Hyundai chose the New York Auto Show for the North American debut of the Kona in its combustion and fully electric forms, without mentioning the hybrid. The combustion-engined Konas that will arrive in US dealerships in summer 2023 will offer two different powertrain options and two trims – the high-spec Limited and the sporty N-Line.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona will be offered either with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol producing 147 hp (110 kW / 149 PS) and 132 lb-ft (179 Nm) of torque, or a punchier turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol producing 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS) and 195 lb-ft (265 Nm) of torque. The first is mated to a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission, while the second comes standard with an eight-speed automatic. Power is transmitted to either the front or to all four wheels.
The FWD models feature a torsion beam rear axle while the all-wheel-drive versions benefit from a multi-link rear suspension with a stabilizer bar. The latter also comes standard in the FWD-only Kona Electric. The N Line trim will most like get a sportier suspension setup as is the case with other models in the lineup, although Hyundai didn’t specify it in the press release.
Read: 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Brings Its Futuristic Face To America With Two Powertrain Options
Live Image Credits: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops
The second-generation Kona is slightly larger than its predecessor, measuring between 171.3 to 172.6 inches (4,351-4,384 mm) long, 71.9 inches (1,825 mm) wide, and between 62.4 to 63.6 inches (1,585-1,615 mm) tall. The wheelbase of 104.7 inches (2,660 mm) is stretched by 2.3 inches (58 mm) compared to the previous Kona but remains 3.3 inches (60 mm) shorter than the mechanically-related Kia Niro.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona N Line is certainly the most aggressive-looking of the bunch thanks to the wing-shaped design of the bumpers, the body-colored trim, the 19-inch alloy wheels, the aluminum-style accents on the lower part of the bodywork, the black rear spoiler extension, and the dual exhaust pipes on the diffuser. Inside, the sporty atmosphere is translated to aluminum sport pedals, scuff plates, red trim on the dashboard, and red stitching on the N-branded bucket seats. The equipment is pretty generous, including a Bose premium audio system with eight speakers and a subwoofer, dual 12.3-inch screens, four USB-C ports, and a wireless charging pad.
The Hyundai Kona Limited looks more like a proper SUV thanks to the plastic cladding on the wheel arches and side sills, the different 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels, plus the skid plates on the bumpers. It also gets a fully digital cockpit inside the cabin which combines black upholstery with metal accents on the center console. The infotainment is compatible with over-the-air updates and available Bluelink+ services, while the latest version of the Hyundai SmartSense ADAS suite includes sophisticated systems like the optional Remote Smart Parking Assist.
The automaker didn’t reveal pricing for the 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited and N Line but we expect it to follow in the near future alongside the detailed equipment features for each trim since the market launch is scheduled for summer 2023. The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric will follow in late fall 2023, while there is no word on the hybrid variant of the SUV.