Hyundai

Kona

Introduced 2017 South Korea 0 builds
MODEL HISTORY

The Story of the Kona

Introduced in 2017, this Hyundai nameplate marked the brand’s entry into the B-segment SUV class and quickly became one of its key global small-crossover models. Hyundai positioned it as a modern urban SUV with a bold, expressive design and a personality aimed at active drivers who wanted something smaller and more distinctive than a traditional compact crossover. The vehicle’s arrival also reflected Hyundai’s broader move to expand its SUV lineup and to give the smallest end of the range a more adventurous, lifestyle-oriented identity.

The nameplate has remained in continuous production, with the first generation establishing the model’s visual signature and market role. In 2022 and 2023, Hyundai unveiled a fully redesigned second generation that pushed the vehicle in a more futuristic direction, with an EV-led design theme applied across the range. This new era broadened the model’s appeal by offering multiple powertrain choices and reinforcing its position as a core Hyundai global SUV rather than a niche regional product.

Across both generations, the nameplate has been associated with a youthful, individualistic character, compact dimensions, and strong emphasis on design. It has also become important within Hyundai’s electrification story, with battery-electric versions helping expand the model beyond the conventional small-SUV formula. The result is a nameplate that evolved from a fresh newcomer in 2017 into a central part of Hyundai’s modern SUV identity, while remaining closely tied to urban use, versatility, and contemporary styling.

THE COMMUNITY

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