Among subcompact crossovers, the 2021 Hyundai Kona is very hot, its predecessors having won our Best Buy Award for its class two years in a row, for 2019 and 2020. It won by being practical, efficient, engaging, and a great value. In 2020 it also earned perfect safety scores from both IIHS and NHTSA. The cherry on the top is Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
The standard engine in the 2021 Hyundai Kona is a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder that drives the front wheels via a 6-speed automatic, with all-wheel drive optional. There is also a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, and then if that’s not enough, there is a fully electric Kona that makes 201 horsepower and an impressive 291 lb-ft of torque, with 258 miles of range.
The Kona EV is not offered with all-wheel drive, however, nor is it available nationwide. That said, the Kona is nimble and fun to drive with any powertrain, with the turbo providing extra oomph and all-wheel drive adding an independent rear suspension for even sportier handling.
The Kona offers space for five passengers, but given its size, rear legroom is a bit tight and headroom is no more than sufficient. We like the Kona’s modern look, and the interior is clean and basic. It has comfortable seats and the infotainment system is easy to use with both a touchscreen and physical buttons. Cargo space is respectable as well, with 45.8 cubic feet of maximum space and an adjustable load floor. Standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and driver attention monitoring. Resale values are expected to be good.
Nine Trim Levels
Given that there are a few different powertrain features, there are lots of options for the 2021 Hyundai Kona, with three trim levels per powertrain. The first are the SE, SEL, and SEL Plus, all with the base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Then come the Night Edition, Limited, and Ultimate, with the 1.6-liter turbo, and then the Electric SEL, Limited, and Ultimate. AWD is $1,400 extra on available models.
Prices range from the base $20,400 up to $29,190. The EVs start at $37,910 and top out at $45,400. Destination adds $1,140 and all-wheel drive is another $1,400.
Standard equipment is impressive, including not only the above-mentioned safety features but also a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, 16-inch alloy wheels, and two USB ports.
However, we think the extra $1,800 for the next up SEL is money well spent, as it adds heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, roof rails, HD and satellite radio, a hidden cargo compartment, and keyless entry and ignition. The Kona Electric SEL is equipped similarly to the regular SEL.
Here’s the Complete Rundown on 2021 Hyundai Kona Trims and Prices:
2021 Hyundai Kona SE: $21,540
- 7-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration
- Keyless entry
- Lane-keeping assistance
2021 Hyundai Kona SEL: $23,340
- Heated front seats
- Satellite/HD radio
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Roof rails
2021 Hyundai Kona SEL Plus: $25,190
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Infinity 8-speaker premium audio system
- Wireless phone charging
- Color driver information display
- Powered sunroof
2021 Hyundai Kona Night Edition: $26,740
- 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
- 18-inch Rays wheels
- LED headlights/taillights
- Black cloth upholstery
2021 Hyundai Kona Limited: $27,340
- Leather seating
- Automatic climate control
- 18-inch alloy wheels
2021 Hyundai Kona Ultimate: $29,190
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Navigation system
- Head-up display
- Adaptive cruise control
2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL: $38,365
- 258 miles of electric range
- Heated front seats
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Keyless entry/start
2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited: $42,975
- Leather seats
- 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Wireless phone charging
- Powered sunroof
2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate: $46,575
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Navigation
- Head-up display
- Adaptive cruise control
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