Kona grows from first generation
This time Hyundai says it started with the EV
There’s a new Kona in town. Hyundai has created the second generation of its subcompact crossover, making it slightly larger, slightly more aggressive in design, and offering gas, hybrid, and EV models. Though there’s no word on the return of the Hyundai Kona N.
The announcement was short on details, but there were some renderings showing the finished product. Hyundai has taken the ultra-thin high-mount front light to its ultimate conclusion, replacing the running light openings with a single thin LED strip that runs across the nose. As before, the actual headlights are lower down in the nose. A gas model was shown with a large opening for cooling and an N Line trim was on display with that brand’s signature. The Kona Electric gets a mostly flat front end with some pixel-style lights under the license plate mount.
From the side, the new Kona looks a lot like the larger Tucson. At the back, it gets a single thin LED light strip just like in the front.
Kona is larger for 2024. 150 mm longer overall at 4,355 mm long and 25 mm wider. An extra 60 mm of wheelbase should make sure that there is more space for passengers as well. Hyundai started with the EV model this time around then added ICE powertrains, and Hyundai says that should bring more “technology-led design thinking” to the model.
Inside, Hyundai will offer twin 12.3-inch screens and a floating module that holds the physical controls. Shift-by-wire on the column helps unclutter the cabin, which looks to give it a more open feel like the Ioniq 5 offers. The larger second row holds a “maximised cargo space.” The outgoing model was quite small back there, so the extra length should help with storage.
Hyundai will have more details to come, including revealing the new powertrains. While the model will get a hybrid drive offering, it’s not clear if Canadians will get that one. It wasn’t offered on the first-gen Kona. Expect the new Hyundai Kona to go on sale later next year as a 2024.
