Kona crossover starts at $19,500, offers all-wheel drive

For 2018, Hyundai has added a new subcompact crossover SUV to its lineup, with lots to offer for the money and features buyers want in a versatile family vehicle, as well as Hyundai’s excellent warranty.

The new Kona is available in four trims: SE, $19,500; SEL, $21,150; Limited, $24,700; and Ultimate, $27,400.

Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive adding $1,300. AWD comes with a more-sophisticated rear suspension for a morecomposed ride, and a locking center differential to enhance off-road traction.

Kona SE and SEL come with a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter fourcylinder engine, with a six-speed automatic transmission. Limited and Ultimate (the one I drove) have a 175-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, paired with a seven-speed EcoShift dualclutch automatic transmission.

Exterior styling includes heavy creasing on the hood, front and rear fenders, door panels and rear quarters to the taillights, and rocker panels. Gray body cladding extends from the wheel arches to include the headlight and taillight housings.

Five LED lights make up the distinct slim Daytime Running Lights at the junction of the hood and front fascia. Kona’s six-sided grille is trimmed in chrome and has a slightly curved side.

My Kona Ultimate with AWD was metallic Thunder Gray with Black leather interior (seating, steering wheel, shift knob) trimmed in Lime Green and Gloss Black. Lime Green on the lighted start button, round side air vents, elongated dual center vents, and shifter surround, along with piping and top-stitching on front seat bolsters, and front and rear headrests, and top-stitching on rear outboard seats added a touch of fun.

Interior colors depend on trim selection and exterior color. Cloth interiors in SE and SEL come in black, and black with gray, while leather interiors in Limited and Ultimate models come in black, gray, or black with Lime. Building your Kona is easy; choosing a color combination may take longer.

Entry and exit were easy thanks to large door openings and higher seat cushions. The seat cushions suited my short legs, but were a little short for a passenger with longer legs. The front seats were otherwise comfortable and easy to adjust for fit, especially in combination with the tilt/telescopic steering wheel. The perforated leather upholstery allowed adequate air circulation.

The versatile steering wheel had cruise control, phone, audio controls (volume, mode and tune), and vehicle info access and configuration.

The 60/40 split-folding rear seat was able to accommodate two average-size adults or three children or small adults. The cushioning was flatter, and slightly less comfortable, and legroom was almost seven inches less — 41.5 vs. 34.6 inches. Headroom was better, almost identical to the front seats — 38 vs. 37.8 inches.

Interior storage was limited, with a small shelf under the center stack, a small bin under the center armrest, small door pockets (very small bottle pockets) and small cupholders.

Driver Attention Warning analyzes driving patterns and warns the driver via audible tone or visual alert on the instrument panel that it is time for a break. Kona Ultimate is the only vehicle in its class to offer wireless charging and the Driver Attention Warning system. All advanced safety features are well tuned to avoid annoying false alarms.

The eight-inch touch screen has a Rear View Monitor with parking guidance for safely backing up and parking. The screen sits on top of the dash above the center console, easy to see and reach. A/C controls located below the middle vents were simple, well labeled, and easy to use.

Blue Link, Hyundai’s Connected Car Service, allows owners to start and cool or warm the vehicle with a few taps in a smartphone/smartwatch app or by saying “Alexa, start my car and set the temperature at X degrees.” The vehicle will run for 10 minutes, or a timer may be set, and the doors remain locked.

Also using a smartphone/smartwatch/connected home device and a PIN, doors can be locked/ unlocked. Doors lock after 30 seconds if not opened. If you should lock your keys inside, MyHundai with Blue Link Mobile App on your smart device can unlock the doors — unless the phone is also locked inside.

Operators can get a full diagnostic check from the touch screen, schedule services, and get reminders for routine maintenance.

Important information such as speed, cruise control, navigation turn-by-turn, and safety features such as blind-spot warning

were projected on a pop-up transparent panel just above the instrument panel on the dash in the driver’s line of sight, so eyes never needed to leave the road.

The ride is smooth on most roads, but a little rough on broken pavement. Road noise came through on almost every surface, although not enough to be intrusive.

Kona isn’t a serious off-road vehicle, but some of us like to take a road less traveled, and Kona does that with ease and comfort. Hill Brake Control was welcome on the steeper roads I encountered.

The Hyundai Kona has a 10 years/100,00 miles powertrain warranty, 5 years/60,000 miles new vehicle warranty, 7 years perforation warranty, and 5 years 24/7 Roadside Assistance.

HYUNDAI For 2018, Hyundai has added a new subcompact crossover SUV to its lineup, with lots to offer for the money as well as Hyundai’s excellent warranty.