2021 Hyundai Kona Review

The 2021 Hyundai Kona is the newest version of our favorite subcompact crossover. It doesn't do one thing better than rivals. In fact, we think some others are more fun to drive, have more comfortable seats, or have more playful styling. But the Kona's well-rounded nature means it does everything pretty well, while others in the class make too many compromises.

One of the Kona's most outstanding strengths is its tech suite. The infotainment interface is attractive and easy to navigate and doesn't require too much attention to operate. Driving aids are similarly intuitive and realistically behave like a human driver — in a good way. As with many Hyundais, we're impressed with the Kona's value statement. It's more affordable than many small SUVs, and even the base model comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. If you want your pint-sized crossover with a dash of performance, the optional turbocharged engine posts some of the best acceleration numbers in the class.

The Hyundai Kona isn't faultless — standout flaws include limited cargo space, a tight back seat, and a cabin that relies too heavily on dreary plastics. The Honda HR-V is more utilitarian, with greater cargo space and clever seats that fold all sorts of ways to increase storage capacity. The Kia Soul is also quite spacious and offers a feature set similar to the Kona, though, unlike many in the class, it doesn't offer all-wheel drive as an option.

The Hyundai Kona's long list of strengths make it a smart purchase for buyers looking for a well-rounded small crossover.