Hey guys! Thinking about snagging a 2019 Hyundai Kona in Canada? You've come to the right place! This compact SUV has been turning heads and winning hearts, and for good reason. Let's dive deep into what makes the 2019 Kona a solid choice for Canadian drivers, covering everything from performance and fuel efficiency to interior comfort and tech features. We'll also tackle some common concerns and see how it stacks up against the competition. Get ready for the ultimate 2019 Hyundai Kona review!

Performance and Handling: Zippy and Fun!

When it comes to performance, the 2019 Hyundai Kona offers a peppy and engaging driving experience. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. While this might not sound like a lot, it's more than adequate for city driving and merging onto the highway. The Kona feels nimble and responsive, making it a joy to maneuver through traffic. For those craving a bit more punch, the available 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the way to go. This little beast cranks out 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, transforming the Kona into a genuinely quick and fun-to-drive SUV. The turbo engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which provides quick and smooth gear changes. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a weekend road trip, the Kona's performance won't disappoint.

Handling is another area where the Kona shines. Its compact size and well-tuned suspension make it surprisingly agile and easy to handle. The steering is precise and provides good feedback, allowing you to confidently navigate winding roads. The Kona also offers available all-wheel drive (AWD), which is a valuable asset for Canadian drivers facing snowy and icy conditions. With AWD, you'll have added traction and stability, giving you peace of mind during the winter months. Overall, the 2019 Kona's performance and handling make it a standout in the subcompact SUV segment. It's fun to drive, fuel-efficient, and capable in various weather conditions, making it a great choice for Canadian drivers.

Fuel Efficiency: Saving You Money at the Pump

In Canada, where gas prices can fluctuate wildly, fuel efficiency is a major concern for many car buyers. The 2019 Hyundai Kona excels in this area, offering impressive fuel economy that will help you save money at the pump. The 2.0-liter engine achieves an estimated fuel consumption of 8.0 L/100 km in the city and 6.2 L/100 km on the highway. These figures are competitive for the subcompact SUV class and make the Kona an economical choice for daily commuting. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine offers similar fuel economy, with an estimated consumption of 8.4 L/100 km in the city and 6.9 L/100 km on the highway. While the turbo engine is slightly less fuel-efficient than the 2.0-liter, the added performance is well worth the small trade-off.

Real-world fuel economy often varies depending on driving habits and conditions. However, many Kona owners report achieving fuel consumption figures that are close to the official estimates. To maximize fuel efficiency, it's recommended to drive conservatively, avoid excessive idling, and keep your tires properly inflated. The Kona's fuel-efficient engines, combined with its lightweight design, contribute to its impressive gas mileage. Whether you're driving in the city or on the highway, you can expect to save money on fuel with the 2019 Hyundai Kona.

Interior Comfort and Features: A Surprisingly Spacious Cabin

Don't let the Kona's compact exterior fool you; the interior is surprisingly spacious and comfortable. The front seats offer ample headroom and legroom, even for taller occupants. The rear seats are a bit more cramped, but they're still suitable for adults on shorter trips. The Kona's interior design is modern and stylish, with a user-friendly layout and intuitive controls. The quality of materials is decent for the price point, with soft-touch surfaces in key areas. The base model comes standard with features such as a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

As you move up the trim levels, you'll find even more desirable features, including heated front seats, a sunroof, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, and a premium audio system. The Kona's cargo area is also surprisingly spacious, offering 544 liters of storage with the rear seats up. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area to 1,296 liters, providing ample space for luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. Overall, the 2019 Hyundai Kona's interior is comfortable, well-equipped, and surprisingly spacious for a subcompact SUV. It's a great place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a road trip.

Technology and Safety: Keeping You Connected and Protected

The 2019 Hyundai Kona is packed with technology features that keep you connected and entertained on the road. The standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use and integrates seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to access your favorite apps, make calls, and send messages using voice commands. The available 8-inch touchscreen offers even more functionality, including navigation and a split-screen display. The Kona's infotainment system is responsive and intuitive, making it a joy to use. Other available technology features include a head-up display, wireless charging pad, and a premium audio system.

When it comes to safety, the 2019 Kona has you covered. It comes standard with a rearview camera, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Available safety features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. These features help to prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. The Kona has earned excellent safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), giving you peace of mind knowing that you're driving a safe and reliable vehicle. With its advanced technology and comprehensive safety features, the 2019 Hyundai Kona is a smart and safe choice for Canadian drivers.

Common Concerns and Potential Drawbacks

While the 2019 Hyundai Kona is a fantastic subcompact SUV, it's not without its potential drawbacks. One common concern is the rear seat space, which can be a bit tight for taller adults on longer trips. If you frequently carry passengers in the back, you may want to consider a larger SUV. Another potential drawback is the lack of a hybrid or electric powertrain option. While the Kona's gasoline engines are fuel-efficient, some competitors offer hybrid or electric models that provide even better fuel economy or zero emissions. Finally, some owners have reported minor issues with the Kona's infotainment system, such as occasional glitches or slow response times. However, these issues are generally minor and can often be resolved with a software update.

Despite these potential drawbacks, the 2019 Hyundai Kona remains a highly competitive and appealing subcompact SUV. Its strengths, such as its fun-to-drive nature, fuel efficiency, and available all-wheel drive, outweigh its weaknesses for many buyers. If you're looking for a stylish, affordable, and well-equipped SUV, the Kona is definitely worth considering.

2019 Hyundai Kona: The Verdict

So, is the 2019 Hyundai Kona Canada's favorite SUV? It's certainly a strong contender! It offers a winning combination of style, performance, fuel efficiency, and features, all at an affordable price. The Kona is fun to drive, comfortable, and packed with technology, making it a great choice for city dwellers and road trip enthusiasts alike. While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. If you're in the market for a subcompact SUV, be sure to check out the 2019 Hyundai Kona. You might just find that it's the perfect vehicle for your needs.

In Conclusion: The 2019 Hyundai Kona is a well-rounded and highly appealing subcompact SUV that's sure to impress. Its combination of style, performance, fuel efficiency, and features make it a standout in its class. Whether you're looking for a fun-to-drive city car or a capable all-weather SUV, the Kona is definitely worth considering!