Hey, friends. Yes, this is a re-upload. We had a bizarre issue with our Kona review when it launched last week. Apologies for any confusion and thanks for understanding!!
I thought I was having another Mandela Effect episode in my life. Yes, I said “another”. The blonde girl at the end of “Moonraker” had braces and you can’t convince me that she didn’t!!!
@@McSMACKthe1st Moonraker and the Mandela effect in one comment?!? I wish I could ❤ this twice. Also, are you telling me the girl didn’t have braces???
So many good features! I know it’s random but my OCD loves the fact that all the windows roll down completely! 😂 also amazing that there are ventilated seats as an option!
thx for your honest review i recently bought the Kona and i absolutely love it, great ride , fantastic tech and great color , i got the soltronic orange
I have around 6500 miles and have owned mine for 10 months. With the SEL Convenience AWD version. I love this car and really do believe it is worth the money. When I was looking for a car I wanted a vehicle made in Japan or South Korea and from Hyundai the only two models are the venue or the Kona that are made in Korea. I drove it 1000 miles back in August on a vacation and really loved it for longer term travel.
I've had a Orange 2019 SE, a White 2022 SE, and now a Orange 2025 SEL Kona and I've enjoyed all of them. The 2025 offers so much tech and value for the money, more room for passengers and cargo. The exterior appearance is much different than my other models but it really is an attractive vehicle in my opinion.
@micahmuzio i can confirm my review Kona limited unit had wireless carplay and android auto both worked perfectly. I also noticed that all modern hyundais have that new updated infotainment too. as always great work sir.
I feel like Hyundai has made "maybe you could try not sucking" a whole, successful business strategy (they were so terrible when I was but a young driver), and honestly I love that for them. I try to import it at my work from time to time, where success is decidedly mixed.
I like this vehicle, other than the mark-of-Zorro side panels and the bland rear, which perhaps needs some Zorro inspiration. It's remarkable what Hyundai & Kia have done in a short time span.
Some of the futuristic design is due to it being designed as a EV first then retrofitted for ICE powertrains. Personally I prefer the body painted fender variants but I do like its design. I actually think the origami like lines on the sides make more sense here compared to a Elantra or Tucson that have it. On size, I believe it’s as or larger than an older (90s early 20s) CRV, Rav4 etc. Our subcompact now are as large as yesterday’s compacts.
I had a 2021 Sonata with the 1.6 turbo and 8-speed automatic. Between turbo lag and poorly-calibrated transmission programming, acceleration in (constantly changing) city traffic was always "no power...wait...now too much abrupt power". This was tiring and led to us saying bye-bye to the car. I'm guessing Kona uses the same hardware and similar programming. Ugh.
I have a Kona, 2021 and I haul my kayak in it. Since you can't tow anything with them. I wonder if the new 2024 is long. Enough to where I can close the tailgate. Do the seed slave flat? That's a big one. It would totally help if it would. A lot of the new vehicles do not lay flat, why is this.
Reliability and driving refinement? The Mazda. For practicality and features, especially for price? The Hyundai. And the 2.0L in the Kona is a dog on the lower trims but it’s a very old-school motor and the CVT is ‘not bad’ according to some mechanic UA-camrs I’ve seen. The turbo and 8AT are both ‘modern,’ which to me means new and unproven reliability-wise. I worked on Mazdas for a long time, and the current SkyActiv stuff is long-in-the-tooth but that means very few kinks left to work out (other than the CX-90/70, those are all-new and kind of sketchy in my mind).
@@tomfranquelli28841.6 litre turbo and 8 speed automatic are very old. 8 speed automatic has been there with sonata, palisades and telluride. And 1.6 turbo is probably only turbo engine that has been reliable somehow. And that engine is being used with hybrid for Kia carnival minivan and among other vehicles. It is old engine but something are new in terms of build quality as per smartstream marketing strategy.
I'm renting mazada now , trust me , it's one of the worst car I can say , I can't even touch screen if you do car play or android auto. I owned sonata and palisade , both are amazing . Yes some people said Mazda's are amazing to drive . But to be honest I really didn't like Mazda. If you donr want hyundai , may be go with toyota or honda
Which trim did you have for this review? I see a sunroof in the car which would imply "N Line" but the color looks like Mirage Green which doesn't appear to be available for that trim. Also, the speedometer is digits instead of the dial which implies the SEL but I don't think the sunroof is available for that trim.
Any rumors about a hybrid version in the works? Same question applies to Honda and the HR-V. I watched a review of the ZR-V (what they call the HR-V in Europe) with a hybrid and it's exactly what I'm in the market for, but the only option here seems to be the Corolla Cross Hybrid, which seems overpriced and undercontented (is that a word? Probably not).
@@MicahMuzioall these automakers not bringing the hybrid versions to the US market irritate the heck outta me. My Ioniq Hybrid is great and I’ll probably keep it for a very long time, but when my lease is up I would have at least like to have tried a Kona Hybrid, or take an HR-V hybrid out to see if the hybrid makes up for its anemic engine in todays model. But no, only small car options are the Prius, whose gauge cluster and steering wheel makes me want to put bleach in my eyes, or the Elantra Hybrid which is fine but I don’t want a sedan. The upcoming Civic Hatch Hybrid will be my only other genuine option, but my last Civic Hatchback was a rattle trap and I’m worried a new one would be too.
They don't mess around with new models...its a significant departure from last year. The N? with the rear spoiler I don't like it as much. 1st generation Kona still look good , not dated. The Iron Man version was ...aahh.. gimmicky 🤨 ..but I grin every time I see one.
Looks good but can we stop putting every feature imaginable on budget entry level cars. Part of the reason why cars have gotten expensive. If you want luxury features get a luxury car.
At first, I could only stand the n-line trim, the regular kona looked hideous with the oversized cladding. However, when I saw it in person, and more specifically, in motion, I understood the design completely. The cladding plants the car so nicely on the road, that it makes the kona look twice as low and twice as wide than it is. It looks like 5 crawling on the road (in a good way) I still think it's not a photogenic car, but it's miles better in person
it's fine but those large plastic side trim over the wheels... I wish East Asian manufacturers would stop doing that. so ugly, one scratch and your vehicle is ruined
Hey, friends. Yes, this is a re-upload. We had a bizarre issue with our Kona review when it launched last week. Apologies for any confusion and thanks for understanding!!
That’s what I thought. The 5.0 people joke made me realize that 😅
Deja vu, it happens when they change something in the Matrix! Knuckle up!
Oh thank goodness. I was way confused for a minute. ::whew::
I thought I was having another Mandela Effect episode in my life. Yes, I said “another”.
The blonde girl at the end of “Moonraker” had braces and you can’t convince me that she didn’t!!!
@@McSMACKthe1st Moonraker and the Mandela effect in one comment?!? I wish I could ❤ this twice. Also, are you telling me the girl didn’t have braces???
I drove one for a rental and I’m 6’4 260 and felt comfortable in it
So many good features! I know it’s random but my OCD loves the fact that all the windows roll down completely! 😂 also amazing that there are ventilated seats as an option!
thx for your honest review i recently bought the Kona and i absolutely love it, great ride , fantastic tech and great color , i got the soltronic orange
I have around 6500 miles and have owned mine for 10 months. With the SEL Convenience AWD version. I love this car and really do believe it is worth the money. When I was looking for a car I wanted a vehicle made in Japan or South Korea and from Hyundai the only two models are the venue or the Kona that are made in Korea. I drove it 1000 miles back in August on a vacation and really loved it for longer term travel.
I've had a Orange 2019 SE, a White 2022 SE, and now a Orange 2025 SEL Kona and I've enjoyed all of them. The 2025 offers so much tech and value for the money, more room for passengers and cargo. The exterior appearance is much different than my other models but it really is an attractive vehicle in my opinion.
Your daughter : "I would never do a commercial". Next video comes out: "We are now sponsored by Flying Eyes and Pepperidge Farm Goldfish". 😜
Were gunning for that sweet Goldfish money!!!
@@MicahMuzio Remember when Micah's daughter said "No" to doing commercials? Pepperidge Farms remembers!
@@Heirmullen83😹😹
Looks great. Still one of the better cuvs in the class
@micahmuzio i can confirm my review Kona limited unit had wireless carplay and android auto both worked perfectly. I also noticed that all modern hyundais have that new updated infotainment too. as always great work sir.
Thanks for verifying. Cheers!
@@MicahMuzio anytime sir always great to help out a legend
You guys make reviews fun. Love the energy your fam has.
And we appreciate your kind encouragement. Cheers!!
I always loved the Kona! And I'm not necessarily a fan of trucks and crossovers
It's hard to find more distinct style for less money than a Kona.
Nice. I've been gearing up for something new and this is one of my top considerations.
I feel like Hyundai has made "maybe you could try not sucking" a whole, successful business strategy (they were so terrible when I was but a young driver), and honestly I love that for them. I try to import it at my work from time to time, where success is decidedly mixed.
I like this vehicle, other than the mark-of-Zorro side panels and the bland rear, which perhaps needs some Zorro inspiration. It's remarkable what Hyundai & Kia have done in a short time span.
Nice for a low cost SUV.
Big question, does Micah still work for KBB?
I do still work for KBB. But these days I'm doing managerial work behind the scenes.
Thanks for answering, your name is no longer mentioned on KBB videos.
@@MicahMuzio Rumor is that Micah is a "helicopter manager".
I personally like the design and would consider this vehicle!
. . . . Morse Code for H. One of the designers must be a ham radio operator. Love your reviews!
Some of the futuristic design is due to it being designed as a EV first then retrofitted for ICE powertrains.
Personally I prefer the body painted fender variants but I do like its design. I actually think the origami like lines on the sides make more sense here compared to a Elantra or Tucson that have it.
On size, I believe it’s as or larger than an older (90s early 20s) CRV, Rav4 etc. Our subcompact now are as large as yesterday’s compacts.
I had a 2021 Sonata with the 1.6 turbo and 8-speed automatic. Between turbo lag and poorly-calibrated transmission programming, acceleration in (constantly changing) city traffic was always "no power...wait...now too much abrupt power". This was tiring and led to us saying bye-bye to the car. I'm guessing Kona uses the same hardware and similar programming. Ugh.
I have a Kona, 2021 and I haul my kayak in it. Since you can't tow anything with them. I wonder if the new 2024 is long. Enough to where I can close the tailgate. Do the seed slave flat? That's a big one. It would totally help if it would. A lot of the new vehicles do not lay flat, why is this.
This or the Mazda CX-30???
Reliability and driving refinement? The Mazda. For practicality and features, especially for price? The Hyundai.
And the 2.0L in the Kona is a dog on the lower trims but it’s a very old-school motor and the CVT is ‘not bad’ according to some mechanic UA-camrs I’ve seen. The turbo and 8AT are both ‘modern,’ which to me means new and unproven reliability-wise. I worked on Mazdas for a long time, and the current SkyActiv stuff is long-in-the-tooth but that means very few kinks left to work out (other than the CX-90/70, those are all-new and kind of sketchy in my mind).
@@tomfranquelli2884wow great synopsis!
@@tomfranquelli28841.6 litre turbo and 8 speed automatic are very old. 8 speed automatic has been there with sonata, palisades and telluride. And 1.6 turbo is probably only turbo engine that has been reliable somehow. And that engine is being used with hybrid for Kia carnival minivan and among other vehicles. It is old engine but something are new in terms of build quality as per smartstream marketing strategy.
I'm renting mazada now , trust me , it's one of the worst car I can say , I can't even touch screen if you do car play or android auto.
I owned sonata and palisade , both are amazing .
Yes some people said Mazda's are amazing to drive . But to be honest I really didn't like Mazda.
If you donr want hyundai , may be go with toyota or honda
People always tell me that Hyundai is an inferior company that makes horriblevehicles. It’s so confusing out there
People like them for the tech and nice interior. Quality and resale value not as good as Honda.
i loveeeeeee mine
Which trim did you have for this review? I see a sunroof in the car which would imply "N Line" but the color looks like Mirage Green which doesn't appear to be available for that trim. Also, the speedometer is digits instead of the dial which implies the SEL but I don't think the sunroof is available for that trim.
That’s the limited he is driving.
@@jbar_85 Thanks! I did test drive this car in the Limited trim but ultimately decided on something else.
I love the visibility analysis from the wife.. It's the same reason I can't stand the cx30.
Huzzah , the innuendo iguana 🦎 is back!
The non-all wheel drive version has cheap suspension. It’s sad because I really liked the look and features of the vehicle!
Hi Micah!!!
review the ioniq 5
We really should. Thanks for the reminder!
5'10-long-torso-brethren, rise! ✊🏼
5'10" hi5!! 🖐
Just say you're "six foot minus two and very long", it sounds better.
@@BoopSnoot When I start doing that, everyone can blame you. 😁
Any rumors about a hybrid version in the works? Same question applies to Honda and the HR-V. I watched a review of the ZR-V (what they call the HR-V in Europe) with a hybrid and it's exactly what I'm in the market for, but the only option here seems to be the Corolla Cross Hybrid, which seems overpriced and undercontented (is that a word? Probably not).
It would be crazy for Hyundai not to bring a Kona hybrid stateside. It's already exists elsewhere in the world.
@@MicahMuzioall these automakers not bringing the hybrid versions to the US market irritate the heck outta me. My Ioniq Hybrid is great and I’ll probably keep it for a very long time, but when my lease is up I would have at least like to have tried a Kona Hybrid, or take an HR-V hybrid out to see if the hybrid makes up for its anemic engine in todays model. But no, only small car options are the Prius, whose gauge cluster and steering wheel makes me want to put bleach in my eyes, or the Elantra Hybrid which is fine but I don’t want a sedan.
The upcoming Civic Hatch Hybrid will be my only other genuine option, but my last Civic Hatchback was a rattle trap and I’m worried a new one would be too.
2024 Hybrid Konas are in the US already.
They don't mess around with
new models...its a significant
departure from last year.
The N? with the rear spoiler I
don't like it as much. 1st generation
Kona still look good , not dated.
The Iron Man version was ...aahh..
gimmicky 🤨 ..but I grin every time I see one.
is it just me or doses anyone else miss screaming mica ?
That's hilarious. I remember quite a few "stop screaming at me" comments back in the day. 😂
What about a vs video against the Kia Niro? The styling on the niro is much my preference
Looks good but can we stop putting every feature imaginable on budget entry level cars. Part of the reason why cars have gotten expensive. If you want luxury features get a luxury car.
The base Kona is 24k. Which for the market is affordable. They also offer a venue for less than $20k base. Those are budget options.
5.5 means, five adults and a child. .5 are for children
Definitely SubCompact 🥴
I'm the only one that thinks this car looks terrible from the outside? What a weird design! haha
At first, I could only stand the n-line trim, the regular kona looked hideous with the oversized cladding.
However, when I saw it in person, and more specifically, in motion, I understood the design completely.
The cladding plants the car so nicely on the road, that it makes the kona look twice as low and twice as wide than it is. It looks like 5 crawling on the road (in a good way)
I still think it's not a photogenic car, but it's miles better in person
Nope. I think it's hideous.
it's fine but those large plastic side trim over the wheels... I wish East Asian manufacturers would stop doing that. so ugly, one scratch and your vehicle is ruined
Thankfully the N-Line trim does away with the plastic body cladding. I really like how it looks.
Deja vu
Yep, déjà vu all over again.
I cannot get past the hideous exterior...