The 2018 Hyundai Kona lasts around 200,000 miles with some minor collision warning and windshield wiper issues reported. At $17,999 to $24,990, it’s a decent value for a small SUV with some of the latest technology features.
Is the 2018 Hyundai Kona a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a great year for the Hyundai Kona since it offers a lot of tech and luxury for the price. Owner reviews praise the low ownership costs, long ten-year warranty, along with the safety features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a small SUV, the front seats are very comfortable, cargo space is a bit lower than some competitors though.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread problems reported on the 2018 Kona, in general models from 2018–2022 are all reliable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the upgraded turbocharged engine, although it’s still more focused on efficiency rather than power.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Kona is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera, while optional upgrades include lane-keep assist, along with automatic emergency braking.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 30 MPG, giving 396 miles of range from the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $28 cheaper than average at $175 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Kona is cheaper than many other compact SUVs with slow depreciation rates, making it a good value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Kona?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Hyundai Kona is playful and affordable, making it appealing to shoppers, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Kona at 4.5/5, enjoying the responsive handling, but doesn’t like the weak base engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Kona a 4.3/5, praising all of the technology for the money, but owners don’t like the tight rear seats.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Hyundai Kona Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Hyundai Kona include the collision warning system turning off, windshield wiper issues, along with difficulty starting. Overall, most of these problems are similar to other small SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as it ages.
The collision warning system turning off is the most widespread complaint from 2018 Kona owners at around 7,500 miles. In some cases the system turns off when the sensors are dirty, so the first thing to do is clean off the sensors. If the sensors are all clean, then restarting the vehicle often fixes it. If that does not fix it then you should take it to a dealer to make sure the software is up to date. Most dealers will update the software for free, while others charge around $50.
Windshield wiper issues have also been reported on the 2018 Kona. The automatic rain sensor does not work when there is debris on it. Cleaning off the windshield can make the system work again. If the sensor fails then it’s about $250 to replace.
Difficulty starting also shows up on some Kona models at around 20,000 miles. Usually the problem is simply caused by a dead battery. If you notice your vehicle having a hard time starting then it may be time to replace the battery. A new battery costs $150 to $300, depending on local labor rates.
There are no recalls on the 2018 Hyundai Kona, which is better than some other compact SUVs from the same year. Since there are no recalls, it simply means Hyundai has not found any problems that are widespread, or affect the safety of the vehicle.
How Long Will the 2018 Hyundai Kona Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Hyundai Kona can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some of the longer-lasting competitors like the Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $370 per year.
As a used 2018 Kona reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the drive belt tensioner for $150, the brake hose costing $300, along with the fuel tank pressure sensor which costs $375.
Yes. High tech for the price in their same group. Should go with thick steel body then that car would beat all competitors.
As long as I have had it the car itself has not had any problems. Everything has worked properly. The only problems I have ever had with it have been from the outside world dealing with flat tires.
Yes it's reliable I haven't had any issues with it recently it's in good shape. Have not needed to bring it to the shop at all
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is good with a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a more powerful stereo system and a larger 8-inch touchscreen.
Standard safety technology is okay, offering a rearview camera.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Lane keep assist
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Pedestrian detection
- Head-up display
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Lane change assist
- Driver drowsiness monitor
Is the 2018 Hyundai Kona a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Hyundai Kona is a good value since it offers a lot of technology and a nice interior for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,999 to $24,990, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Forester. When new, the price range was $19,500 to $28,700. Depreciation is better than some competitors, only losing about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Kona?
There are four models of the 2018 Hyundai Kona offered, from the entry-level SE to the more luxurious Ultimate. Front-wheel drive is standard, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
SE is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic LED headlights
- Remote keyless entry
- Air conditioning
- Telescoping steering wheel
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat
- 60/40-split folding rear seats
- Split-level cargo area
- Rearview camera
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 7-inch infotainment touchscreen
- USB port
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Six-speaker audio system
SEL is a step up, adding:
- 17-inch wheels
- Heated side mirrors
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Heated front seats
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Satellite radio
- Optional sunroof
- Available power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Optional Hyundai Smart Sense safety features (excluding automatic high beams)
Limited adds features such as:
- All features of the SEL trim plus:
- 18-inch wheels
- LED tail lights
- Leather upholstery
Ultimate is the flagship model with:
- Automatic wipers
- Hyundai’s Blue Link communications
- Head-up display
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Navigation system
- Wireless charging pad
- Infinity premium audio system
- Hyundai Smart Sense suite of advanced safety features (including forward collision warning and mitigation, lane keeping assist, a driver attention monitor, and automatic high beams)
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Kona?
The 2018 Hyundai Kona comes with two different engine options.
The base engine is a 2.0L Inline-4 that outputs 147 horsepower while getting up to 30 MPG. It’s paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. As for its acceleration, this engine can take the Kona from 0-60 mph in about 10 seconds.
The second option is a more powerful 1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4, producing 175 horsepower at up to 27 MPG. This engine comes with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Regarding speed, the 1.6L turbo engine propels the Kona from 0-60 mph in a more sprightly 7.7 seconds.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Kona Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Kona?
The 2018 Hyundai Kona stands out for its comfort and pleasant driving experience, particularly in the subcompact SUV category. Its interior is well-crafted and boasts an ergonomically designed layout that is intuitive and user-friendly. The seats are supportive and comfortable, upholstered with quality materials that add a touch of class and luxury. For those in the front, there’s ample headroom and legroom, even for taller passengers, making long journeys less tiring.
The Kona comes standard with cloth upholstery, but there’s also the option for leather seats, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat in the higher trims, enhancing the comfort level. As for ride quality, Hyundai has equipped the Kona with a refined suspension system that absorbs most road imperfections, providing a smooth and comfortable ride in various conditions.
Noise insulation in the Kona is effective as well, keeping wind and road noise to a minimum. This allows passengers to converse easily or enjoy the quality sound system without unnecessary background noise. The Kona also has a user-friendly infotainment system, contributing to overall comfort by making navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings easily accessible and manageable.
How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Kona Have?
The 2018 Hyundai Kona provides impressive cargo space for a subcompact SUV, considering its relatively small external dimensions. Regarding storage capacity, the Kona has 19.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. This means it has more than enough room to easily accommodate day-to-day items such as grocery bags, small luggage, a stroller, or a couple of backpacks.
If you need to transport large items or increase your cargo space for a road trip or a move, the Kona also has the advantage of 60/40 split fold-down rear seats. When you fold these seats down, the cargo space expands to an impressive 45.8 cubic feet. In this configuration, you could fit larger items like a bicycle, larger suitcases, or a small piece of furniture. Regardless of what you’re hauling, the 2018 Hyundai Kona has got the flexibility to adjust to your storage needs.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Hyundai Kona was introduced for the 2018 model year as a new small SUV.
2018: First model year for the Kona, introduced as a unique compact SUV with new styling.
2019: More standard advanced safety features, minor shuffling of standard features.
2020: Adaptive cruise control added to the Kona Ultimate model.
2021: New Night Edition with black exterior accents.
2022: Minor exterior styling changes, more powerful engine added to Kona N Line model.
How Does the Hyundai Kona Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Hyundai Kona is a decent small SUV, offering some good technology along with a nice interior for the price, although it’s not as long-lasting as some competitors.
The Honda CR-V is another compact SUV which is available for about $3,500 more. Passenger room is better throughout the Honda CR-V, while the Hyundai Kona offers a nicer interior with more luxury features. We recommend the Honda CR-V since they last longer, although both are good choices worth trying out to see which you prefer.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a small SUV competitor which costs around $4,000 more. Off-road performance is better in the Subaru Crosstrek with its standard all-wheel drive system, while the stereo system is more advanced in the Hyundai Kona. We recommend the Subaru Crosstrek since it offers better standard safety technology, although both are worth test driving.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Kona?
Yes. Nice car. But the body was too thin. Can cause a lot of dent by hitting with rock or anything.
It is an amazing vehicle, it is very fuel efficient, costs about 26 to fill up. I love the gauges and technology in the car that allows me to see the simplest things. Really gives me a peace of mind when it comes to car care problems.
Yes, it is a great vehicle. It drives well haven't had many things break down like I haven't needed to take it to the shop. It is pretty good on gas, happy with the car, share it with other members of my family
