The Hyundai Kona enters its second model year in the
United States, and it has just received a price hike hike for the 2019MY. While the 2018 model started at US$ 19,500, the 2019 Kona kicks off at US$ 19,990 for the base SE trim. The price excludes
a US$ 980 destination and handling fee.
The US$ 490 price increase can be explained by the fact
that some of the Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies are now standard on all
models. The new features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keep
Assist, and Driver Attention Warning.
In addition to the new standard safety kit, all
trims get an additional USB charging port at the front as well as soft touch
front door armrests and inserts. Hyundai also says it listened to feedback from Kona buyers and made
some changes for the 2019 model. Those include the addition of a new Sunset
Orange body color and a wider availability of some optional features, such as
the 8-speaker Infinity Premium Audio system, Blue Link Connected Car System,
HomeLink and Compass, and a shark-fin roof antenna.
The base 2019 Kona SE comes with the standard 147 hp
2.0-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic
transmission. The list of standard features is quite long and includes Torque
Vectoring by Braking (TVBB), Downhill Brake Control, Hillstart Assist Control,
and Drive Mode Select.
Also standard are the rearview monitor with parking
guidance, manual air conditioning, 60/40 split-folding rear seats and a 7-inch
touchscreen infotainment system with 6-speaker stereo and Android Auto and
Apple CarPlay.
The 2019 Kona trim level structure remains the same
and includes the SE, SEL (with available SEL Tech Package), Limited and
Ultimate. Every grade is available with either front- or all-wheel drive. 2019
Kona Limited and Ultimate models get the optional 175 hp 1.6-liter turbocharged
gasoline engine mated to the 7-Speed EcoShift dual-clutch automatic
transmission.
