Hey there, car enthusiasts! Let's dive deep into the 2019 Hyundai Kona – a subcompact SUV that made quite the splash in the Canadian market. This review aims to give you the full scoop, from its performance and features to its overall value proposition, helping you decide if the Kona is the right ride for you. We'll explore what made this spunky little SUV a hit, and whether it still holds its own against the competition.

Kona's Rise to Popularity: Why Canadians Loved It

Okay, so why was the 2019 Hyundai Kona such a hit with Canadians? Well, first off, it hit the sweet spot for many drivers. Its compact size made it perfect for navigating city streets and squeezing into those tight parking spots, which is a HUGE plus in places like Toronto or Vancouver. But don't let its size fool you; the Kona offered a surprisingly spacious interior, making it comfortable for both daily commutes and weekend adventures. The Kona's design was a major draw, too. Hyundai gave it a bold, modern look that stood out from the crowd. The distinctive styling, with its split headlight design and available two-tone paint schemes, made it a head-turner. Inside, the Kona wasn’t just stylish; it was packed with tech. The infotainment system, with its touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, kept drivers connected and entertained. And let's not forget the safety features. The Kona came loaded with advanced driver-assistance systems, like lane-keeping assist and forward collision-avoidance assist, offering peace of mind on the road. The Kona’s fuel efficiency was another major selling point. In a world where gas prices can fluctuate wildly, the Kona’s ability to sip fuel rather than guzzle it was a real bonus. This combination of style, practicality, technology, safety, and fuel efficiency made the 2019 Hyundai Kona a compelling choice for a wide range of Canadian drivers. Basically, it offered a lot of value for its price.

Diving into the Specs and Features

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. Under the hood, the 2019 Hyundai Kona offered a couple of engine options. The base engine was a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produced a respectable amount of power for everyday driving. For those craving a bit more pep, there was an available 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This engine provided a significant boost in performance, making highway merges and passing maneuvers much easier. Transmission options included a six-speed automatic for the base engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic for the turbo. The Kona was available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, giving buyers the choice that best suited their needs. All-wheel drive was particularly popular in Canada, offering enhanced traction and stability in snowy and icy conditions. Inside, the Kona was surprisingly well-equipped. Even the base models came with a decent array of features, including a touchscreen infotainment system, rearview camera, and a suite of safety features. Higher trims added even more goodies, like leather upholstery, heated seats, a premium audio system, and advanced driver-assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Kona's interior design was modern and user-friendly. The layout was clean and intuitive, with easy-to-reach controls. The materials used were of good quality, and the overall fit and finish were impressive for a subcompact SUV. Cargo space was also practical, with enough room for groceries, luggage, or weekend gear. Overall, the 2019 Hyundai Kona offered a well-rounded package of performance, features, and practicality.

Driving Experience: On the Road with the Kona

So, what's it like to actually drive the 2019 Hyundai Kona? In a nutshell, it's a fun and engaging experience. The Kona's compact size and responsive steering made it easy to maneuver in city traffic. It felt nimble and agile, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. The ride quality was generally comfortable, though it could feel a bit firm over rough surfaces, especially with the larger wheel options. The base engine provided adequate power for most driving situations. It wasn't a powerhouse, but it was sufficient for daily commutes and errands. The turbocharged engine, on the other hand, offered a noticeable boost in performance. It delivered quicker acceleration and made highway driving much more effortless. The Kona's suspension was well-tuned, providing a good balance between comfort and handling. It soaked up bumps and imperfections in the road with ease, while still offering a stable and confident feel. The all-wheel-drive system, when equipped, provided added peace of mind in adverse weather conditions. It delivered excellent traction and stability, making it a great choice for Canadian winters. The Kona's cabin was relatively quiet, with minimal road and wind noise. This made for a more comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. The seats were supportive and comfortable, even on longer drives. Overall, the 2019 Hyundai Kona offered a pleasant and engaging driving experience, making it a great choice for both city dwellers and those who enjoy hitting the open road.

Safety and Technology: Keeping You Connected and Protected

When it comes to safety and technology, the 2019 Hyundai Kona didn't disappoint. Hyundai packed this little SUV with a solid suite of safety features and tech amenities to keep you connected and protected on the road. Safety was a top priority for Hyundai, and the Kona reflected that. It came standard with a rearview camera, a feature that's become essential for parking and backing up. The Kona also offered a range of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to help prevent accidents and enhance safety. These included forward collision-avoidance assist, which can automatically apply the brakes if a potential collision is detected; lane-keeping assist, which helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane; and blind-spot monitoring, which alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots. Higher trims added even more advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle in front; and rear cross-traffic collision warning, which alerts the driver to approaching vehicles when backing out of a parking space. On the technology front, the Kona was equally impressive. It came standard with a touchscreen infotainment system, which served as the hub for all things entertainment and information. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing drivers to seamlessly integrate their smartphones and access their favorite apps, music, and navigation. The Kona also offered a wireless charging pad, so you could keep your phone powered up without the need for cables. The available premium audio system provided excellent sound quality, making it a joy to listen to music while driving. Overall, the 2019 Hyundai Kona offered a comprehensive package of safety and technology features, providing drivers with both peace of mind and a connected driving experience.

Trim Levels and Pricing: Finding the Right Fit for Your Budget

The 2019 Hyundai Kona was available in several trim levels, each offering a different combination of features and price points. The base trim, often referred to as the Essential, provided a solid foundation with essential features like a touchscreen infotainment system, rearview camera, and a suite of safety features. Stepping up to the Preferred trim added additional features like heated front seats, alloy wheels, and a few more tech upgrades. The Luxury trim offered even more premium features, such as leather upholstery, a sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance systems. The Ultimate trim, the top-of-the-line option, came fully loaded with all the bells and whistles, including a premium audio system, LED headlights, and a host of other luxurious amenities. Pricing for the Kona varied depending on the trim level and options. Generally, the base trim was the most affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. The higher trims came with a higher price tag, but they also offered a more comprehensive set of features and amenities. When considering the price, it's important to factor in the long-term value of the Kona. Hyundai vehicles have a reputation for reliability and hold their value well over time. The Kona also offered excellent fuel efficiency, which could save drivers money on gas costs in the long run. Overall, the Kona's trim levels and pricing offered a range of options to suit different budgets and needs, making it accessible to a wide audience.

Pros and Cons: Weighing the Good and the Bad

Like any vehicle, the 2019 Hyundai Kona had its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these can help you decide if it's the right choice for you. Let's start with the pros. The Kona's compact size made it incredibly easy to maneuver and park, a huge benefit in crowded urban environments. Its stylish design and available two-tone paint schemes gave it a unique and eye-catching appearance, setting it apart from other SUVs in its class. The Kona also offered a surprisingly spacious interior for its size, making it comfortable for both front and rear passengers. Its fuel-efficient engines helped to keep running costs low. The Kona was packed with technology, including a user-friendly touchscreen infotainment system and advanced driver-assistance systems, enhancing the driving experience. Now, let's look at the cons. While the base engine was adequate, some drivers might find it a bit underpowered, especially when merging onto highways or carrying a full load of passengers and cargo. The ride could feel a bit firm over rough roads, though it wasn't overly harsh. Some of the interior materials, while generally of good quality, could feel a bit plasticky in certain areas. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Kona's pros significantly outweighed the cons for many drivers. Its overall value proposition, combined with its stylish design and practical features, made it a compelling choice in the subcompact SUV segment.

The Kona vs. the Competition: How It Stacked Up

The 2019 Hyundai Kona faced some stiff competition in the subcompact SUV segment. Key rivals included the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3, and Nissan Qashqai (known as the Rogue Sport in the US). Compared to the Honda HR-V, the Kona offered a more stylish design and a more refined driving experience. The HR-V, however, offered a bit more cargo space. The Mazda CX-3, known for its sporty handling and premium interior, was a strong competitor. The Kona held its own with its competitive pricing and a wider range of available features. The Nissan Qashqai/Rogue Sport was another popular choice, offering a spacious interior and a comfortable ride. The Kona stood out with its bolder design and more modern technology features. Overall, the Kona held its own against its rivals. Its competitive pricing, stylish design, and a well-rounded package of features made it a strong contender in the subcompact SUV market. The best choice depended on individual priorities. Drivers looking for a sporty driving experience might prefer the Mazda CX-3, while those prioritizing cargo space might lean towards the Honda HR-V. The 2019 Hyundai Kona, with its combination of style, practicality, and value, was an excellent choice for a wide range of buyers.

Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona Right for You? Final Verdict

So, after all that, is the 2019 Hyundai Kona a good buy? Ultimately, that depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you're looking for a stylish, fun-to-drive, and fuel-efficient subcompact SUV that's easy to maneuver and park, the Kona is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for city dwellers and anyone who appreciates a modern design and a well-equipped interior. However, if you prioritize cargo space above all else, or if you prefer a more powerful engine, you might want to consider some of its competitors. But if you value a well-rounded package of style, practicality, technology, and value, the 2019 Hyundai Kona is a strong contender. It's a vehicle that offers a lot for its price and has proven to be a popular choice among Canadian drivers. I hope this in-depth review has helped you get a better understanding of the 2019 Hyundai Kona and whether it’s the right fit for your needs. Happy car hunting, and safe driving!