After six years on the market, Hyundai has renewed its very successful Kona. Built on a 60 mm (2.4 inch) longer wheelbase, the second-generation Kona has stretched significantly and is 145 mm (5.7 inches) longer than before, marginally wider and roughly the same height. This growth may rectify two limitations of the original Kona, which were tight rear seat legroom and limited cargo space.

Front end styling is interesting. A slim light bar sits above a massive lower air intake, which is flanked by boomerang-shaped bright elements that are met by the front wheel well extensions that house the headlamps. The side silhouette echoes the styling of the first Kona with the addition of the impressed “Z” motif first seen on the Ioniq 5 BEV, and is visually incoherent. Both the boomerang frontal styling themes and the odd inset section of the tailgate are also featured on the Kia Sportage, which is about the first time the two brands have shared styling elements.

Hyundai and Kia are masters at straightforward minor controls, with simple knobs and buttons to manipulate climate and audio functions. Like the Ioniq 5, the dashboard of the new Kona reflects angular, 1980s design conventions.

Two conventional engines, a 147 horsepower 2L four and a turbocharged 1.6L four with 190 horsepower, return for 2024. The 2L sends power to the wheels via a CVT, with the turbo hooked up to a conventional eight-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard with all-wheel drive optional on entry-level models and standard on fancier ones. The electric Kona returns for 2024. Rated at 201 horsepower, the Kona electric is powered by a 64.8 kWh battery pack. Estimated range under ideal conditions is expected to be up to 570 kilometers. Using a Level 3 charger, Hyundai claims the Kona BEV can go from a 10 percent to an 80 percent charge in 43 minutes. Premium trims will offer a Vehicle-to-load function that lets the car power equipment outside the car. One-pedal driving, called i-Pedal, is featured on the BEV.

Two conventional engines, a 147 horsepower 2L four and a turbocharged 1.6L four with 190 horsepower, return for 2024. The Kona N-Line, is powered by the 1.6L turbo that is hooked up to a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission. Performance is brisk, linear and flexible but there is some unwelcome engine rumbles when leaving from a stop that are not evident in the related Kia Seltos. Steering is quick and precise, and the ride and handling balance of the car is very well judged for a family.

The base Essential trim includes blind spot, rear cross traffic and driver awareness warnings, a lane change assist system and alloy wheels. The Preferred trim upgrade adds a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control with stop and go and is good value. All-wheel drive is a $2000 option on the Essential and Preferred models. The Trend package on the Preferred trim includes a sunroof, wireless cellphone charging, digital key access and dual zone climate control and is priced to reflect the value of the additional content. The N-Line trim is powered but the turbo 1.6L, adds larger wheels, a digital tablet information system, leather and suede seating, allow pedals and a variety of smaller features and is good value when the turbo engine in factored in. The N-Ultimate features navigation, rain-sense wipers, ventilated front seats, power driver’s seat, garage door opener, a 360 degree camera system, parking sonar front and rear and reverse auto braking, at a bargain price