The Hyundai Kona Is The Cheapest SUV With AWD
The Hyundai Kona asks how low you can go because it’s the lowest-priced SUV that offers all-wheel-drive. If you would like an SUV on a budget but still need the power of AWD, then the Hyundai Kona should be at the top of your list.
The Hyundai Kona Is The Cheapest AWD SUV
To get started in the Hyundai Kona with all-wheel-drive, you will only need to spend about $21K, making it the most price-friendly option for an SUV that can handle snow and other slippery conditions.
The Subaru Crosstrek is the next cheapest option, and it begins around $22k. Meanwhile, the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 start around $25k. But are the savings of a few thousand dollars worth it with the Hyundai Kona?
Is the Hyundai Kona A Good SUV?
Generally, AWD can negatively impact the weight and fuel economy of an SUV or truck, but the Hyundai Kona remains strong. It gets up to 28 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, making it a more fuel-efficient option.
In terms of power, the Hyundai Kona comes with two engine options. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.
You can also upgrade to the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. But keep in mind that this compact SUV isn’t designed for towing.
But the Hyundai Kona is fast. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 in only 6.6 seconds. So along with handling snow and other slippery conditions with ease, it’s also fun to drive.
The front independent MacPherson coil spring suspension will glide over obstacles with a smooth ride. Plus, there is an independent multi-link suspension in the rear with gas-pressurized shock absorbers and a 4-wheel disc brakes anti-lock system to enhance off-roading capabilities and safety.
Hyundai Kona Features
In 2019, the Hyundai Kona was the North American Utility Vehicle of the year. It’s also called the smartest SUV, so let’s go over a few of its features to see if it lives up to the hype.
One complaint people have with the Kona is its lack of cargo space. However, it still offers up to 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space total.
The heads up display is pretty neat, as it displays crucial information about your speed and navigation behind the steering wheel. Usually, SUVs with a heads up display are closer to $30k.
Also, the 10” infotainment center can connect to both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It can connect to BlueLink as well, which allows you to activate heated seats, see your engine temperature, and much more with your smartphone.
In terms of safety, the Hyundai Kona has your back. It comes with all the bells and whistles, including rear cross-traffic alerts, pedestrian detection, forward collision prevention, and much more.
The Hyundai Kona is a 2020 IIHS top safety pick and has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA. So, with your savings for an AWD SUV, you also get tons of features for enhanced safety and advanced tech.
