DecodedCars2019 Hyundai Kona
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2019 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 2.0 AWD 4dr SUV, 2.0 FWD 4dr SUV, Electric 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 147–175 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic, 1-speed automatic, 7-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 28 city / 33 hwy
- EV range
- 258 mi · 9 h on 240 V
- Length
- 164.2–164.6 in
- Curb weight
- 2,890–3,715 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 20% better than the average 2019 small SUV (25.1 MPG).
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech5 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 175 hp, versus about 285 hp for similar 2019 models.
- "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 7 similar 2019 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2019 Hyundai Kona is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 164 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,084 lb (2.0 AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (28 city / 33 highway), 20% better than the 2019 small SUV average of 25.1 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 258 miles and takes about 9 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 252 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2019
- New all-electric version
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2018; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2018 Kona →
Trims, performance & features
Engine147 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Powertrain–Electric motor
Engine175 hp1.6L turbo 4-cyl
Transmission6-speed automatic · 1-speed automatic · 7-speed manual
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating5 seats · 2 rows
Trims
SELimitedSELUltimate
Safety & driver-assist features
Automatic emergency brakingStandard
Forward collision warningStandard
Blind-spot monitoringStandard
Rear cross-traffic alertStandard
Lane departure warningStandard
Lane keeping assistStandard
Adaptive cruise controlStandard
Parking assistStandard
Backup cameraStandard
Automatic high beamsStandard
Keyless startStandard
LED headlightsYes
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2019 Kona configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 AWD 4dr SUV | 164.2 in | 70.9 in | 59.1 in | 102.4 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,084 lb | 56/44 |
| 2.0 FWD 4dr SUV | 164.2 in | 70.9 in | 59.1 in | 102.4 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 2,890 lb | 56/44 |
| Electric 4dr SUV | 164.6 in | 70.9 in | 61.8 in | 102.4 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,715 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kona Electric EV | 150 kW AC PMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 258 mi · 28 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| Kona FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 32 / 30 | +20% | $2,250 | 303 |
| Kona FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 30 | +20% | $2,250 | 300 |
| Kona AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 29 / 27 | +13% | $2,500 | 324 |
| Kona AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +13% | $2,500 | 325 |
10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $8,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.1 MPG2019 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2019 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Hyundai Kona SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.1% |
| 2019 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13.6% |
StandardElectronic stability control
StandardForward collision warning
StandardLane departure warning
Similar 2019 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Hyundai Kona (this car) | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2019 Jeep Wrangler | 24 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2019 Jeep Compass | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2019 Chevrolet Trax | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2019 Jeep Renegade | 27 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2019 Ford EcoSport | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2019 Buick Encore | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (4)
Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Engine · Apr 28, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V301000 · 158,493 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Mar 1, 2021 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 21V127000 · 4,696 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric and 2020 Ioniq Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the interim action is complete. Hyundai will notify owners, and as an interim action, owners have the option to follow provided instructions to perform a battery update through the vehicle's infotainment system or request a Hyundai dealer to provide the update. Once parts are available, dealers will inspect the Battery System Assembly (BSA), and replace it if necessary. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owners were notified of the safety risk, and the interim action, with a letter mailed April 9, 2021. Final owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 200.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module › Software · Dec 1, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V748000 · 8,176 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell and 2019-2021 Kona Electric vehicles. The Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and as a result, may significantly reduce braking performance.
- Risk
- Reduced braking power could lengthen the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the IEB software, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 199.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery › Management System/Energy Control Module (Bms/Becm) › Software · Oct 13, 2020 Park outside
NHTSA campaign 20V630000 · 6,707 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery may short-circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short in the Li-ion battery increases the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the Battery Management System (BMS) software and inspect the Li-ion battery, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is complete. The recall began November 13, 2020. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 196.
Not every 2019 Hyundai Kona is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
252Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
13Involved a crash
6Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
37,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2019 Hyundai Kona buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
- Engine — 143 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 57 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 23 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 37,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 258 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2019 Hyundai Kona. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Kona years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kona | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Kona | 31 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 10 |
| 2025 Kona | 31 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 29 |
| 2024 Kona | 31 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 68 |
| 2023 Kona | 32 | 165.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 75 |
| 2022 Kona | 32 | 165.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 130 |
| 2021 Kona | 30 | 164.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 147 |
| 2020 Kona | 30 | 164.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 189 |
| 2018 Kona | 30 | 164.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 75 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →