Motor Company has enjoyed a great run in the SUV vehicle class in recent years. Models such as Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Palisade and Hyundai Kona are positioned well. Hyundai produces large SUVs, but none of them are currently segment leaders. Hyundai’s SUV nameplates have always managed to get close to the top, but they’ve never ascended the throne in recent years. The 2024 Hyundai Kona could be the first Hyundai to permanently dominate a vehicle segment.
When does the 2024 Hyundai Kona come out?
Hyundai says it will arrive in the summer of 2023. The Kona is undergoing a complete redesign. This is exciting for gearheads because Kona has always had a distinct design, but the redesign takes the cake. Hyundai’s design language is rapidly evolving as the South Korean automaker pursues a futuristic aesthetic.
It starts at $22,140, so a starting price above $23K makes sense for the redesigned subcompact SUV.
One of the Kona’s key features is its value proposition, so Hyundai is unlikely to raise prices significantly enough to ruffle feathers. Hyundai’s subcompact SUV has received a lot of praise, so why redesign it in its prime?
Why is Hyundai redesigning the Kona?
Sure, Kona is in competition, but there are arguably better options for consumers. One of the main rivals of the Hyundai Kona is the Mazda CX-30. The 2023 Mazda CX-30 starts at $22,950. It uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine to produce 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The CX-30 gets 26 miles per gallon in the city and 33 miles per gallon on the highway.
The CX-30 received an Editor’s Choice award from Car and Driver. calls it the best subcompact SUV for 2023. The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is sleeker and more refined than its rivals.
Part of the reason Hyundai is redesigning the Kona is to stay competitive. The automaker needs to protect its market share and hopes to divert attention away from other options with the redesigned Kona.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona has great potential based on previous model years and glimpses of the subcompact SUV Hyundai has released so far. The nameplate grows and aligns with Hyundai’s vision for the future of its range. The quirky SUV looks more mature and modern after its redesign. The question is, can it beat the CX-30? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure. Critics, consumers and auto enthusiasts are excited for the release of the 2024 Hyundai Kona this summer.
Let us know what you think about the upcoming Hyundai Kona redesign.
