The Hyundai Kona Grew Up, Literally
A significant size increase for this generation wasn't just a styling decision — it directly addressed the car's biggest practical shortfall, and the review reflects that clearly.
Solving a Problem by Getting Bigger
Not every car improves simply by growing, but in this case a substantial size increase over the previous generation went straight to fixing what buyers actually complained about, rather than being change for its own sake.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Compact crossover |
|---|---|
| Powertrains | Petrol, hybrid, fully electric |
| Boot space | 466 litres, variable-height floor standard |
| Rear seat split | 40/20/40 (60/40 on entry Advance trim) |
| Infotainment | Touchscreen with physical climate and shortcut buttons |
Full Review Summary
Autocar
Autocar rated the infotainment system among the best on the market, praising stylish yet logical menus, strong responsiveness, and voice control that worked reliably in testing — a genuinely rare compliment for a system in this class. They specifically welcomed Hyundai's decision to retain physical climate controls and shortcut buttons even as rivals like BMW increasingly move everything into touchscreens. Boot space was rated generously ahead of rivals like the Honda HR-V, with only the Renault Arkana offering slightly more room.
Autocar (driver assistance)
The same test was notably critical of the driver assistance systems specifically, describing them as ranging from unhelpful to genuinely intrusive, with the driver attention monitor triggering warnings for glancing at mirrors and the speed limit warning system misreading signs on the motorway. They noted these systems reactivate every time the car starts due to regulatory requirements, meaning the annoyance repeats on every single journey rather than being a one-time setup issue. Seat comfort was rated as competent across the range, though the standard steering wheel was found to have a little too little reach adjustment for some drivers.
Strengths
- Excellent, responsive infotainment system
- Retains physical climate and shortcut controls
- Generous boot space with variable-height floor
- Genuinely improved practicality over the previous generation
Weak points
- Driver assistance systems often intrusive or unreliable
- No wireless phone mirroring, unusual for the segment
- Limited steering wheel reach adjustment
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers who want a genuinely practical, easy-to-use crossover with strong infotainment and don't mind switching off the more intrusive driver assistance features at the start of every journey. Worth a proper test drive to check the steering position works for you specifically.