CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.6%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,100
Average Price: Around £16,700

Hyundai Kona (2023-present) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Roomy, practical cabin	Merely so-so to drive
Great infotainment system	Cabin could feel posher
Generous standard equipment	Should be more comfortable

Quick Summary

The Hyundai Kona (2023-present) is the second generation of Hyundai's popular compact SUV, featuring futuristic angular styling and significantly improved practicality over its predecessor. The car has grown by 14 centimetres in length and 6 centimetres in wheelbase, delivering a spacious 466-litre boot and generous rear-seat room. It offers multiple powertrain options including a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol engine, a more powerful 1.6-litre turbo petrol, and a self-charging petrol-electric hybrid. The cabin features a well-designed twin-screen infotainment system with intuitive controls, solid build quality, and comprehensive standard equipment across all trim levels.

Whilst the Kona excels in space, practicality, and equipment, its dynamic performance is merely average, with light and vague steering, noticeable body roll, and an occasionally unsettled ride. The 1.6 turbo petrol paired with the automatic gearbox proves problematic, whilst the hybrid offers the best efficiency at over 60mpg. The 1.0-litre petrol achieves around 48mpg, and the 1.6 turbo returns approximately 44mpg. Insurance groups range from 22-23 for the smaller engines to 30-33 for the 1.6 turbo. For company car drivers, the hybrid offers better tax efficiency at 26% benefit-in-kind, whilst the electric version is exceptional at just 2%. The Kona represents a compelling all-rounder for those prioritising space, practicality, and value over dynamic polish.

Best for: Families seeking a spacious, practical SUV with generous equipment, those valuing comfort and usability over driving dynamics, and company car drivers considering the hybrid or electric variants.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising sharp handling and engaging dynamics, those seeking a premium interior feel, or buyers requiring a particularly comfortable ride quality.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the Kona if: You prioritise space, practicality, and equipment, value a user-friendly infotainment system, or seek a sensible all-rounder for family use.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise sharp handling and engaging driving dynamics, desire a premium interior ambience, or require exceptional ride comfort.

Competitive Position: The Hyundai Kona (2023-present) is a strong contender in the compact SUV segment, offering excellent practicality, generous equipment, and solid build quality at a competitive price point. Whilst it trails the Ford Puma in overall appeal and dynamic performance, it matches the Volkswagen T-Roc and Kia Niro in many respects. The Kona's key strengths lie in its spacious cabin, intuitive infotainment, and comprehensive standard features, making it an excellent choice for families and practical-minded buyers. However, those seeking superior handling or a more premium feel may find the Ford Puma or Volkswagen T-Roc more appealing.

Read our full Hyundai Kona Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.