and World Report ranks the Hyundai Kona as the best affordable SUV for teens. Here’s why the Hyundai Kona is worth checking out if you’re looking for an SUV for your teen driver.

Is the Hyundai Kona worth buying?

The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric is unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, March 28, 2018 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.
The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric is unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, March 28, 2018 | Drew Angerer via Getty Images

The Hyundai Kona has been available for less than four years, and it has already disrupted SUV rankings. Since its arrival in 2018, the subcompact SUV has been considered fun to drive by both consumers and reviewers. The standard engine may be lacking, but the turbo engine has made the Kona a favorite subcompact SUV amongst consumers.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona starts at $21,685. A similar compact SUV, the 2021 Toyota RAV4, starts at $27,565. The 2021 Honda CR-V starts at $25,350. The Kona is easily the more affordable subcompact SUV compared to competitors, and thanks to its age its exterior design is fresh, unlike more dated models.

The subcompact SUV makes 147 horsepower. The turbocharged powertrain makes 175 horsepower with its four-cylinder engine. The 2021 Kona gets an average of 30 miles per gallon. The Kona has a 13.2-gallon fuel tank. It averages just a few miles less on the highway than the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona is worth buying because it is an affordable subcompact SUV that provides great handling. It has a welcoming cabin and a simple infotainment system. Its turbocharged powertrain option makes it an incredibly fun small SUV to drive. According to U.S. News & World Report, it is the best affordable new SUV for teen drivers.

How many miles can a Hyundai Kona last?

A Hyundai Kona interior.
The Hyundai Kona | Hyundai

Hyundai Konas have proven themselves incredibly reliable in the short time that they have been on the market. Well-maintained Kona models are estimated to last between 200,000-250,000 miles or 13+ years. Like most SUVs, the Kona will require some expensive maintenance after it racks up some major mileage.

The 2021 model is especially reliable. Kona owners have given the SUV great reliability scores. Critics agree that the Kona has little to no issues aside from the sluggish standard powertrain, nothing a little turbo can’t fix.

A 2021 Hyundai Kona is a great new SUV for your teen driver because it will last them well into adulthood. Thanks to its cabin and tech, it will take years to feel outdated. The Kona seems like it’s built to last and should provide a fun driving experience for a very long time.

Does the Kona come in AWD?

A black Hyundai Kona.
The Hyundai Kona | Hyundai

The Hyundai Kona has All-Wheel Drive options for your teen driver. These options can be especially helpful dealing with tricky terrain like snow. The 2021 Kona Limited AWD is a great option if you want your teen to have a more powerful Kona with turbo and AWD.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD starts at just $27,700. Ultimately, the 2021 Kona is a great new SUV for teen drivers. It has the power and style to keep them happy and the safety features and reliability to keep parents happy.

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