2024 Hyundai Kona Photos, engines & full specs

Hyundai developed the second generation of the Kona from the ground up to accommodate either electric or internal combustion engines, and the U.S. version broke covers on the 2023 NYIAS.

The Korean automaker focused on EV production but still knew that it had to keep the internal combustion versions on the assembly lines. As a result, it came up with a smart idea: a platform that could get both kinds of engines and room to spare for battery packs. The only thing that it couldn't solve was a design to fit both versions.

Thus, the dinosaur-juice-powered version looked more like an EV with a grille at the front rather than a proper ICE vehicle. At the front, the vehicle sported the same signature LED light strip that ran from side to side. Underneath it, the redesigned bumper accommodated a broad opening for the radiator's grille, flanked on the sides by the same headlights with amber blinkers as on the Kona EV. From its profile, the B-segment crossover featured sculptured door panels and black, unpainted cladding that surrounded the wheel arches and adorned the side sills. At the same time, at the back, the taillights were placed on the outer sides of the quarter panels.

Hyundai created a modern interior for the Kona, with two 12.3" displays on the dashboard. The one fronting the driver was for the instrument panel, while the one placed atop the center stack was for the infotainment system. In addition, a 12" HUD offered additional information to the driver, so they didn't need to take their eyes off the road. The vehicle provided enough room for five occupants on short jaunts, but on longer trips, the narrow bench seat in the back was not exactly comfortable for three adults.

The Kona's gasoline-powered version was available with a choice of two powerplants: a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle and a 1.6-liter turbocharged and direct fuel-injected version paired with a CVT or an 8-speed automatic tranny, respectively.