Hyundai

Hyundai’s smallest crossover is big on value and amenities.

We’re fans of the Hyundai Kona and the reason is quite simple: this subcompact crossover utility vehicle is big on value, looks, and amenities. The Kona rolled out in 2018 and features light changes this year, including newly added dual front USB outlets, standard forward collision-avoidance alert, and various package changes. A Sunset Orange color option is also new, which happened to dress our test model.

Several local trips and one long regional excursion revealed just how capable the Kona is. Around town, its small footprint is ideal for navigating narrow roads, making tight turns, and for parallel parking. The Kona’s wheelbase sits nearly evenly between two Hyundai small cars — Accent and Elantra — but its overall length is about nine inches shorter than the Accent.

Looks wise, the Kona reminds us somewhat of an earlier utility vehicle, the Nissan Juke. Both models have an extraordinarily unusual front fascia with bold lighting elements. Where the now-retired Juke’s visage is more polarizing, the Kona seems to pull it off with a tasteful balance of sportiness and elegance. Yes, the lighting elements seem borrowed from another vehicle too — the first-generation Jeep Cherokee.

The Kona set the trend for Hyundai’s current styling direction.
The Santa Fe and Palisade follow.

But the Kona is its own vehicle. In fact, it offers a distinct departure from other Hyundai models, including the compact Tucson and midsize Santa Fe. There are some design elements that will appear in the upcoming Palisade, yet you won’t have any trouble distinguishing the Kona from other Hyundai models or other crossovers for that matter.

Inside, the Kona offers ample space up front and average-at-best space in the rear. The driver and front passenger have the best seats in the house and they’re dressed in either cloth or leather, depending on the trim. The base SE has manually adjustable front seats, while other trims offer a power driver’s seat. Heated front seats are standard on all, but the base trim, a welcome feature on chilly mornings — even in May.

The rear bench seat is a 60/40 split fold-down arrangement and does something most don’t do in this segment — slightly recline. On paper, the seat holds three, but is ideal for two. Legroom is tight, except for youngsters. Most shoppers looking for ample rear seating space should begin their search with the Tucson.

Behind the rear seat is 19.2 cubic feet of storage space, which is small, but about average for tinny crossovers. Fold down the rear seat and storage capacity mushrooms to 45.8, which will easily hold a week’s worth of luggage for two or give you the ability to stuff in your yard sale finds.

You won’t purchase the Kona if you have towing in mind. Despite what some sources indicate, Hyundai says towing isn’t recommended. On the other hand, the Ford EcoSport outfitted with an aftermarket towing package pulls either 1,400 or 2,000 pounds.

We like that Hyundai is a consistent tech leader across its model line. Beyond Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility, the Kona offers a standard 7-inch touchscreen display. Its bundled with the USB ports, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth, and six speakers, giving shoppers a great place to start. The list of upgrades includes an 8-inch touchscreen display, an 8-speaker Infinity audio system, and connected services, including navigation. Our test Ultimate model had it all.

On the safety front, Hyundai goes beyond the required rear vision camera to include lane keeping assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, and driver attention warning on all trims. The second-level SEL (one of five trims), adds blind-spot warning, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. Pedestrian detection and parking distance warning appear on the two top trims as does heads-up display. Speaking of the latter, Hyundai employs a nifty translucent screen that emerges from the dashboard to display vital information.

Hyundai supplies two engine choices, including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine works with a six-speed automatic transmission. Beginning with the middle Limited trim, a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine works with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. All models have standard front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive.

Our test model had the turbo engine and all-wheel drive. This combination provides generous zip and superior handling, and that’s something most small cars do not deliver. On twisty roads, there is some body roll, but that’s typical of this vehicle type. We like that the Kona pushes away from a dead stop with authority and has generous passing power. The EPA gives the Kona a combined fuel economy ranging from 27 to 30, which is better than the Ford, but behind the Mazda CX-3.

The price spread between the lowest and highest cost Kona models is higher this year, due to the special Iron Man Edition, which is a movie tie-in. Otherwise, the difference between the SE and Ultimate trims is $7,600 or $10,560 for the Iron Man. Add $1,400 for all-wheel drive.

We think the Hyundai Kona represents a strong entry in the subcompact SUV segment. Look beyond the base trim and the list of amenities is impressive. Start with the Limited trim and the better of the two engine choices is present.

Besides the Ford and Mazda models, you’ll want to cross-shop the Kona with the Nissan Kicks and Rogue Sport, Chevrolet Trax, Toyota C-HR, Jeep Renegade, Honda HR-V, Fiat 500X, and the Subaru Crosstrek. The Kona is one of the newest of the lot and perhaps the best model in the segment.

Tiny on the outside, the Kona offers a roomy storage compartment with the rear seat folded.

2019 Hyundai Kona Specifications

Hyundai	2019 Kona
Segment	Subcompact Crossover SUV
Base Sticker Price	$21,035 (including $1,045 destination fee)
Price as tested	$30,195 (Ultimate AWD)
Standard Engine	2.0-liter, inline-four
Horsepower	147 @ 6,200 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	132 @ 4,500 RPMs
Transmission	Six-speed automatic
Optional Engine	1.6-liter, turbo I4
Horsepower	175 @ 5,500 RPMs
Torque (lb.-ft.)	195 @ 1,500 to 4,500 RPMs
Transmission	Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Seating	2+3
Curb Weight (pounds)	2,890 (SE FWD); 3,276 (Limited AWD)
Wheelbase (inches)	102.4
Length (inches)	164.0
Width (inches)	70.9 (without mirrors)
Height (inches)	61.0
Head room (f,r — inches)	39.6, 37.8
Leg room (f,r — inches)	41.5, 34.6
Shoulder room (f,r — inches)	55.5, 54.5
Hip room (f,r — inches)	53.3, 52.2
Storage (cubic feet)	19.2, 45.8
Gross vehicle weight (pounds)	NR
Towing (pounds)	Not recommended
Payload (pounds)	915/930
Fuel	regular
Fuel Tank (gallons)	13.2
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined)	25/30/27 (2.0L AWD); 28/32/30 (1.6L FWD)(
Manufacturing Plant	Ulsan, Korea

See Also — SUV Eruption: 2018 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Tiburon represents one of this Korean automaker’s earliest forays into the sport coupe segment. It was produced from 1997 to 2008, replacing the earlier Scoupe before it was succeeded by the Hyundai Veloster and later the Genesis Coupe. The Hyundai Tiburon is a favorite car for the tuner set, people who like to customize their vehicles with engine swaps and aftermarket car parts. The Tiburon may also be a very good used car value if you are shopping for an affordable, front-wheel-drive car.

The second-generation Hyundai Tiburon has an aggressive stance, not unlike the later Genesis Coupe.

Hyundai Tiburon Overview

Tiburon is an island in the Gulf of California, located just off the coast of Sonora, Mexico. It is a Spanish word for shark, the name that Hyundai chose for its second attempt at a sport coupe model in the 1990s.

The Hyundai Tiburon was sold as a three-door hatchback through its 11-model-year, two-generation run. The first-generation model was sold from 1997 to 2001; the second-generation Tiburon was sold from 2003 to 2008. No 2002 model was built.

First Generation Highlights

When the Hyundai Tiburon made its debut, two engines were offered. The base model comes equipped with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 130 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and making 122 foot-pounds of torque at 5,000 rpm. It’s paired with a five-speed manual transmission.

The first-generation Tiburon included this styling refresh to the front fascia.

Also available is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, rated at 140 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and making 133 foot-pounds of torque at 4,800 rpm. It, too, comes with a five-speed manual transmission.

The base engine was dropped after the first year with the larger four standard across the model line through 2001.

First-Generation Exterior and Interior

Taking inspiration from the HCD II concept that made its debut at the 1993 Chicago Auto Show, the first-generation Hyundai Tiburon features a sport fascia, sculptured hood, strong shoulders, and sport coupe body lines. Base models have 14-inch wheels and tinted glass. Options include a rear spoiler, fog lights, alloy wheels, and keyless entry — standard features on the Tiburon FX.

Inside, the first-generation Hyundai Tiburon has 2+3 seating, with bucket seats up front and a fold-down bench seat in the back. Standard features include cloth seating, a tilt steering wheel, power windows and door locks, power side mirrors, an AM/FM cassette audio system, and power steering.

A rear spoiler is standard on all second-generation Tiburon models.

Second Generation Highlights

Beginning in 2003, the second-generation Hyundai Tiburon became available. Base and GT editions were sold initially with the model line further divided into GS, GT, SE and Limited editions before it was canceled following the 2008 model year.

The standard engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 138 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 136 foot-pounds of torque at 4,500 rpm. A five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic are the transmission choices.

A 2.7-liter V-6 is the upgraded engine, rated at 172 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 181 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 rpm. This engine works with either a five- or six-speed manual transmission or with a four-speed automatic transmission.

Second Generation Exterior and Interior

Fresh sheetmetal and a sportier look define the second-generation Hyundai Tiburon. That model has a more sophisticated looking front air dam, flared headlamps and improved sporty design characteristics on its profile and along the rocker panels. For the first time, a rear spoiler is standard and all models come outfitted with either 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the 2003 to 2008 Hyundai Tiburon features cloth or leather sport bucket seats and a fold-down split rear seat. Standard and available features include remote door locks, a tilt steering wheel, climate control, 12-volt power outlets, heated side mirrors, a six-speaker Kenwood audio system, XM satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Years after the Hyundai Tiburon was last available new, it offers value to used car shoppers. Pricing differences between four- and six-cylinder models should be noted, with equipment options offering further cost separation. Among the competing models of that era were the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Scion tC, and the Mitsubishi Eclipse.

See Also — Hyundai Veloster N: Namyang Performance