2025 HYUNDAI KONA SEL
2.0L 4-cylinder FWD - USA Market
PistonDB Editorial Rating
Editorial Score:
3.5 / 5.0The 2025 Hyundai Kona SEL is a front-wheel-drive small SUV designed for the USA market, offering a good balance of features and value. It boasts a 147 hp 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine paired with a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) for efficient city and highway driving. Inside, you'll find a spacious cabin with cloth seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard safety features include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Blind Spot Monitoring, complemented by a comprehensive warranty. While generally well-received for its design and driving dynamics, some user feedback points to potential concerns regarding winter performance in non-AWD variants and charging speed for longer trips.
Reddit Community Sentiment Analysis: hyundai kona 2025
Community Sentiment Score:
3.8 / 5.0The 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 / 5.0The 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.
| Vehicle Identity: | |
|---|---|
| Brand Name | Hyundai |
| Model Name | Kona |
| Model Year | 2025 |
| Trim Level | SEL |
| Car Segment | small SUV |
| Body Type | SUV |
| Target Market | USA |
| Lifecycle Status | Current Production |
| Exterior and Lighting: | |
|---|---|
| Headlights Technology Type | LED projector-type |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | LED |
| Automatic High Beam | Yes |
| Tail Lights Technology Type | LED |
| Heated Side Mirrors | Yes |
| Active Aerodynamics | Active grille shutters |
| Dimensions and Aerodynamics: | |
|---|---|
| Overall Length | 171.3 in |
| Overall Length (mm) | 4351.02 mm |
| Overall Width | 71.9 in |
| Overall Width (mm) | 1826.26 mm |
| Overall Height | 62.4 in |
| Overall Height (mm) | 1584.96 mm |
| Wheelbase | 104.7 in |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2659.38 mm |
| Roof Rack Type | Roof side rails |
| Interior and Infotainment: | |
|---|---|
| Second Row Seating Type | Reclining 60/40 split fold-flat |
| Interior Passenger Volume | 2.87 (2.80) m^3 |
| Front Headroom | 1013.46 (972.82) mm |
| Rear Headroom | 972.82 mm |
| Front Legroom | 1059.18 mm |
| Rear Legroom | 970.28 mm |
| Front Shoulder Room | 1442.72 mm |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 1402.08 mm |
| Interior Color Options | Gray Cloth, Black Cloth |
| Seat Upholstery Material | Cloth |
| Seat Adjustment Ways | 8-way power |
| Steering Column Adjustment | Tilt-and-telescopic |
| Steering Wheel Controls Type | Audio, phone and cruise controls |
| Climate Control Zones | Dual |
| Rear Climate Control | Yes |
| Glass Type | Privacy glass |
| Standard Cargo Volume | 0.72 m^3 |
| Cargo Volume Behind 1st Row | 1.80 m^3 |
| Cargo Volume Behind 2nd Row | 0.72 m^3 |
| Infotainment Display Size | 12.3 in |
| Digital Gauge Cluster Size | 4.2 in |
| Smartphone Integration | Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay | Standard |
| Wireless Android Auto | Standard |
| Front USB Ports Count | 2 |
| Rear USB Ports Count | 2 |
| OTA Updates Support | Standard |
| Engine Specifications: | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Atkinson Cycle |
| Engine Configuration | 4-cylinder engine |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Fuel Type | MPI Engine |
| Power | 147 hp |
| Power (kW) | 109.62 kW |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft |
| Max Torque (Nm) | 179.00 N-m |
| Transmission and Drivetrain: | |
|---|---|
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Marketing Name | Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | FWD |
| Drive Modes Selector | Drive Mode Select |
| Performance and Fuel Economy: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Economy (City) | 28 MPG |
| City Fuel Economy (L/100km) | 8.40 L/100km |
| Fuel Economy (Highway) | 35 MPG |
| Highway Fuel Economy (L/100km) | 6.72 L/100km |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG |
| Combined Fuel Economy (L/100km) | 7.59 L/100km |
| Chassis Suspension and Brakes: | |
|---|---|
| Front Brakes | 4-wheel disc brakes |
| Rear Brakes | 4-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 Material | Alloy |
| Safety and Driver Assistance: | |
|---|---|
| Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) | Yes |
| Forward Collision Warning (FCW) | Yes |
| Lane Keep Assist (LKA) | Yes |
| Lane Centering Assist | Yes |
| Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) | Yes |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) | Yes |
| Traffic Sign Recognition | Yes |
| Driver Drowsiness Detection | Yes |
| 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 |
Downloads & Manuals
-
Download
brochure.pdf