Hartford Courant

Hyundai Kona a generation­al improvemen­t

- By Marc D. Grasso

Hyundai has become a significan­t part of families across the country due to their rightly priced vehicles with great factory warranties. With an array of vehicles fit for every member of the family, the Hyundai Kona surfaces in 2024 with a larger and more capable vehicle than ever.

Wrapped in Denim Blue Pearl, the 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD shows out in Grasso’s Garage very nicely. Its small frame and compact-like size have a lot of value for the buck.

The ever-popular and proven 1.6-liter turbocharg­ed four-cylinder engine produces 190 horsepower or 147 with the 2.0-liter option. Both engine options are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmissi­on with paddle shifters. The HTRAC all-wheel drive system also surfaces on the Kona as in past models and is nicely utilized for those drivers who battle winters with snow. This powertrain combinatio­n manufactur­ed commuter-like fuel mileage, and on our test we attained 28 mpg consistent­ly.

On the interior, we noticed a 12.3-inch infotainme­nt system with navigation and connectivi­ty. The seats were very spacious and roomy.

The second-generation Hyundai Kona, which rolled out in 2023, has received a new front and rear fascia, and a hybrid version has been added to the fleet. Overall the Kona has grown 5.9 inches and 2.4 inches in length

to the wheelbase.

The Hyundai Kona serves its fleet and customers congruentl­y.

It’s a well priced entry-level SUV that resembles the Hyundai Sante Fe on the interior while having a smaller hatchback style storage without the price and truck bed. As the Kona is larger than the previous generation, and still smaller than the Tucson, the Kona is the second-smallest SUV in the fleet, but easily the biggest bang for the buck.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Are you in the market for a new car? I would be happy to provide my honest input. All you have to do is email me: marc.grasso@ bostonhera­ld.com.

 ?? MARC D. GRASSO/BOSTON HERALD ?? The 2024 Hyundai Kona’s small frame and compact-like size have a lot of value for the buck.
MARC D. GRASSO/BOSTON HERALD The 2024 Hyundai Kona’s small frame and compact-like size have a lot of value for the buck.

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