The 2019 Hyundai Kona lasts around 200,000 miles with some average check engine light and transmission software issues reported. At $17,250 to $27,990, it’s a decent value for a small SUV that’s still fun to drive on winding roads.
Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2019 is a good year for the Hyundai Kona since it is a nice mix of comfort and technology for a small SUV. Owner reviews praise the very long ten-year warranty, low running costs, along with the safety features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are high-quality for a small SUV, the front seats are supportive, although cargo space is limited behind the rear seats.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2019 Kona. In general models from 2018–2022 are all very reliable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – The base engine focuses heavily on efficiency rather than power, while the turbocharged motor is a bit more fun, but still not fast.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2019 Kona is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane keep assist along with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 30 MPG, giving 396 miles of range out of the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $35 cheaper than average at $182 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2019 Hyundai Kona is cheaper than a lot of other small SUVs with reasonable depreciation rates, making it a good value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Kona?
- Consumer Reports says the 2019 Hyundai Kona is playful and inexpensive making it an appealing subcompact SUV, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the 2019 Kona at 4.2/5, enjoying the quick turbocharged engine, but doesn’t like the slow gear changes while accelerating.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Kona a 4.3/5, praising the fun driving experience for a compact SUV, but owners don’t like the limited rear seat legroom.
What Common Problems Does the 2019 Hyundai Kona Have?
Common problems found on the 2019 Hyundai Kona include check engine lights, delayed gear changes, along with some issues with the stereo system. Overall, these problems are similar to some other small SUVs on the market, leading to reasonable repair costs. The ten year, 100,000 mile warranty also helps in some cases.
Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2019 Kona owners within the first 25,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a sensor issue, but there are a lot of sources for the light. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to diagnose the issue. Once you know the source then fixing the problem costs $50 to $500.
Delayed gear changes have also been reported by some 2019 Hyundai Kona owners at around 5,000 miles. There are some software updates available for the transmission control module which improves its performance. Most dealerships will install these updates for free, while some charge around $50 for labor.
Issues with the stereo system show up on some Kona models at around 1,000 miles. There are software updates available for the stereo which makes it more reliable. Many dealerships will update the software for free as part of normal servicing, while others charge around $50.
There is only one recall on the 2019 Hyundai Kona, although it’s more serious than the competition from the same year. The recall covers the piston rings, which have been improperly heat treated. Hyundai will install a piston ring noise sensing system on affected models, and replace the engine for free if it detects any problems.
How Long Will the 2019 Hyundai Kona Last?
A well-maintained 2019 Hyundai Kona can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota RAV4. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than some competitors based on data provided by Repair Pal, at $315 per year.
As a used 2019 Kona reaches around 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report owners should be prepared to replace the liftgate support strut for $125, tie rods costing $200, along with the A/C condenser which costs around $700.
I have not had any issues with the Kona. It has not had any trouble with it starting in the cold weather.
It is reliable. I have not had any issues with it. I only have 5000 miles on it right now. It rides well also.
Just purchased car. As of yet no problems. Need to see how it handles in snow and heavy downpours. Used to drive a larger SUV. Getting used to this smaller version
No problems that I have yet experienced as it stands I would happily purchase this exact same vehicle again next time
The Kona has been very reliable for the four months I have had it. I have not had a single problem.
This is a very reliable car. I have not had any problems with it or had to have any recalls fixed or other issues addressed
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is great for a compact SUV, offering a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional entertainment features include a larger 8-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging, and a premium Infinity stereo system.
Standard safety features are good for an SUV in its price range with:
- Rearview camera
- Lane keep assist
- Forward collision avoidance assist
- Driver-attention monitor
- LED daytime running lights
Optional advanced driver assistance features include:
- Rear parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind spot monitoring
- Pedestrian detection
- High-beam assist
- Rear cross traffic alert
Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona a Good Value?
Yes, the 2019 Hyundai Kona is a good value since it’s less expensive than other small SUVs with a lot of good features for the money. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,250 to $27,990, making it cheaper than a Mazda CX-5 or Subaru Crosstrek. When new, the price range was $19,990 to $31,950. Depreciation is better than some competitors, only losing about 6% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Kona?
There are four main models of the 2019 Hyundai Kona offered, from the entry-level SE through to the more luxurious Kona Ultimate. All Kona models come standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
SE is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic headlights
- Remote keyless entry
- Air conditioning
- Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat
- 60/40-split folding rear seats
- Rearview camera
- Bluetooth and 7-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Two USB ports
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Six-speaker audio system
- Forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking
- Lane keeping assist
- Driver attention monitor
SEL is a step up, adding:
- 17-inch wheels
- Roof rails
- Heated side mirrors
- Keyless entry and ignition
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Heated front seats
- Split-level cargo area
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Voice recognition
- Satellite and HD radio
- Optional SEL Tech package:
- Fog lights
- Sunroof
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Eight-speaker Infinity audio system
- Adjustable instrument panel
- Hyundai’s Blue Link communications system
Limited has more features such as:
- Turbocharged engine
- 18-inch wheels
- LED headlights and taillights
- Upgraded exterior trim
- Automatic climate control
- Leather upholstery
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Universal garage door opener
Ultimate is the flagship model which has:
- Rear parking sensors
- Pedestrian detection for forward collision mitigation system
- Automatic high beams
- Automatic wipers
- Head-up display
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Navigation system
- Wireless charging pad
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Kona?
- 2.0L Inline-4 Engine: This naturally aspirated engine produces 147 horsepower at up to 30 MPG. It comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. When it comes to acceleration, this engine propels the Kona from 0-60 MPH in roughly 10 seconds, making it suitable for daily commuting and city driving.
- 1.6L Turbocharged Inline-4 Engine: A more performance-oriented choice, this engine generates a lively 175 horsepower while getting up to 28 MPG. It’s mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The turbocharged nature of this engine provides a notable boost in performance, allowing the Kona to sprint from 0-60 MPH in a brisk 7.5 seconds.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Kona Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Kona?
The 2019 Hyundai Kona is widely regarded for its comfortable and refined interior, especially given its position as a compact SUV in the market. Firstly, the front seats provide commendable support, making them suitable for both short trips around the city and longer drives. They are designed with ergonomics in mind, providing a pleasant seating experience for a broad range of body types. The rear seats, while cozier than the front, offer decent legroom and headroom for passengers, though taller individuals might want a bit more space on longer journeys.
Ride quality in the Kona is admirable, thanks to its well-tuned suspension that effectively absorbs most road imperfections, guaranteeing a smooth ride even on bumpy roads. The cabin is also fairly insulated, which means road and wind noise are kept to a minimum, further enhancing the comfort level during drives. Furthermore, the Kona’s climate control system works efficiently, making sure the cabin remains at a pleasant temperature.
The layout of the dashboard and controls is intuitive, meaning drivers can easily adjust settings without much distraction. The standard infotainment system, with its clear and responsive touchscreen, adds to overall comfort by providing entertainment and essential information at one’s fingertips. The 2019 Hyundai Kona offers a mix of comfort and convenience that many drivers and passengers appreciate.
How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Kona Have?
The 2019 Hyundai Kona offers a versatile storage space tailored to fit the needs of everyday drivers and travelers alike. Regarding cargo capacity, the Kona provides about 19.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. This area can comfortably accommodate items like a stroller, a week’s worth of groceries, or a couple of medium-sized suitcases. When more space is needed, the rear seats can be folded down, expanding the cargo area to about 45.8 cubic feet. This larger space can handle larger items such as a bicycle or camping equipment, making the Kona suitable for weekend getaways.
Additionally, the cabin of the Kona boasts numerous small storage spaces designed to make the driving experience more convenient. These include door pockets, a reasonably sized glovebox, center console storage, and cup holders. There’s also a small storage tray in front of the shifter which is handy for small items like keys or a smartphone. These thoughtful inclusions make sure that both drivers and passengers have their essentials within easy reach.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Hyundai Kona came out for the 2018 model year as a new compact SUV.
2018: First model year for the Hyundai Kona, which was introduced as a new small SUV with unique styling.
2019: Minor shuffling of standard features and more standard safety technology on all models.
2020: The Kona Ultimate model now features adaptive cruise control.
2021: Night Edition model introduced with black exterior accents.
2022: Small exterior styling changes, and a more powerful engine available on the Kona N Line model.
How Does the Hyundai Kona Compare to the Competition?
The 2019 Hyundai Kona is a nice small SUV, offering a lot of good safety technology and low ownership costs compared to the competition.
The Hyundai Tucson is another small SUV from Hyundai which is available for about $2,000 more. Interior materials are a bit more luxurious in the Hyundai Tucson, while the Hyundai Kona feels sportier to drive. We recommend the Hyundai Kona since there are fewer issues reported as it ages.
The Honda CR-V is a competitor which can be found for about $3,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Honda CR-V, while the Hyundai Kona offers a sportier driving experience. We recommend the Honda CR-V, although it’s worth test driving both to see which you prefer.
Do Owners Recommend the Hyundai Kona?
Yes it is very good. It is comfortable and fun to drive. It has plenty of space for cargo. It gets great gas mileage.
Yes it has all the features I want - big screen Sirius XM and I can attach my phone. The seats are comfortable.
Yes, but drives a little rough especially over bumps. Price is good. Just purchased recently, Have not had a chance to see how it operates in the snow or heavy downpours.
Yes I like it, very iPhone friendly and good on gas. I'm happy I made this purchase. I like the color options and special editions too.
Definitely. Has a lot of great features, rides nice and handles well. I also can switch to sport or AWD.
This is a great vehicle. Perfect for individuals, couples, and even small families. Lots of space, great drive