2025 HYUNDAI KONA SEL

2.0L 4-cylinder AWD - USA Market

PistonDB Editorial Rating

Editorial Score:

3.5 / 5.0

The 2025 Hyundai Kona SEL Convenience offers a compelling package for the urban adventurer, boasting a 147 hp 4-cylinder engine paired with an intelligent variable automatic transmission and HTRAC All Wheel Drive for confident handling in various conditions. Its modern exterior features LED projector headlights, DRLs, and active grille shutters, while the interior welcomes occupants with a spacious cabin, dual-zone climate control, and a premium 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Advanced driver assistance systems like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist come standard, all supported by a robust warranty package. Despite some community concerns about winter performance and potential ICCU issues, the Kona SEL Convenience stands out for its value, refined design, and a suite of modern technologies.

LED Projector Headlights LED DRL Active Grille Shutters Reclining 60/40 Split Fold-Flat Seats Dual-Zone Climate Control 12.3-inch Infotainment Display 12.3-inch Digital Gauge Cluster Dynamic Voice Recognition Wireless Android Auto Wireless Apple CarPlay Wireless Charging Digital Key 2 Touch Wi-Fi Hotspot OTA Updates Atkinson Cycle Engine MPI Engine Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) HTRAC All Wheel Drive Drive Mode Select Multi-link Suspension 4-wheel Disc Brakes Hillstart Assist Control Downhill Brake Control Alloy Wheels Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Lane Keep Assist (LKA) Lane Centering Assist Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) Traffic Sign Recognition Driver Drowsiness Detection 5-Year Basic Warranty 10-Year Powertrain Warranty Roadside Assistance

Reddit Community Sentiment Analysis: hyundai kona 2025

Community Sentiment Score:

3.8 / 5.0

The 2025 Hyundai Kona receives generally positive feedback, with users appreciating its value, responsive driving dynamics, and refined design compared to previous models. However, concerns are raised regarding its suitability for harsh winters (especially non-AWD models), charging speed for long trips, and some interior quality perceptions. There's also a notable discussion about potential ICCU issues, though some comments suggest these are more prevalent in other Hyundai/Kia models or specific platforms.

Pros

  • Good value for the price
  • Responsive and fun to drive (torque and handling)
  • Elegant and refined design
  • Good warranty
  • Preheating passenger space is effective in winter

Cons

  • Concerns about winter performance, especially non-AWD models
  • Not the fastest charging for long trips
  • Some perceive the interior as cheap
  • Potential ICCU issues (though debated if specific to Kona/platform)
  • Not ideal for 5 passengers with luggage on challenging terrain

NHTSA Safety & Reliability: Hyundai Kona 2025

Safety Score:

3.0 / 5.0

The 2025 Hyundai Kona exhibits a concerning number of electrical system and braking issues reported by owners. Several complaints detail sudden loss of power due to electrical system failures, including loose fuse box connectors, which can lead to loss of steering assistance and a risk of collision. Braking system malfunctions are also frequently reported, with instances of unintended ABS activation or IEB system failures causing erratic stopping behavior and extended stopping distances. Additionally, there are reports of forward collision avoidance system malfunctions, including unexpected automatic braking. A concerning incident involved an airbag deploying but becoming inoperable and deflating with smoke emission during a crash. Other issues include a sunroof that fails to close properly, potentially allowing water ingress, and plastic exterior components that detach easily, posing a road hazard. While no major recalls are listed in the provided data, the frequency and severity of these complaints suggest potential reliability and safety concerns that warrant further investigation.

Severe Risks & Complaints

  • Sudden electrical system failure leading to loss of power and steering assistance.
  • Braking system malfunctions including unintended ABS activation and erratic stopping.
  • Forward collision avoidance system false activations and unintended automatic braking.
  • Airbag malfunction during a crash, including failure to operate correctly and smoke emission.
  • Detachment of exterior plastic components creating road hazards.
  • Sunroof malfunction leading to water ingress.

Major Recalls

  • No major recalls reported.
Data source: NHTSA API
Vehicle Identity:
Brand NameHyundai
Model NameKona
Model Year2025
Trim LevelSEL
Sub-Trim LevelConvenience
Car Segmentsmall SUV
Body TypeSUV
Target MarketUSA
Lifecycle StatusCurrent Production
Exterior and Lighting:
Headlights Technology TypeLED projector-type
Daytime Running Lights (DRL)LED
Automatic High BeamYes
Tail Lights Technology TypeLED
Heated Side MirrorsYes
Active AerodynamicsActive grille shutters
Dimensions and Aerodynamics:
Overall Length171.3 in
Overall Length (mm)4351.02 mm
Overall Width71.9 in
Overall Width (mm)1826.26 mm
Overall Height63.4 in
Overall Height (mm)1610.36 mm
Wheelbase104.7 in
Wheelbase (mm)2659.38 mm
Roof Rack TypeRoof side rails
Interior and Infotainment:
Second Row Seating TypeReclining 60/40 split fold-flat
Interior Passenger Volume2.87 (2.80) m^3
Front Headroom1013.46 (972.82) mm
Rear Headroom972.82 mm
Front Legroom1059.18 mm
Rear Legroom970.28 mm
Front Shoulder Room1442.72 mm
Rear Shoulder Room1402.08 mm
Interior Color OptionsGray Cloth, Black Cloth
Seat Upholstery MaterialCloth
Seat Adjustment Ways8-way power
Steering Column AdjustmentTilt-and-telescopic
Steering Wheel Controls TypeAudio, phone and cruise controls
Climate Control ZonesDual
Rear Climate ControlYes
Glass TypePrivacy glass
Auto-Dimming Rearview MirrorStandard
Standard Cargo Volume0.72 m^3
Cargo Volume Behind 1st Row1.80 m^3
Cargo Volume Behind 2nd Row0.72 m^3
Infotainment Display Size12.3 in
Digital Gauge Cluster Size12.3 in
Voice Assistant BrandDynamic Voice Recognition
Smartphone IntegrationWireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlayStandard
Wireless Android AutoStandard
Wireless ChargingStandard
Front USB Ports Count2
Rear USB Ports Count2
Digital Key SupportDigital Key 2 Touch
In-Car Connectivity TypeWi-Fi hotspot
OTA Updates SupportStandard
Engine Specifications:
Engine TypeAtkinson Cycle
Engine Configuration4-cylinder engine
Number of Cylinders4 cylinders
Engine Fuel TypeMPI Engine
Power147 hp
Power (kW)109.62 kW
Torque132 lb-ft
Max Torque (Nm)179.00 N-m
Transmission and Drivetrain:
Transmission TypeAutomatic
Transmission Marketing NameSmartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Drivetrain ArchitectureAWD
All-Wheel Drive SystemHTRAC All Wheel Drive
Drive Modes SelectorDrive Mode Select
Performance and Fuel Economy:
Fuel Economy (City)26 MPG
City Fuel Economy (L/100km)9.05 L/100km
Fuel Economy (Highway)29 MPG
Highway Fuel Economy (L/100km)8.11 L/100km
Fuel Economy (Combined)27 MPG
Combined Fuel Economy (L/100km)8.71 L/100km
Chassis Suspension and Brakes:
Rear SuspensionMulti-link suspension
Front Brakes4-wheel disc brakes
Rear Brakes4-wheel disc brakes
Hill Descent Control (HDC)Hillstart Assist Control and Downhill Brake Control
Wheels and Tires:
Front Rim Diameter (inches)18 inches
Rear Rim Diameter (inches)18 inches
Rim MaterialAlloy
Safety and Driver Assistance:
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)Yes
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)Yes
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)Yes
Lane Centering AssistYes
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)Yes
Traffic Sign RecognitionYes
Driver Drowsiness DetectionYes
Warranty and Services:
Basic Warranty (Years)5 years
Basic Warranty (km)96560.40 km
Powertrain Warranty (Years)10 years
Powertrain Warranty (km)160934.00 km
Roadside Assistance Duration (Years)5 years
Anti-Perforation Warranty (Years)7 years

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