Hyundai, through Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), introduced the Kona in the local subcompact crossover segment back in 2018, and it continues to be the brand’s best-selling SUV.

The Kona is touted as an award-winning SUV with global accolades, including the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year award, which it won in 2019.

Despite last year’s pandemic, the Hyundai Kona managed to rake in 1,735 units in sales, ranking fourth in Hyundai’s lineup of locally offered vehicles.

Interested in investing in the Hyundai Kona? Check out these pros and cons before you splash the cash.

Pros

Stylish looks

One of its strongest selling points is its dynamic looks. The three-tier headlamps that flank the large cascading grille are sure to turn heads when you pass by. Moreover, the LED DRL, halogen headlamp, and front foglamp combo do not just give the Kona a polarizing design, but can also give you a good view of the road ahead in almost any driving condition.

Its not-too-large, not-too-small body is complemented by 17-inch alloy wheels that also reinforce the Hyundai Kona’s strong stance and high ground clearance.

Decent driving dynamics

Another reason to consider the Hyundai Kona when investing in a subcompact crossover is its decent driving dynamics. For its price, the Hyundai Kona comes equipped with various drive modes, cruise control, and a trip computer.

Above-average fuel economy

The Hyundai Kona is outfitted with a 2.0 NU MPI Atkinson engine that generates a maximum power output of 146hp with 179Nm of torque. The Euro 4-compliant gasoline mill is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Hyundai Kona clocks in at 7.6kpl on city roads while it registers 21.5kpl on the highways.

Cons

Lack of features

While it does give a lot in terms of fuel economy, the Hyundai Kona kind of holds back in interior amenities. Although it does have a large infotainment screen, it lacks some technological features like a touchscreen panel, a rear camera, and parking sensors.

A/C is also manual.

Shortage of safety features

The Hyundai Kona may not be an off-roader but a vehicle its size (and price) should at least come with a suite of safety features.

It comes with airbags, ABS, an immobilizer, child seat tethers, seatbelts, and a tire pressure monitor. Other vehicles in the same price point, like the Toyota Rush and the Mitsubishi Xpander which scored a five-star and a four-star ASEAN NCAP rating respectively, do come with safety and driver-assist amenities like traction control, vehicle stability control, hill start assist, and a reverse camera.

Verdict

The Hyundai Kona does offer a striking and eye-catching exterior, but its lack of driving amenities and safety features might cause cautious drivers to look the other way.

That said, we believe that the Hyundai Kona would fit experienced drivers who are on the market for a good-looking SUV.

Carmudi Philippines has a selection of second-hand Hyundai Kona that you can check here.

Photos from Hyundai

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