2025 Hyundai Kona

The volume 2025 trims (SE, SEL, SEL Convenience) use the 2.0L MPI Atkinson four rated at 147 hp. The 190-hp 1.6L turbo is limited to the N Line S, N Line and Limited.

The volume 2.0L makes 132 lb-ft, which peaks high in the rev range and sits at the bottom of the SUV band. The optional 1.6T adds 63 lb-ft.

The base 2.0L/CVT took 9.8 s to reach 60 mph in testing, slow for the segment. The turbo trims are two seconds quicker and rank among the class's quicker choices.

The 2.0L pulls away cleanly and is adequate in town. It gets loud and strained under hard throttle, and reviewers point buyers to the 1.6T for a satisfying engine. This 2024–2025 generation powertrain is unchanged.

Hyundai's IVT uses simulated step-shifts that hide its CVT nature in normal driving, but revs flare and drone under load. The 1.6T pairs with a conventional 8-speed automatic that behaves well.

Hyundai publishes no US tow rating for the Kona, so it scores zero on this capability. Braked ratings from overseas markets do not apply to the US car.

HTRAC AWD is optional across the 2.0L and 1.6T trims, which is broad availability. It is a basic front-biased on-demand system with no low range or locking differential.

This is a pavement-oriented subcompact crossover: roughly 6.7–8.3 in of clearance depending on drivetrain, with no skid plates, lockers or crawl control. The N Line is a sport-styled trim, not an off-road one.

For 2025 there are three distinct US powertrains: a 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, a 1.6L turbo, and the Kona Electric in both standard-range (133 hp) and long-range (201 hp) forms. That is strong breadth for a subcompact; the gap is the lack of a US hybrid.

The volume 2.0L FWD Kona is EPA-rated 31 MPG combined, mid-pack among gas subcompact SUVs.

City is the weaker EPA cycle for this non-hybrid 2.0L/CVT pairing.

35 MPG highway is strong for the class. AWD costs about 6 MPG on this cycle.

The small 12.4-gallon tank caps range near 384 miles despite decent economy. The figure is computed from EPA combined MPG and published tank capacity; EPA does not publish it directly.

This is EPA's annual fuel-cost estimate for the volume 2.0L FWD on regular fuel at 15,000 miles a year.

Every gas Kona, 2.0L and 1.6T alike, runs on regular unleaded with no premium recommendation.

NHTSA rates the 2025 Kona 4 stars overall: 4 stars frontal (driver and passenger), 5 stars side, 4 stars rollover. That is a star behind the 5-star subcompact leaders.

The 2025 Kona is an IIHS 2025 TOP SAFETY PICK+ and rates Good in every crashworthiness test, including the tougher updated moderate overlap and updated side tests. It falls short of the 90s only because its headlights are rated Acceptable.

Every 2025 trim (SE, SEL, N Line, Limited) has SmartSense standard: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian/cyclist detection, Lane Keeping Assist plus Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning and High Beam Assist. Smart Cruise Control is not standard on the base SE. On the volume SEL it comes only with the Convenience package. That gap is what keeps 2025 below the 2026 model, which made adaptive cruise standard on every trim.

The standard system rates Good, the top grade, in both of IIHS's front crash prevention tests: the newer, harder vehicle-to-vehicle 2.0 test and the pedestrian test, which includes night runs. Few subcompacts post Good in both.

Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist are standard on every trim, and both can brake, not just warn. Safe Exit Warning is also standard. The camera-based Blind-Spot View Monitor and Surround View Monitor are Limited-only.

Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist (lane centering) are standard on every trim and track well on clearly marked roads. Hyundai's tuning corrects more noticeably than the smoothest rivals, and centering fades where lane markings are worn.

Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go is well tuned and covers the full speed range, and Highway Driving Assist pairs it with lane centering. On 2025 models both are optional on the volume SEL (Convenience package) and missing from the base SE, so many Konas on the lot have plain cruise control.

No 2025 Kona trim offers hands-free highway driving. Highway Driving Assist is a hands-on system that needs steering input.

IIHS rates the LED projector headlights Acceptable, and that rating applies to every trim, so no version has poor lights. High Beam Assist is standard. The headlights are the only non-Good result on the IIHS report.

The upright seating and tall windshield give good forward and side views for the class. The high beltline, thick rear pillars and small rear window limit the view over the shoulder and when reversing. The Surround View and Blind-Spot View cameras that would make up for this are Limited-only.

IIHS rates LATCH Acceptable: two outboard seats have full LATCH hardware and the center seat has a tether anchor only. The lower anchors sit deep in the seat crease and take effort to reach. A rear-facing seat fits tightly behind the front seats, and three car seats across will not fit.

The 2025 Kona is a two-row, five-passenger subcompact SUV on all six trims (SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line S, N Line, Limited). No six- or seven-seat version exists.

39.9 in of front headroom without a sunroof makes the front seats feel tall for the class. The power sunroof on N Line and Limited takes about two inches.

41.7 in of front legroom is enough for a subcompact but mid-pack against SUVs as a whole.

38.3 in of rear headroom is good for a subcompact, though the raised stadium-style rear cushion puts taller passengers closer to the headliner than the figure suggests.

Rear legroom is the second-generation Kona's best packaging figure. At 38.2 in it is close to compact-SUV territory, helped by the 2.3-in wheelbase stretch over the first generation.

The Kona has two rows and five seats on every trim and powertrain. It has no third row, so this item scores in the bottom band.

25.5 cu ft behind the rear seats is competitive among subcompact SUVs and a big gain over the first-generation Kona.

Folding the 60/40 reclining rear bench opens 63.7 cu ft, which is useful for a vehicle this small.

The column-mounted shift-by-wire frees a large open console tray with a pass-through underneath, and the reclining rear bench has a fold-down armrest with cupholders. Reviewers criticize the unlined plastic bins that let items slide around, and gas models have little underfloor storage.

The front seats are well padded and adjustable, and the volume SEL adds a power driver's seat with lumbar support. The rear bench reclines, which is better than most subcompacts. Side bolstering up front is shallow and rear thigh support is modest.

The second-generation chassis rides much better than the old Kona: firm but rarely harsh. It still gets busy and bouncy over bigger swells, which is average rather than class-leading for a short-wheelbase subcompact.

There is intrusive road noise at highway speed, and the volume 2.0L gets buzzy under load. That leaves the cabin about average for the class.

On the 2025 car, heated front seats start at SEL Convenience, so the volume SE and SEL trims don't have them. Ventilated seats and leatherette are Limited-only. The SEL does get dual automatic climate control. There is no separate rear climate zone at any trim.

The 2025 Kona SE opens at $24,350 plus a $1,395 destination charge, one of the lowest entry prices in the subcompact-SUV class.

KBB names the SEL with all-wheel drive as the most popular Kona configuration, which lands just under $28,600 delivered for 2025.

Kona service costs are well below the class norm — CarEdge projects about $2,646 over five years and RepairPal puts average annual repair at $449 vs $652 industry-wide — and the 2025 model still gets Hyundai's free 3-year/36,000-mile maintenance, trimming the out-of-pocket figure further.

The gas Kona holds value about in line with the subcompact-SUV class average, keeping roughly 60% of MSRP after five years; the Electric depreciates far faster.

Hyundai Assurance's 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage is the longest in the mainstream market, matched only by Kia and Genesis.

The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty tops the band, though only the original owner gets the full term.

As the last model year before Hyundai dropped the program, the 2025 Kona still includes 3 years/36,000 miles of scheduled oil changes and tire rotations, plus 5 years of unlimited-mile 24/7 roadside assistance and a complimentary Bluelink connected-services period — multi-year maintenance with meaningful perks.

$28,595 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (60% retained, or about $17,157) leaves about $11,438 in depreciation. Add the projected $2,400 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $13,838 in total.

2025 is the second, carry-over year of the second-generation (SX2) Kona. J.D. Power rates it 84/100 for quality & reliability ("Great"), and Consumer Reports moved up from the below-average 2024 to predict about-average reliability for 2025. Solid signals from both sources, but not top-tier, which puts it in the upper part of the middle band.

In the 2025 timeframe Hyundai was a solid upper-mid-pack brand: 10th in Consumer Reports' 2025 brand reliability rankings and 2nd among mass-market brands in J.D. Power's 2025 Initial Quality Study, with Hyundai Motor Group the top corporation for a second straight year. Strong, but not in the perennial top-5 dependability tier.

The 2025 gas Kona has a lighter recall record than the launch-year 2024, whose 12V battery-cable and EGR-valve recalls were limited to early production. It is still covered by the safety-relevant rear center seat-belt buckle recall that spans the SX2 generation, and owners are told not to use that seat until it is fixed. That counts as typical activity with one notable safety campaign.

The volume SE/SEL trims carry over the 147-hp 2.0L Smartstream MPI four with the IVT, a low-stress port-injected setup. The 1.6T upper trims use a conventional 8-speed automatic instead of the gen-1 dry DCT. The 2.0L's 2024 EGR loss-of-power recall was a first-year fix. Neither combination yet has a long high-mileage record in this body.

The carry-over SX2 cabin's twin 12.3-inch panoramic displays look upscale for the class. Reviewers still note hard, scratchy plastics across the dash and doors on volume trims, with soft-touch surfaces and leatherette reserved for Limited. That makes it competitive rather than class-leading.

In 2025 Hyundai's initial quality was among the best in the mass market (2nd of mass-market brands in the J.D. Power IQS, and the group was the top corporation), and J.D. Power's owner-based quality rating for the 2025 Kona is high. A Kona-specific IQS segment award for 2025 was not confirmed (that came for the 2026), so it sits just below the top band.

Hyundai's roughly 800-store US franchised network makes coverage a non-issue anywhere. Service satisfaction is ordinary rather than standout, which keeps it out of the upper band.

High US sales volume keeps parts common and cheap, and RepairPal puts Kona repair costs well under the all-vehicle average. Hyundai's 10-yr/100k-mi powertrain warranty and 3-yr/36k-mi complimentary maintenance cover much of early ownership. Second-gen body and trim parts have a thinner aftermarket than gen 1.

Every 2025 Kona has a 12.3-inch center touchscreen, including the base SE. That is one of the largest standard screens among subcompact SUVs.

Hyundai's current software is quick and logically laid out. The Kona keeps physical volume and tuning knobs and a separate climate panel, and reviewers consistently rank it among the better mainstream systems.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on every 2025 trim, including the SE.

Built-in navigation and Hyundai's voice recognition start at SEL Convenience, so the volume SE and SEL use phone projection for maps. The voice system handles basic commands but is not natural-language.

The standard six-speaker system is adequate. The eight-speaker Bose upgrade arrives with the N Line and Limited, so it is out of reach for volume-trim buyers.

The SE and SEL pair analog gauges with a 4.2-inch driver display. The 12.3-inch digital cluster under the panoramic glass starts at SEL Convenience in 2025, two trims below the top of the range.

The Kona gets over-the-air infotainment and map updates, and Hyundai has extended OTA to some vehicle controllers on this platform. These updates maintain the car rather than adding features.

Bluelink connected services cover remote lock/unlock, remote start with climate control and vehicle finder. In 2025 Hyundai Digital Key (phone as key) and Wi-Fi start at SEL Convenience, one step above the volume SEL.

USB-C ports are standard in the front, with rear ports added on mid trims. Wireless charging starts at SEL Convenience in 2025, so the volume SEL has no charging pad. There is no household AC outlet.

Proximity key with push-button start comes on the lower trims, and Digital Key is available from SEL Convenience. The hands-free smart liftgate is Limited-only.

A rear camera is standard. The Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor and parking distance warning are reserved for the Limited, so the volume SEL gets only the rear camera plus blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts.

No head-up display is offered on any 2025 US Kona trim. The SX2 offers one in some export markets, but the US range tops out at the Limited, which does not list one.

The second-generation Kona's back seat is one of the roomiest among subcompacts, and the squared-off 25.5 cu ft cargo bay takes a stroller easily. LATCH is only average: two full positions plus a tether-only center, with anchors set into the seat bight, and the cabin is too narrow for three car seats across.

IIHS named the 2025 Kona a TOP SAFETY PICK+, and core SmartSense (forward collision avoidance, lane keeping, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic alerts) is standard. NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall, though. In 2025 stop-and-go adaptive cruise and Highway Driving Assist are optional on SEL and standard from N Line up, not standard everywhere as they are for 2026.

Both rows are comfortable, and 25.5 cu ft holds luggage for four with the seats up. Rear amenities are thin, though: no rear climate zone, heated seats only from SEL Convenience, and road noise is the most common complaint on long highway drives.

Commuting suits the Kona well. The 2.0L/IVT pulls away without hesitation, and the column shifter and physical controls keep things simple. The 9.8-second 0-60 time makes merging a matter of planning, and stop-and-go cruise is optional on the volume SEL.

31 MPG combined on regular fuel and cheap consumables keep per-mile costs low. Without a hybrid Kona it trails hybrid rivals, and AWD or the 1.6T drops economy to 26–28 MPG.

At 171.3 in long with a 34.8 ft turning circle, the Kona is easy to park in the city, and the upright greenhouse gives good sightlines. Surround View and parking sensors are Limited-only.

The Kona has no US tow rating, and Hyundai says it is not recommended for towing. Its only work utility is hauling: 25.5 to 63.7 cu ft of cargo moved by 147 hp.

The naturally aspirated 2.0L and IVT are a simple combination backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It is still a car-based unibody crossover with no fleet or trade reputation.

The gas Kona has almost no work provisions: no factory hitch, no 110V outlet, and only basic cargo tie-downs. Roof rails start at the volume SEL. V2L is offered only on the Kona Electric.

About 384 miles per tank and seats that are comfortable in both rows make the Kona a capable tourer. Road noise, a chassis that floats over undulating pavement, and 147 hp hold it back. Highway Driving Assist is optional, not standard, on the volume SEL.

HTRAC AWD is a $1,500 option on every 2025 trim, and AWD raises ground clearance to about 8 in, enough for forest roads and ski trips. There is no tow rating, no off-road variant and no cabin power outlet on gas models.

The squared-off cargo bay holds 25.5 cu ft, or 63.7 cu ft with the 60/40 reclining rear seats folded. There is no hitch option, which rules out a hitch-mounted carrier or bike rack; roof rails start at SEL.

The second-generation Kona is tuned for comfort. Its damping is soft and it shows plenty of body roll, though it is secure in emergency handling tests. It doesn't match sharper rivals like the CX-30 or Taos.

The steering is light and accurate enough for town driving, but it feels slightly rubbery and gives little feedback.

Stopping is dependable, and the Kona did well in instrumented emergency-braking tests. No review singles out pedal feel as a strength.

The volume 147-hp 2.0L is paired with a well-tuned CVT that simulates upshifts, but it feels sluggish when pushed. The 190-hp 1.6T with an 8-speed (N Line/Limited) is quicker but has low-speed drivability hiccups.

The base 2.0L gets loud and buzzy under load, and engine noise is one reason Consumer Reports finds the cabin louder than most.

A 34.8-ft curb-to-curb turning diameter is near the tight end of the SUV band and well suited to city driving.

The driving position is high and commanding for a subcompact, with clean sightlines, physical climate buttons, and a power lumbar-adjustable driver's seat on the volume SEL. Taller drivers find the seat cushion short, and the wheel rim can block part of the cluster.

The volume 2.0L Kona is a competent commuter appliance, held back by a soft chassis and buzzy engine. In 2025 you could still buy an N Line with the 190-hp turbo, which adds some spark but no chassis sharpness.

Every 2025 Kona gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and a full SmartSense suite, and 64-color ambient lighting spread to more trims for 2025. It falls short of the 2026 car, which made Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go standard across the range — on 2025 the base SE goes without it and the dual-12.3-inch screens stay on upper grades.

At $25,745 delivered the Kona costs more than a Trax or Venue but gives you a bigger cabin, a 190-hp turbo option and the best warranty in the segment. KBB named it the 2025 Subcompact SUV Best Buy, essentially a value verdict. The catch is the top end: a loaded Limited AWD nears $35,000, where you can buy a compact SUV.

The 2025 range is the widest the Kona has had: six gas trims (SE, SEL, new SEL Convenience, new N Line S, N Line, Limited), two engines (147-hp 2.0L and 190-hp 1.6T), and AWD offered as a $1,500 option on every trim. On top of that, the Kona Electric still came in multiple trims with two battery sizes in 2025.

The redesigned Kona sold strongly in its launch year (82,172 in 2024), but 2025 calendar-year US sales fell 21% to 64,666 — still a healthy mid-pack seller, but below class leaders like the Trax and Crosstrek and trending down.

Hyundai's image keeps climbing on the back of strong design, warranty and initial-quality results, but brand-level resale still trails Toyota, Honda and Subaru, and the brand has no premium halo to lift a subcompact crossover.

2025 Kona buyers have consistently found real support: leases from $199–$219/month, up to $2,000 HMF Dealer Choice cash combined with financing, plus military and grad rebates. Now that the 2026 model is out, leftover 2025 stock adds more room to negotiate.

2025 is only the second model year of the second-generation Kona, which launched for 2024 on a larger platform with current Hyundai tech. The 2025 changes were trim additions rather than a redesign, so buyers face no near-term redesign risk.

The Kona is heavily decorated for a mainstream subcompact: KBB Best Subcompact SUV Best Buy for 2025 (its second straight win), IIHS Top Safety Pick+ for 2025, and Car and Driver Editors' Choice honors for this generation. It falls short of the top band only because head-to-head comparison wins over the Crosstrek and Seltos are not routine.