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Used 2020 Hyundai Kona Consumer Reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
57 reviews
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4 out of 5 stars

Love my Kona!

msbav8r, 01/11/2020
2020 Hyundai Kona Limited 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
117 of 121 people found this review helpful

After 12 Hondas (9 Honda/3 Acura) vehicles over the last 35 years, my defective CR-V was the last one. Never ever thought I would even look at Hyundai, let alone buy one. Until I saw the Kona and realized that Hyundai has come a long way in terms of quality and reliability. I traded it in for the 2020 Kona Limited, which was $12,000 cheaper and better quality. The Kona isn't perfect, but what vehicle is? I absolutely love the look of the Kona, inside and out. It is quick and handles well. The 7 speed dual-clutch transmission is one of the few downsides. At slow speeds, it's indecisive and not very smooth. I've been using manual mode until I get up to speed and that seems to help. Once you get going, the 185hp turbo engine is a blast. Especially if you select 'sport mode'. And, compared to other cars I've driven, it's not as smooth of a ride. Might be the factory tires, but it could be better. The limited has all of the latest gadgets and systems you find in more expensive cars, like Apple Car Play/ Android Auto, Lane Keep Assist, heated seats and mirrors, moonroof, and my favorite- Blue Link, which lets you start the car from your phone, anywhere there is cell phone service. I get 26-28 mpg, which is slightly better than I got with the CR-V. It has all-wheel drive and with snow tires is great in the snow. I can't remember any vehicle I owned that I liked more than this one. My next car will likely be another Kona. Hopefully, they'll work on the transmission and ride quality in the coming years and end up with a 5-star vehicle.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Head Out On The Highway - Looking For Adventure!

Knight Rider, 11/16/2019
2020 Hyundai Kona Limited 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
121 of 131 people found this review helpful

The Kona is the definition of "bang for the buck" and provides all of the necessary technology, comfort and styling one could ask for, at a VERY reasonable price. What stands out to me is the "fit & finish" - everything is solid, tight and you can tell the car was assembled with care. I've seen other cars where it looks like the car was put together during a rush to get to lunch or it was the end of the day, time to go home, etc. - NOT this car. When you experience the drive, you'll notice that the shifter has a "lock-step" feel (confidence) and there is a plethora of information available to you as far as the car's operation and various settings. Comfort is wonderful, plenty of acceleration (turbo AWD), sound system is sweet (in limited edition or higher), etc. I couldn't be happier with this acquisition; run, don't walk to your nearest Hyundai dealer and grab one. The ONLY downside (as of this review) is that the color choices are in limited supply and you may have to settle for what the dealer has in stock or wait quite a while for your color to be ordered and delivered. Take this car for a test drive and you'll see for yourself. One other thing, some of the higher end models such as the limited & ultimate DO NOT come with a spare tire, only a "mobility kit" but does come with a free 5-year roadside assistance package to get help if you get a flat. You can do what I did and get a more powerful portable air pump (check out Harbor Freight) and a tire repair kit (about $ 10.00) via Amazon. If you're handy, you can repair the tire on the spot which will hold you until you can get to a tire shop OR just call and wait for Hyundai's roadside assistance (or your own if you have AAA, etc.). Enjoy your ride!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Wow!!!!

Cochise , 10/30/2019
updated 05/17/2023
2020 Hyundai Kona SEL Plus 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
79 of 85 people found this review helpful

I am increasingly impressed with my Kona. I average about 30 mpg and just am always impressed by it in every driving moment. I love the style, the handling and performance and overall comfort AND when necessary I can quickly merge or pass without concern. This baby is remarkable. I love it. With the latest hybrids and PHEVs coming out, I've thought about them and done some research. I'd like to help reduce fossils fuel reliance to help the environment but right now the cost of a really reliable, efficient hybrid or fully electric vehicle is not w/in my budget nor are there enough EV stations in my area to consider purchase. The more I see and the more I drive my Kona, the more I appreciate and love it totally. This SUV is excellent in every way especially in mpg, last trip was 39.4 mpg!!!! Avg. is 31+ -.I can't image trading her right now----no way!!! Having completed a other service on my Kona, the technicians continue to marvel at the condition of my car, the low mileage and the excellent condition. This Kona continues to impress me especially with mileage!! We're it a smidgen larger I'd be even more impressed.....I imagine it will be quite a few more years before fossil fuel vehicles are passe and electrics are common and affordable to the average driver. Until then, I will enjoy my Kona and continue the pleasure it gives.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car, Great Value

Cole, 08/30/2020
2020 Hyundai Kona SEL 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
35 of 37 people found this review helpful

I did a lot of research on cars in this subcompact SUV category because I wanted to balance fuel economy, reliability, practicality, and design. I decided on the front-wheel-drive Kona SEL trim and I have been very happy with my decision so far (1,100 miles in). Fuel Economy: Depends on trim, but the SEL is rated at 27 City/33 Hwy. These numbers are pretty accurate. The best MPG I have gotten has been 40 MPG on a 25-mile drive with a speed limit of around 55 mph, and my overall average is around 32 MPG (mostly highway driving). That isn't class-leading, but it is competitive and more than good enough for me. Reliability: This is one of the best areas for the Kona when I was making my decisions because of the powertrain on the SEL and the excellent Hyundai warranty. The Hyundai warranty is excellent and keeps me from worrying about having to do too much work for a long time, and the simplicity of the powertrain makes me think I will be able to keep it running long after the warranty ends. The SEL (as well as the SE and SEL Plus) has a 2.0 liter, naturally-aspirated, 4-cylinder, port-injected, Atkinson cycle engine mated to a 6-speed "Shiftronic" automatic transmission. This engine is simple as far as engines go since it doesn't have a turbo or direct injection (both of which add complexity that leads to new potential areas for failure). I prefer the 6-speed automatic transmission over CVT transmissions since it is more of a tried and true technology. I prefer the 6-speed automatic transmission over the dual-clutch transmission because I think it is smoother, and typically cheaper to work on. Practicality: To me, practicality includes cargo space, the inclusion of a spare tire, infotainment, driving assistance technology, comfort, build quality, and basic performance. Cargo space is fairly limited with the seats up, but with the seats down, there is plenty. Also, the SEL has roof rails if needed. The FWD SEL has a temporary spare, which was more important to me than AWD since I don't see much snow or ice in Texas and won't be going off-road. The infotainment system is intuitive, responsive, compatible with Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and uses a matte screen to reduce glare. Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility are important to me because they prevent the software from feeling outdated as quickly. The lane-keep assist works well for highways, and the backup camera and blind-spot monitoring system are excellent and reliable. The seats have been comfortable for me, and the ergonomics of the whole car seem well-considered except for the hard plastic where you might rest your arm on the driver's side door (which hurts your elbow after a while). Other than that, the plastic used in the rest of the interior is nice, easy to clean, well put together, and seems durable. Lastly, the performance has been good enough to merge onto 75 MPH highways and pass people once on. Design: This is almost entirely subjective, but I figure I would include it anyway. I like the way the Kona looks, and I like to attribute that to the fact that one of the designers (Luc Donckerwolke) also designed the Lamborgini Diablo (2001), Murcielago (2002), and Gallardo (2004). On a more objective note, the front is enlarged for aesthetics, but this leaves more room in the engine bay if the car ever needs to be worked on. Those are the main reasons I chose the Kona, and so far I have loved it.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Total Package

Anthony F., 09/21/2019
2020 Hyundai Kona SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
73 of 80 people found this review helpful

My 2020 Kona REALLY delivers! From the updated features (inside & out), better than expected MPG, smooth ride, comfy interior & sleek body style, this vehicle is a WINNER! This vehicle is my daily driver for my 60 miles (round trip) commute, and I could not be any happier with my selection. The Kona fits 4 people comfortably, and has plenty of cargo room with the back seats down. Hyundai has knocked it out of the park with the Kona! The only recommendation I would make is: if you have the flexibility to upgrade to the 1.6 turbo engine, do so, if not, no biggie. VERY pleased with this purchase!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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