🚙 2025 Hyundai Kona Review – Design, Trims & Features (Part 1)
🧩 Introduction: What’s New in the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona marks a bold step forward for Hyundai’s popular subcompact SUV. As one of the most eye-catching vehicles in its class, the redesigned Kona brings futuristic design, more space, and advanced tech to the table—setting new benchmarks for urban crossovers.
Whether you're after practicality, performance, or electric efficiency, the Kona now comes in multiple flavors: gas-powered, hybrid (in some markets), and the all-electric Kona EV.
🚗 From city commutes to weekend getaways, the 2025 Kona aims to be your go-to daily driver with personality.
🎨 Bold Exterior Redesign: Futuristic Meets Functional
One look at the 2025 Kona and you’ll see it’s far from your average small SUV. Hyundai has given it a radical makeover, borrowing elements from its Ioniq EV lineup, including pixel-style LED lighting and a more aerodynamic silhouette.
🔍 Design Highlights:
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Seamless LED light bar stretching across the front (standard)
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Sharp body lines and chiselled fenders
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Larger grille with modern geometric patterns
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Available 19-inch alloy wheels
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Rear LED light strip echoes the front’s futuristic look
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Hidden rear wiper under the roof spoiler
📏 Dimensions (Compared to 2024 Kona):
| Measurement | 2024 Kona | 2025 Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | 165.6 in | 171.3 in |
| Width | 70.9 in | 71.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 102.4 in | 104.7 in |
✨ The 2025 Kona is longer, wider, and sleeker than before—improving passenger space and road presence.
🧰 Trims and Configurations: Something for Everyone
The 2025 Hyundai Kona lineup is diverse and well-targeted, offering options for eco-conscious buyers, tech-lovers, and performance fans.
🚙 Gasoline Models:
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SE
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SEL
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N Line
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Limited
⚡ Electric Version (Kona EV):
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Separate lineup with its own styling cues and feature sets
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Includes models like Kona Electric SE, SEL, and Limited
🛠 Trim Highlights:
| Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| SE | 2.0L I4 (FWD) | 17" wheels, 12.3" touchscreen, LED DRLs |
| SEL | 2.0L I4 (AWD opt) | Push-button start, roof rails, heated front seats |
| N Line | 1.6L Turbo I4 | Sporty design, 19" wheels, red accents |
| Limited | 1.6L Turbo I4 | Leather, Bose audio, Surround View Monitor |
🎯 Hyundai smartly segments the trims so buyers can pick performance, luxury, or value—without sacrificing core features.
🌈 Exterior Color Options
The 2025 Kona offers a wide range of expressive colors, including:
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Mirage Green (new)
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Ultimate Red
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Abyss Black
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Atlas White
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Cyber Gray
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Ecotronic Gray (EV only)
🎨 The new palette aligns with Hyundai’s modern, youthful branding, perfect for urban explorers.
🛋️ 2025 Hyundai Kona Interior, Technology & Cabin Space (Part 2)
🏠 A More Spacious, Premium Cabin
The 2025 Kona sees a major interior overhaul, both in terms of space and technology. Thanks to its increased dimensions and EV-inspired design cues, the Kona’s cabin now feels more open, modern, and minimalist.
🧱 Key Interior Upgrades:
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Longer wheelbase = more legroom and better cargo space
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Flat floor design for improved rear seat comfort
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Dual-screen digital dashboard
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Soft-touch materials in higher trims
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Ambient lighting (N Line & Limited)
✨ Hyundai’s design ethos blends modernity with practicality—resulting in a cabin that feels like it belongs in a higher price segment.
🧑💻 Infotainment & Connectivity
Tech takes center stage in the 2025 Kona. Hyundai offers one of the most advanced infotainment setups in its class, even in lower trims.
🖥️ Display Features:
| Feature | Availability |
|---|---|
| 12.3” Digital Instrument Cluster | All trims |
| 12.3” Center Touchscreen | All trims |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | All trims (finally!) |
| Wireless Android Auto | All trims |
| Over-the-Air Updates (OTA) | Yes (Navigation, UI) |
| Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch | SEL trim and above |
💡 The Kona now supports OTA updates, keeping its interface fresh and its navigation accurate without dealer visits.
🔊 Audio & Comfort Options
From the base SE to the feature-rich Limited, the Kona packs comfort and quality throughout the lineup.
🎵 Audio Systems:
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Standard: 6-speaker system
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Limited: Bose Premium 8-speaker system with subwoofer
🌡 Comfort Features:
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Heated front seats (SEL and above)
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Ventilated front seats (Limited)
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Power-adjustable driver’s seat (8-way)
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Dual-zone automatic climate control
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Rear air vents (new for 2025!)
🧊 Even rear passengers benefit from the upgraded climate system and legroom—rare for a subcompact SUV.
📦 Passenger and Cargo Space
Thanks to the 2025 Kona’s increased wheelbase and overall length, the passenger and cargo space have grown significantly, addressing one of the major critiques of the previous model.
🚪 Dimensions:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Passenger Volume | ~101 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume (rear seats up) | 25.5 cu ft |
| Cargo Volume (seats down) | 63.7 cu ft (est.) |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in |
🧳 You can now fit both passengers and gear comfortably—ideal for urban life, small families, and weekend adventurers alike.
🧠 Smart Features & Usability
Hyundai continues to refine the user experience with thoughtful touches:
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Shift-by-wire gear selector (console-free design for EV)
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Electronic parking brake with auto hold
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USB-C charging ports (front and rear)
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Wireless charging pad with cooling fan
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Smart power tailgate (Limited trim)
⚙️ 2025 Hyundai Kona Powertrain, Fuel Efficiency & Driving Experience (Part 3)
🔧 Powertrain Options: Gasoline, Turbo, and EV
The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers a versatile lineup of powertrains to suit different needs—from efficient commuting to electrified performance.
🚗 Gasoline Engine Options:
| Engine | Trims | Specs |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-Cylinder (MPI) | SE, SEL | 147 hp / 132 lb-ft, CVT (IVT) |
| 1.6L Turbocharged I4 | N Line, Limited | 190 hp / 195 lb-ft, 8-speed automatic |
🧠 The base engine is smooth and efficient for city driving, while the turbo provides a sporty kick for more enthusiastic drivers.
⚡ 2025 Hyundai Kona EV
The fully electric Kona EV gets a major upgrade in both styling and range. Hyundai separates the EV visually, with unique bumpers, wheels, and a closed-off grille for improved aerodynamics.
🔋 Kona EV Specs:
| Battery | Range (EPA est.) | Power Output | Charging Time (DC Fast) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 64.8 kWh (high trim) | ~260 miles | 201 hp / 188 lb-ft | 10–80% in ~43 minutes |
| 48.6 kWh (base trim, intl) | ~197 miles | 133 hp / 188 lb-ft | 43 mins (similar) |
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0–60 mph in under 7 seconds (for high-range variant)
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V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability (charge your devices or small appliances)
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Regenerative braking with paddle control
🔌 Perfect for eco-conscious drivers who want daily electric usability without range anxiety.
🌱 Kona Hybrid (International Only — May Arrive in U.S. Later)
Hyundai introduced a Kona Hybrid in international markets, pairing a 1.6L engine with a battery-assisted motor for enhanced efficiency. As of now, this version is not confirmed for the U.S., but it may be introduced later depending on demand.
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Expected fuel economy: 50+ MPG (combined)
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Smooth dual-clutch transmission
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Instant torque at lower speeds
🇺🇸 Keep an eye out for updates—Hyundai may bring the hybrid version to U.S. showrooms to rival Toyota’s Corolla Cross Hybrid.
⛽ Fuel Economy (Gas Models)
EPA Estimates (Gasoline Models):
| Powertrain | FWD MPG (City/Hwy/Comb) | AWD MPG (City/Hwy/Comb) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L (SE/SEL) | 29 / 34 / 31 | 27 / 32 / 29 |
| 1.6L Turbo (N Line/Limited) | 26 / 32 / 28 | 24 / 29 / 26 |
💸 Kona remains one of the most fuel-efficient small SUVs, especially in its base trim.
🛣️ On-Road Driving Experience
🎯 Ride & Handling:
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Enhanced suspension tuning for smoother ride
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Precise electric power steering
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More rigid chassis for improved stability
🔉 NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness):
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Significantly quieter cabin due to added insulation
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Better tire and wind noise suppression than the outgoing model
🌀 Drive Modes:
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Normal, Eco, Sport (Gasoline)
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Customizable regeneration settings (EV)
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Snow Mode (AWD trims)
🏙️ Whether navigating tight city streets or cruising on highways, the Kona’s ride quality feels composed, comfortable, and mature.
🛡️ 2025 Hyundai Kona – Safety, Warranty, Pricing & Final Verdict (Part 4)
🧠 Hyundai SmartSense: Standard Safety Suite Across the Board
The 2025 Kona includes one of the most complete standard safety suites in its class, offering Hyundai SmartSense even on the base trim.
🛑 Standard Safety Features:
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Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) w/ pedestrian detection
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Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
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Lane Following Assist (LFA)
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Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
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Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
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Driver Attention Warning
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Safe Exit Warning
🆙 Available Advanced Features (SEL & Up):
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Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control w/ stop & go
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Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA2) – semi-autonomous driving
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Surround View Monitor (360°)
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Rear Occupant Alert
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Remote Smart Parking Assist (EV Limited)
🚦 The Kona’s tech-rich safety setup rivals many luxury brands and earns it top marks for family use.
🚧 Crash Test Ratings (Projected)
While official IIHS and NHTSA ratings for the 2025 model are still pending, Hyundai’s previous Kona earned:
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IIHS Top Safety Pick+
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5-Star Overall NHTSA Rating
Given the structural improvements and additional safety tech, similar or better ratings are expected.
🛡️ Warranty & Reliability
Hyundai’s warranty remains one of the best in the industry:
| Coverage Type | Term |
|---|---|
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| EV Battery (Kona EV) | 10 years / 100,000 miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 years / Unlimited |
| Anti-Perforation | 7 years / Unlimited |
🧰 Peace of mind comes standard with Hyundai—making the Kona an excellent long-term investment.
💵 Pricing by Trim
While official EV pricing varies by region, here’s a look at the expected MSRP for the gasoline models in the U.S.:
| Trim | Estimated Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| SE | $25,500 |
| SEL | $27,300 |
| N Line | $30,500 |
| Limited | $32,900 |
| Kona EV Base | ~$35,000 (est.) |
| Kona EV Limited | ~$42,000 (est.) |
💰 With competitive pricing, Kona continues to offer high value—especially when stacked against rivals like the Honda HR-V or Mazda CX-30.
📌 Final Verdict: Why Choose the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona is no longer just an affordable urban crossover—it’s now a statement piece packed with innovation, style, and practicality. Whether you go gas, turbo, or electric, this SUV delivers on multiple fronts:
✅ Pros:
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Bold, futuristic design
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Spacious and high-tech interior
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Excellent fuel economy and EV range
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Comprehensive safety suite
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Industry-leading warranty
❌ Cons:
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Limited hybrid availability (U.S. market)
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Turbo trims can get pricey with options
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No AWD option for Kona EV
🧭 Who Should Buy the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
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Urban drivers who want a compact, stylish daily SUV
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Tech enthusiasts looking for high-end features in a small package
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First-time EV buyers needing practicality + range
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Young professionals and small families seeking versatility
