2023 NY Auto Show: Hyundai Introduces 2024 Kona

Hyundai took the covers off three variants of its new Kona today, unveiling the standard and N-Line trims plus a continuation of the all-electric model – the latter of which Hyundai will now offer with two battery sizes.

In an unusual decision, Hyundai developed the Kona’s new platform with an electrified powertrain before the gassers. This aligns with the company’s accelerated electrification strategy announcement which will bring nearly a dozen new Hyundai EVs to the global market by 2030. Might as well start with that one, then.

The new Kona Electric packs a 64.8-kWh battery, roughly the same as last year’s car, good for an estimated 260 miles of range, and paired with a 201-horsepower electric motor. Interestingly, there will also be a smaller battery on offer, sized at 48.6-kWh and carrying the car just slightly less than 200 miles on a full charge. Only 133 horses are on tap in this trim, which doesn’t sound like much because it isn’t. Perhaps this trim will simply be a price leader to get people in the door, at which point someone with hair gel will upsell them to the bigger one.

Gassers will come with a choice of four-banger engines. Entry-level trims get a 2.0-liter mill making 147 ponies and 132 lb-ft of twist whilst Limited and N-Line trims earn a turbocharged 1.6L unit with 190 horsepower and 195 torques. The turbo ditches last year’s dual-clutch for an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is an option for those who feel the need.

It’s bigger, too. The Kona is now 171.3 inches long, an increase of 5.7 inches and only half a foot less than the original Santa Fe. Wheelbase is up 2.3 inches to 104.7 (which sounds like a radio station), and the thing is a full inch wider than its predecessor. Hyundai brags of more cargo space – now 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up – and extra room for rear seat passengers compared to the old car.

The new exterior styling will not have escaped anyone’s notice, though we cannot fathom why Hyundai insists on placing the EV’s charging port in such a prominent location. Inside we find dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, though it’s not immediately clear if they are standard across the board. Note the new shifter, cribbed from the IONIQ 5, a column-mounted device that is rapidly making its way across the entire Hyundai lineup in both gasoline-powered and all-electric models.

Look for the 2024 Kona to arrive at U.S. dealers this summer, with the Kona Electric showing up in late autumn.

[Images: Hyundai, © 2023 Chris Tonn/TTAC]

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