Edmunds Called the Hyundai Kona ‘Standout’ in Its Class
Welcome to the subcompact SUV class, where the rides are spunky, fun, and loaded with a blend of must-have features of the sedan and full-size SUV segments. Subcompacts offer amazing fuel economy and super affordable price tags.
This class also has a top contender, according to Edmunds. Competition may be steep, but the Hyundai Kona is a ‘standout’ on this stage. What makes it stand apart and so popular with the experts? We wanted to learn more and compare the 2020 Kona with some of its noteworthy rivals.
Edmunds declares a ‘standout’ victor in the subcompact SUV class
The Edmunds experts have lots of endorsements for the 2020 Hyundai Kona and love its rugged styling and detailed interior. What makes the Kona shine is its athletic handling on curves and through acceleration.
There is plenty of pick-up from the available 1.6L engine that doesn’t guzzle the gas. Inside the Hyundai Kona, you’ll feel like you’re in a cockpit full of technology, including standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. The warranty coverage is industry-topping, and the affordable pricing structure, make the Kona an exceptional value.
Blowing away the competition
Coming in at a close second in this Edmunds 2020, subcompact SUV review, is the Honda HR-V. While this popular model brings similar fuel economy ranges and ample infotainment and connectivity, it doesn’t quite match the Hyundai Kona in the ‘fun’ department.
In fact, Edmunds suggests Honda’s powertrain isn’t as impressive. The experts go on to ask, what’s the point of a peppy, subcompact SUV that isn’t entirely exciting or fun to drive? Honda buyers will also spend a little more on the HR-V than they would for the Kona.
Slightly more room than the Mazda CX-3
The Mazda CX-3 has plenty of ‘zoom-zoom’ under the hood. So, when it comes to handling and driving personality, it may be one of the most fun to drive in its class. However, the Hyundai Kona offers a little more room in a few key areas, making it a top-pick between the two five-passenger rides.
When dissecting the dimensions of each vehicle, the Kona bests the CX-3 by an inch or two in areas like headroom, hip room, cargo area, and even ground clearance. All these small increments add up quickly and make for more occupant comfort and storage capabilities.
Base model safety is lacking in Kia Soul
In a line by line comparison of features, the 2020 Kia Soul and the 2020 Hyundai Kona have tons in common. But when it comes to safety, there are some noticeable differences.
Safety features and advanced driver aids vary with the trim levels on the Kia Soul. In contrast, the Hyundai Kona is loaded from the ground up, making safety a priority and a standard. Their styles are considerably different too, which makes choosing between them more of an individual preference.
Why the Hyundai Kona might be a standout choice for you
The Hyundai Kona is an Edmunds top pick and might just be a great choice for you too. In any of those areas in which it falls short of one of its competitors, it’s a subcompact SUV that can make up for shortcomings in more valuable ways.
For example, the Subaru Crosstrek may have a gallon or two edge on the Kona in gas mileage, but it can’t compete with the Hyundai warranty coverage. The Mazda CX-3 may be peppier to drive, but it has a heftier price tag.
If you’re one of the many consumers falling in love with this subcompact SUV class, the Hyundai Kona is worth a test-drive. You’ll love its features, comfortable ride, and hefty roster of tech. It’s priced right and brings some of the best peace of mind warranty coverage in the industry. Check the Kona out for yourself. You might just decide it’s the standout model for you.
