Where did all the Kona’s go?

[Finklejag]

The last generation Hyundai Kona was a very popular car in my area. The pre refresh was everywhere. The post refresh not so much. Then Hyundai jumped the shark with the larger, uglier new generation. I just don’t see the latest gen on the streets. I guess people took their money elsewhere. I actually crossed shop the 2020 Kona and liked it back in the day. Do you guys see the latest gen Kona in your area?

2020

2025

 

[opus1]

I see the newer version regularly. Can't say I like it, though. The last version looked better.

 

[2002 Maxima SE]

I see the 2025 quite a bit in our small town. At night, from a distance, I mistake them for Cybertrucks due to the unibrow light.

 

[TomYoung]

I think the new one is sharper. The main reason you are not seeing a lot of them is that they have not had a lot of time in the marketplace. I would imagine that the product is fine, at least among folks who are not completely apprised of how many Hyundai products end up requiring engine replacement. The base engine for this vehicle is probably the best, but perhaps a little bit gutless compared to competitors. The smaller displacement, higher output engine gets you squarely into the high-risk hyundai/kia pool, with low tension rings, DI, turbochargers. While not expensive, the higher trim levels get you toward a $30K car. I noticed that there is $2500 cash on the hood right now on some versions. Not sure if Hyundai is content with sales or not, but for cars like this, discounts will get them out the door.

 

[wemay]

We see both in great numbers around here.

 

[Propflux01]

Here is ours. We've had both versions. The older (2021) version was a good looking car, but this newer one is more refined, no DCT (8 speed now), a bit longer, which is a big difference, and generally smoother ride.

 

[RedSpider]

I see a few here and there but not many. I had one as a rental last fall when we were in Wyoming and Montana and I just didnt like it. It had the 2.0 and honestly I think if someone in a 1984 Chevette picked a race we probably would have lost. It drove ok and got good MPG's, it was just downright sluggish, especially up in the mountains.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I think the Venue is cheaper now - so its probably capturing that customer. I see lots of Venue, and lots of the new Tucson which looks pretty good.

 

[Pablo]

K/H change names/models more than I change underwear. I think. Is it just me?? More than other makes?

 

[SC Maintenance]

K/H change names/models more than I change underwear. I think. Is it just me?? More than other makes?

I wouldn't say that. Tucson / Sportage / Sante Fe / Elantra / Sonata have been around decades.

They have added the larger SUV's and now offer the Telluride / whatever its called on the high end.

I think the Seltos / Venue is there new lowest cost global platform on the low end. The others like Kona and that square thing still exist, just not popular?

No different than Toyota with Corolla Cross , C-HR or Honda with Element / HRV, etc.

 

[Snagglefoot]

The Kona is not manufactured in the USA and is subject to a 15% tariff. Not sure how this shows up on the sicker price. Can someone check the window sticker? Apparently it has a 100,000 mile powertrain warranty to alleviate concerns.

 

[Wylie6G72]

I sat behind one yesterday at a traffic light. Not for me, but I've never jived to Hyundai's design language. It's just too bad Kia is becoming very Hyundai-ized in their designs. They ruined the Forte, and apparently the Soul as well because they had to kill it this year.

 

[SC Maintenance]

The Kona is not manufactured in the USA and is subject to a tariff.

Same as Seltos, Venue, Teluride, etc.

 

[Pablo]

I wouldn't say that. Tucson / Sportage / Sante Fe / Elantra / Sonata have been around decades.

They have added the larger SUV's and now offer the Telluride / whatever its called on the high end.

I think the Seltos / Venue is there new lowest cost global platform on the low end. The others like Kona and that square thing still exist, just not popular?

No different than Toyota with Corolla Cross , C-HR or Honda with Element / HRV, etc.

Thanks. Maybe I run them together. Seems like between K/H there are tons of name plates. What about the Soul?

 

[SC Maintenance]

Thanks. Maybe I run them together. Seems like between K/H there are tons of name plates. What about the Soul?

Soul exists but I think this is last year. Unsure why but the Venue / Seltos seems to be their low end global offering.

Its hard to keep track because 2 distinct companies with different vehicles but often on same platform.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Same as Seltos, Venue, Teluride, etc.

Telluride is made in West Point, Georgia. Not sure about the others.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Telluride is made in West Point, Georgia. Not sure about the others.

I stand corrected. Thought it was made in South Korea like Pallisade.

 

[rszappa1]

I looked at one in 2021... Did not like the interior...it was all hard plastic.....Have they changed in the newer models????

 

[goingplacesanddoingstuff]

I have heard from a mechanic friend that they are super unreliable and problematic. He regretted buying one.

 

[PF52]

I sat behind one yesterday at a traffic light. Not for me, but I've never jived to Hyundai's design language. It's just too bad Kia is becoming very Hyundai-ized in their designs. They ruined the Forte, and apparently the Soul as well because they had to kill it this year.

I'm with you. I've always felt Kia had the better-looking designs within the H/K family, but they've all been beaten by the ugly stick now. The Forte was a sharp looking design once upon a time.