The 2021 Hyundai Kona lasts around 150,000 miles with some engine and A/C system issues. At $19,750 to $29,000, it’s cheaper than some competitors, but not worth the money when there are expensive mechanical problems.
Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2021 is a bad year for the Hyundai Kona since there are still mechanical issues with its engines, making it one to avoid. Owner reviews complain about engine problems, fueling issues, along with having to spend time in the shop.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are basic for a small SUV, the seats are reasonably supportive on longer drives, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 6/10 – There are serious engine problems reported on models with under 10,000 miles. In general models from 2018–2021 have more issues than other SUVs.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance is okay from the standard engine while the turbocharged motor is reasonably quick for the Kona’s size.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Kona is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive cruise control as well as a head-up display.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 30 MPG, giving 396 miles of range from the 13.2 gallon tank. Gas costs are $33 cheaper than average at $168 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2021 Hyundai Kona is cheaper than some other SUVs, although there are some problems which can make them expensive out of warranty.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Hyundai Kona?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Hyundai Kona is more enjoyable to drive than other subcompact SUVs, but owner satisfaction scores are lower.
- Edmunds rates the Kona at 3.8/5, praising the responsive handling for a small SUV, but doesn’t like the cheap plastic interior trim.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Kona a 4.3/5, enjoying the standard active safety technology, but doesn’t like the small cargo area.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona Have?
Common problems on the 2021 Hyundai Kona include engine oil issues, A/C system failures, along with broken headlights. Overall, these problems are worse than many other compact SUVs on the market, leading to high repair bills once the Kona is out of warranty.
Engine oil issues are the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Hyundai Kona, showing up in the first 15,000 miles. Many owners report the engines burning oil and coolant, leading to excessive wear and tear on the components in the motor. Hyundai is replacing affected engines for free under warranty, although out of warranty the replacement costs over $5,000.
A/C system failures are another problem found on the 2021 Kona in under 10,000 miles. The compressor tends to wear out very quickly on a lot of models. Hyundai is replacing many compressors for free under warranty, although out of warranty it’s about $1,500 to change.
Broken headlights have also been reported on the Hyundai Kona in the first 25,000 miles. Owners report condensation and water winding up inside of the headlight housing which shorts out the lights. This happens when seals on the lights fail and allow water in. The only solution is to replace the headlight assembly and electronics, which costs over $700 per light.
There is one recall on the 2021 Hyundai Kona, which is similar to other small SUVs from the same year. The recall covers improperly heat-treated piston oil rings, which can lead to leaks, increasing the risk of a fire. Hyundai will replace the engine for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2021 Hyundai Kona Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Hyundai Kona may last around 150,000 miles, which is much shorter than the popular Toyota RAV4, although we don’t recommend owning a Kona out of warranty with the engine problems. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than other small SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal at $535 per year.
As a used 2021 Hyundai Kona reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the voltage regulator for $350, steering knuckle for $500, along with the trailing arm which costs $400.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great with a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is excellent offering:
- Rearview camera
- Automatic emergency braking
- Driver drowsiness monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Lane keep assist
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear parking sensors
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Pedestrian detection
- Head-up display
Is the 2021 Hyundai Kona a Good Value?
No, the 2021 Hyundai Kona is not a good value since there are more mechanical problems than other small SUVs. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $19,750 to $29,000, making it less than a Mazda CX-5 or Honda CR-V. When new, the price range was $20,500 to $29,550. Depreciation is similar to other small SUVs, losing about 5% of its current value per year in normal conditions.
What are the Different Models of the Hyundai Kona?
There are six models of the 2021 Hyundai Kona offered, from the base Kona SE all the way up to the more luxurious Kona Ultimate. The Kona comes 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
- Cloth Seats
- Height-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Six-Speaker Sound System
SEL is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Heated Mirrors
- Roof Rails
- Remote Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Heated Front Seats
- HD and Satellite Radio
SEL Plus adds features such as:
- Sunroof
- Foglights
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Wireless Charging Pad
- Eight-Speaker Infinity Audio System
Night offers some changes including:
- 18-Inch Black-Painted Wheels
- LED Headlights
- Black Exterior Trim
Limited is next in the lineup with:
- Unique 18-Inch Wheels
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Leather Upholstery
Ultimate is the flagship model which has:
- Premium Leather Seating
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
- Automatic Wipers
What Engines Come In the Hyundai Kona?
- The base engine is an average 2.0L 4-cylinder which makes 147 horsepower at up to 30 MPG. It comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission.
- There’s a more powerful 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder which produces 175 horsepower while also getting 30 MPG. Performance is good for a compact SUV, taking 6.6 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Hyundai Kona Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Hyundai Kona?
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is recognized for its comfortable and well-appointed interior that appeals to a wide range of drivers. The cabin is designed with high-quality materials and a modern layout, providing a pleasant environment for passengers. The Kona seats five people, with both front and rear passengers enjoying a good amount of headroom and legroom. The front seats are particularly comfortable, offering excellent support for long drives, while the spacious rear seats provide adequate space for adults or children.
The ride quality is smooth and composed, with the suspension effectively absorbing most road imperfections. While the cabin may not be the quietest in its class, it is still reasonably well-insulated from road and wind noise. Overall, the 2021 Hyundai Kona delivers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience that stands out in the compact SUV segment.
How Much Storage Space Does the Hyundai Kona Have?
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a popular compact SUV known for its stylish design and practical features. Regarding storage space, it offers a versatile and roomy interior. The Kona provides 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is adequate for daily errands and small luggage. For those who need more storage, folding down the 60/40 split rear seats expands the cargo area to an impressive 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. This ample space makes the 2021 Hyundai Kona a suitable choice for road trips, outdoor adventures, or transporting large items when needed.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Hyundai Kona was launched for the 2018 model year.
2018: First model year for an all new subcompact crossover SUV.
2019: More standard safety features than in the first year.
2020: Adaptive cruise control added to Kona Ultimate model.
2021: New Night Edition added with blacked-out trim.
2022: Minor exterior styling changes, sportier N Line model added.
How Does the Hyundai Kona Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a bad compact SUV since it has a lot of mechanical problems compared to a lot of the competition, making it one buyers should avoid out of warranty.
The Kia Sportage is another popular small SUV which costs about $1,500 more. Passenger room is a bit better in the Kia Sportage, while the Hyundai Kona is more fuel efficient. We recommend the Kia Sportage since it has fewer mechanical problems reported as they age.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a competitor which is available for about $3,000 more. Off-road performance is much better in the Subaru Crosstrek, while the Hyundai Kona has more advanced driver assistance features available. We recommend the Subaru Crosstrek since they are much more reliable.
