Used Hyundai Kona Buyers' Guide

The Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV that makes it easy to move around the city yet has a spacious interior that can comfortably fit plenty of passengers and all their cargo. Since its debut for the 2018 model year, it has seen a few changes, from embracing shifts in aesthetics to gaining new features or even whole new versions. But every iteration of the Kona is a great vehicle that will take you where you want to go in comfort and style.

If you're looking for a used Hyundai Kona for sale, River City Hyundai is here to help. We've been serving the Edmonton area for years, and we're dedicated to providing you with the highest level of customer service and quality models that will suit your driving needs for years to come. The Kona has so many different options that shopping for one can feel a bit overwhelming at first, but the variety of choices just means that there's one out there that's perfect for you. In this guide, we'll go over the different variations of this SUV so that you'll know what to keep an eye out for when you visit our lot or browse our online inventory.

Changes Year to Year

When the Kona first hit the scene in 2018, it already had plenty of features that are still desirable today, like a standard infotainment setup with a large touchscreen, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Cruise control, a rearview camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system are all standard across every trim. The base engine is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 147 hp, but some trims come with a more energetic turbocharged 1.6-litre engine that provides 175 hp.

For the 2019 model year, the standard Konda did not see many changes. However, an all-new Kona Electric was added to the lineup. This EV features a 201-horsepower electric motor and a 64 kWh battery pack for a range of 415 kilometres. If you are looking for a versatile and affordable way to join the electric vehicle movement, then a used Kona Electric is one of your best options.

For the 2020 model year, the Kona Electric gained a battery-warmer system as a standard feature on some trim levels to improve charging times and range during cold weather. That's certainly a handy feature up here in Edmonton, so keep an eye out for it while shopping if you're looking for an EV. On the regular Kona, adaptive cruise control became available on the Luxury trim, and wireless charging was offered on the Ultimate trim.

Not many changes were made to the Kona for 2021. However, Tangerine Comet and Acid Yellow were dropped from the lineup of exterior colours, so if you want to make a splash with one of those bright paint schemes, stick to older used models. Overall, the changes were most likely minimal because a more significant makeover was in the works for 2022.

Refreshed for 2022

Aesthetically, the Kona got a complete redesign inside and out for the 2022 model year. This includes wheel designs, lights, the grille, and the dashboard. The standard touchscreen became bigger, and new optional features include a completely digital gauge display and heated rear seats. A new trim was also added to the lineup: the sporty Kona N Line. The Kona Electric also got a new look and now comes standard with the all-digital gauge display. There's no electric Kona N Line, though, so you'll have to stick to the regular Kona for that sporty look and feel.

On top of all of the aesthetic changes, one big difference made for the 2022 model year is fuel economy. From 2018 to 2021, the Kona's fuel consumption ratings held steady from year to year, but in 2022 both powertrains saw an improvement. The front-wheel drive version went from 7.9 L/100km in older models to 7.5 L/100km in the 2022 model, while the all-wheel drive version with the base engine went from 8.6 L/100km to 7.9 L/100km. The all-wheel drive version of this Hyundai SUV with the turbocharged engine went from 8.6L/100km to 8.2 L/100km.

From the beginning, the Kona has been offered with the option of either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Each one has its advantages. front-wheel drive is more affordable, both in terms of the up-front sticker price and because it's more fuel-efficient. However, all-wheel drive is worth the extra cost to many drivers because it provides better traction on slippery and uneven surfaces and improved handling and cornering. The Kona Electric is only offered with front-wheel drive, so if you're looking for the extra control provided by all-wheel drive, you'll have to stick to an internal combustion engine.

All the Features You Want

Specific features vary not only from year to year but also from trim level to trim level. Going over each one in detail would be lengthy and repetitive, so instead, we're going to go over the definitions of a few terms and features. If any of them sound particularly appealing to you, then you can either look for them on our website or mention them to the sales staff during your visit, and we will help you find a used Kona that has the features you're looking for.

Heated front seats, rear seats, and steering wheel work in concert with climate control to keep you and your passengers warm during cold weather. Proximity keyless entry with push-button ignition lets you enter and start the car without taking the key fob out of your pocket or bag. All of these features have been available since the 2017 Kona. The 2022 refresh added more goodies, such as Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which let you use your smartphone's apps through the Kona's interface without having to keep any cables on hand. The full digital display instrument cluster puts key information right behind the steering wheel while the head-up display projects it directly into your line of sight.

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection can provide warnings if it senses an obstacle in your path and will apply emergency braking under certain conditions. Adaptive Cruise Control lets you set not just a cruising speed but also a distance from the vehicle ahead of you so that the system will continue to operate, even in stop-and-go traffic. Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist detects when a vehicle is in your blind spot and works to deter an unsafe lane change. All of these safety features are found in the higher trims.

Find Your Used Kona Today

Here at River City Hyundai, we know that living in the Edmonton area presents unique challenges for drivers. We live, work, and play right here, so we can relate to your winter driving woes and answer your questions about commuting to surrounding areas or driving to local vacation destinations. Working with a local dealership like us means getting a dedicated team of people who understand where you're coming from and are ready to meet you where you're at. Whether you're ready to commit to a used Kona or you want to browse the many other fine options in our inventory, stop by or contact us today. We're ready to give you the best car-buying experience possible because customer satisfaction is our number one priority.