Hyundai Kona research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide
The Kona is an easy-to-park, fun-to-drive small crossover with an available turbo engine and all-wheel drive on gas models. The Kona Electric was one of the first affordable EVs with 250+ miles of range (258 miles for 2019-2023), and the 2024 redesign made every Kona roomier. Gas models return roughly 28-32 mpg combined. Several recalls, including an EV battery replacement and a 2.0L engine campaign, make a VIN check essential.
Model years covered: 2018–2026. The Kona went on sale in the U.S. for 2018; the Kona Electric from 2019. 2026 gas specs are verified; confirm 2026 Kona Electric availability and specs against current Hyundai data.
Last updated 2026-10-15.
Strengths
- Easy to park size
- Fun handling
- Strong EV range for the price
- Available AWD on gas models
- Good fuel economy
- Roomier cabin from 2024
- Long powertrain warranty for original owner
Things to know before you buy
- Small rear seat and cargo area 2018 2023
- EV battery recall status 2019 2020
- 2.0 liter piston ring recall 2019 2021
- Dual clutch low speed behavior on turbo
- Kona electric is front drive only
- 2024 is an all new generation
- Recall status should be checked by VIN
Generations
Generation 1 (2018–2023)
The first-generation Kona (2018-2023) offered a 147-hp 2.0L and a 1.6L turbo (175 hp, then 195 hp from 2022) with FWD or AWD, plus the 201-hp, 258-mile Kona Electric from 2019. The 2022 facelift brought new styling, a CVT for the 2.0L, the N Line trim and the 276-hp Kona N.
Buyer takeaway: A 2022-2023 gets the facelift and stronger turbo; a Kona Electric is a strong used-EV value if its battery recall is documented. Check the 2.0L piston-ring recall on 2019-2021 models.
Generation 2 (2024–present)
The second-generation Kona (2024 on) is larger and roomier, with a 147-hp 2.0L CVT, a 190-hp 1.6L turbo with an 8-speed automatic, and a Kona Electric offering 48.6 kWh (133 hp, 200 miles) or 64.8 kWh (201 hp, up to 261 miles) batteries. The Kona N was not continued.
Buyer takeaway: Pick a 2024-2026 for space and modern screens; choose the 64.8 kWh Electric for range and confirm launch-year recalls on 2024 models.
Hyundai Kona by model year
2026 Hyundai Kona
For 2026 Hyundai reshuffled Kona trims (SEL Sport and SEL Premium replace several SEL and N Line grades) and made adaptive cruise control standard. Engines carry over: a 147-hp 2.0L with a CVT (about 31 mpg combined FWD) and a 190-hp 1.6L turbo with an 8-speed automatic. EPA listings did not show a 2026 Kona Electric when this was written, so confirm Electric availability and specs against current Hyundai data.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 190 hp 195 lb ft
- Transmissions: Ivt CVT continuously variable 2.0 liter; 8 speed automatic 1.6 liter turbo
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional gas only
- Body style: 4 door subcompact SUV
What changed:
- Trim lineup reorganized with SEL sport and SEL premium
- Adaptive cruise control made standard
- Kona electric 2026 availability verify by VIN
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact powertrain resolution by VIN; Rear center seat belt buckle recall status; Instrument cluster software recall status; CVT operation if 2.0 liter; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The 2025 Kona carries over the second-generation design: 147-hp 2.0L with a CVT (about 31 mpg combined FWD) or 190-hp 1.6L turbo with an 8-speed automatic (about 28 mpg FWD, 26 AWD). The Kona Electric continues with a 200-mile standard battery or 64.8 kWh long-range battery rated 261 miles on 17-inch wheels and about 230 miles on 19-inch wheels. Check the rear-center seat belt buckle recall by VIN.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 190 hp 195 lb ft; 48 6 kWh battery electric 99 kw 133 hp 200 mile EPA range; 64 8 kWh battery electric 150 kw 201 hp up to 261 mile EPA range
- Transmissions: Ivt CVT continuously variable 2.0 liter; 8 speed automatic 1.6 liter turbo; Single speed reduction gear electric
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional gas only
- Body style: 4 door subcompact SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2024
- Kona electric 19 inch wheel trims rated 230 miles
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact powertrain resolution by VIN; Rear center seat belt buckle recall status; Battery state of health report if electric; CVT operation if 2.0 liter; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2024 Hyundai Kona
The redesigned 2024 Kona is noticeably larger, with a roomier back seat and more cargo space. The 147-hp 2.0L keeps a CVT (about 31 mpg combined FWD), and the 1.6L turbo (about 190 hp) now uses a conventional 8-speed automatic. The new Kona Electric offers a 133-hp 48.6 kWh version (200-mile EPA range) or a 201-hp 64.8 kWh version (261 miles). First-year 2024s had several recalls, including 12-volt cable, EGR valve and rear seat belt campaigns.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 190 hp 195 lb ft; 48 6 kWh battery electric 99 kw 133 hp 200 mile EPA range; 64 8 kWh battery electric 150 kw 201 hp up to 261 mile EPA range
- Transmissions: Ivt CVT continuously variable 2.0 liter; 8 speed automatic 1.6 liter turbo; Single speed reduction gear electric
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional gas only
- Body style: 4 door subcompact SUV
What changed:
- All new second generation larger body
- 1.6 liter turbo switches to 8 speed automatic
- New kona electric with two battery sizes
- Dual 12 3 inch screens available
- Kona n discontinued
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact powertrain resolution by VIN; 12 volt battery cable recall status if 1.6 liter turbo; EGR valve recall status; Rear seat belt recall status; Battery state of health report if electric; CVT operation if 2.0 liter; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2023 Hyundai Kona
The 2023 Kona is the last first-generation model: 147-hp 2.0L with a CVT (about 32 mpg combined FWD), 195-hp 1.6L turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch, the 276-hp Kona N in its final year, and the 201-hp Kona Electric (258-mile EPA range). It offers the facelifted look for less than the larger 2024 redesign. Some 2023 models were recalled for an Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller, so check the VIN.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 195 hp 195 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 276 hp 289 lb ft kona n; 64 kWh battery electric 150 kw 201 hp 258 mile EPA range
- Transmissions: Ivt CVT continuously variable 2.0 liter; 7 speed dual clutch 1.6 liter turbo; 8 speed wet dual clutch kona n; Single speed reduction gear electric
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional on 2.0 liter and 1.6 liter turbo
- Body style: 4 door subcompact SUV
What changed:
- Final year of the first generation
- Last year of the kona n
- Last year of the 258 mile kona electric
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact powertrain resolution by VIN; Idle stop and go oil pump recall status; CVT operation if 2.0 liter; Dual clutch low speed engagement if turbo; Battery state of health report if electric; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2022 Hyundai Kona
The 2022 refresh brought new styling, a slightly longer body and an updated cabin. The 147-hp 2.0L now uses a CVT (Hyundai's IVT) and rates about 32 mpg combined FWD; the 1.6L turbo rises to 195 hp with its 7-speed dual-clutch. The new N Line adds sporty styling, and the Kona N is a 276-hp front-drive hot hatch-style crossover with an 8-speed dual-clutch (about 23 mpg, premium fuel). The Kona Electric continues with 258 miles of range.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 195 hp 195 lb ft; 2.0 liter turbo I4 276 hp 289 lb ft kona n; 64 kWh battery electric 150 kw 201 hp 258 mile EPA range
- Transmissions: Ivt CVT continuously variable 2.0 liter; 7 speed dual clutch 1.6 liter turbo; 8 speed wet dual clutch kona n; Single speed reduction gear electric
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional on 2.0 liter and 1.6 liter turbo
- Body style: 4 door subcompact SUV
What changed:
- Refreshed styling and longer body
- 2.0 liter switches to ivt CVT
- 1.6 liter turbo rises to 195 hp
- New n line trim
- New 276 hp kona n performance model
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact powertrain resolution by VIN; CVT operation if 2.0 liter; Dual clutch low speed engagement if turbo; Kona n track use tire and brake wear; Kona n transmission and fuel pump recall status; Battery state of health report if electric; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2021 Hyundai Kona
The 2021 Kona is the last year of the original styling, again with the 147-hp 2.0L (6-speed automatic) or 175-hp 1.6L turbo (7-speed dual-clutch), plus the 201-hp Kona Electric with 258 miles of EPA range. 2.0L models are in the piston oil-ring recall; some 2021 Kona Electrics were recalled for a power control unit coolant leak and an electronic brake software issue, so run the VIN.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 175 hp 195 lb ft; 64 kWh battery electric 150 kw 201 hp 258 mile EPA range
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 2.0 liter; 7 speed dual clutch 1.6 liter turbo; Single speed reduction gear electric
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional gas only
- Body style: 4 door subcompact SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2020
- Last year of the original styling and 175 hp turbo
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact powertrain resolution by VIN; Piston oil ring recall status if 2.0 liter; Power control unit coolant recall status EV; Integrated electronic brake recall status EV; Battery state of health report; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2020 Hyundai Kona
The 2020 Kona carries over: a 147-hp 2.0L with a 6-speed automatic, a 175-hp 1.6L turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch, and the 201-hp Kona Electric (258-mile EPA range). The 2019-2020 Kona Electric's battery recalls (20V-630, then 21V-127) led to battery replacement for affected VINs, so documentation matters. 2.0L gas models fall under the piston oil-ring recall for 2019-2021.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 175 hp 195 lb ft; 64 kWh battery electric 150 kw 201 hp 258 mile EPA range
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 2.0 liter; 7 speed dual clutch 1.6 liter turbo; Single speed reduction gear electric
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional gas only
- Body style: 4 door subcompact SUV
What changed:
- Largely carryover from 2019
- Kona electric continues with 258 mile range
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact powertrain resolution by VIN; Piston oil ring recall status if 2.0 liter; EV battery recall and replacement status; Battery state of health report; Dc fast charging test; Integrated electronic brake recall status EV; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2019 Hyundai Kona
For 2019 Hyundai added the Kona Electric: a 201-hp front-drive EV with a 64 kWh battery and a 258-mile EPA range, initially offered in a limited set of states. Gas models carry over the 147-hp 2.0L (6-speed automatic) and 175-hp 1.6L turbo (7-speed dual-clutch). 2019 Kona Electrics are covered by a battery short-circuit recall, and 2.0L gas models by a piston oil-ring recall, so check both by VIN.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 175 hp 195 lb ft; 64 kWh battery electric 150 kw 201 hp 258 mile EPA range
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 2.0 liter; 7 speed dual clutch 1.6 liter turbo; Single speed reduction gear electric
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional gas only
- Body style: 4 door subcompact SUV
What changed:
- Kona electric launched
- Gas models largely carryover
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact powertrain resolution by VIN; Piston oil ring recall status if 2.0 liter; EV battery recall and replacement status; Battery state of health report; Dc fast charging test; Integrated electronic brake recall status EV; Dual clutch low speed engagement if 1.6 liter turbo; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
2018 Hyundai Kona
The 2018 Kona launched as Hyundai's new subcompact crossover. SE and SEL use a 147-hp 2.0L four with a 6-speed automatic (about 30 mpg combined FWD, 27 AWD); Limited and Ultimate get a peppier 175-hp 1.6L turbo with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (also about 30 mpg combined FWD). It is fun to drive and easy to park but has a small back seat and cargo area. There was no Kona Electric yet for 2018.
- Engines: 2.0 liter I4 147 hp 132 lb ft; 1.6 liter turbo I4 175 hp 195 lb ft
- Transmissions: 6 speed automatic 2.0 liter; 7 speed dual clutch 1.6 liter turbo
- Drivetrain: Front wheel drive; All wheel drive optional gas only
- Body style: 4 door subcompact SUV
What changed:
- All new subcompact crossover
- Two gas engines with FWD or AWD
What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact powertrain resolution by VIN; Dual clutch low speed engagement if 1.6 liter turbo; Oil level and oil change records; AWD operation if equipped; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Electronics and infotainment; Maintenance history.
Known issues and what to check
- Kona Electric High-Voltage Battery Recalls (2019-2020) (2019–2020)
2019-2020 Kona Electrics were recalled because the lithium-ion battery could short-circuit and create a fire risk (NHTSA 20V-630 software update and inspection, followed by 21V-127, which replaced the battery on affected vehicles). A replaced battery is a plus for a used buyer, but proof matters.
What to do: Confirm by VIN that the battery recall was completed, ideally with replacement records. - 2.0L Piston Oil Ring Recall (2019-2021) (2019–2021)
NHTSA 21V-301 covers certain 2019-2021 Konas with the 2.0L Nu engine whose piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which can cause oil consumption and engine damage. The remedy is a dealer inspection, with repairs as needed.
What to do: On a 2019-2021 2.0L Kona, confirm the recall status and check the oil level before buying. - Kona Electric Brake Software and Power Unit Coolant Recalls (2019–2021)
Campaign 20V-748 updated integrated electronic brake software on 2019-2021 Kona Electrics (shared with the Nexo) because braking performance could be reduced; 22V-941 addressed a possible internal coolant leak in the electric power control unit on certain 2021 models.
What to do: Run the VIN and road test the brakes on any 2019-2021 Kona Electric. - Kona N Transmission Fail-Safe and Fuel Pump Recalls (2022–2023)
Kona N models are included in 22V-746 (transmission fail-safe mode may be impaired by an oil pump fault) and 24V-528 (fuel pump may fail, causing loss of power). Kona N owners also tend to drive hard, so wear is worth checking.
What to do: Confirm both recalls and ask about track use before buying a Kona N. - 2024 Launch-Year Recalls (12-Volt Cable, EGR Valve, Seat Belts) (2024–2026)
First-year 2024 Konas had several campaigns: 23V-901 (12-volt cable may chafe on 1.6L turbo models), 24V-308 (EGR valve short circuit that can cause loss of drive power), 23V-650 (rear seat belt assemblies), and 26V-452 (rear-center seat belt buckle on 2024-2026 Kona and 2024-2025 Kona Electric).
What to do: Run the VIN and confirm all remedies before buying a 2024-2026 Kona. - Dual-Clutch Automatic Low-Speed Behavior (2018-2023 Turbo) (2018–2023)
First-generation 1.6L turbo Konas use a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. It shifts quickly on the move but can feel hesitant or jerky creeping in traffic; worsening judder or slipping deserves a check. The 2.0L uses a conventional automatic (2018-2021) or CVT (2022 on), and the 2024 redesign's turbo uses an 8-speed automatic.
What to do: Test drive a turbo Kona in slow traffic and on a hill before buying. - Gas, Electric, N and Generation Disambiguation (2018–2026)
The Kona name covers gas models, the Kona Electric (2019 on) and the Kona N (2022-2023), across two generations with different engines, transmissions, batteries and sizes. Specs, range and recalls differ sharply between them.
What to do: Confirm whether it is gas, Electric or N, and which generation, before comparing.
Recalls
Recall applicability varies by model year, production date, engine or battery, and VIN. Check the VIN for current open recalls and completed remedies; for 2019-2020 Kona Electric, confirm battery recall completion.
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Questions this guide answers
- Is this Kona gas, Electric, or N?
- What engine and transmission does this Kona have?
- What is the range of this Kona Electric?
- Was the Kona Electric battery recall completed?
- What changed in the 2022 Kona refresh and the 2024 redesign?
- Does the Kona come with AWD?
- What should I inspect on a used Kona?
- What fuel economy does the Kona get?
- What recalls should I check by VIN?
- What similar vehicles should I consider?