DecodedCars2021 Hyundai Kona
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 2.0 AWD 4dr SUV, 2.0 FWD 4dr SUV, Electric 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 147 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic, automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 28 city / 33 hwy
- EV range
- 258 mi · 9 h on 240 V
- Length
- 164.2–164.6 in
- Curb weight
- 2,890–3,715 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo and 2.0L 4-cyl) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 164 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,084 lb (2.0 AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (28 city / 33 highway), 14% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $600 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 258 miles and takes about 9 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Kona — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Kona →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Kona configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 AWD 4dr SUV | 164.2 in | 70.9 in | 59.1 in | 102.4 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,084 lb | 56/44 |
| 2.0 FWD 4dr SUV | 164.2 in | 70.9 in | 59.1 in | 102.4 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 2,890 lb | 56/44 |
| Electric 4dr SUV | 164.6 in | 70.9 in | 61.8 in | 102.4 in | 61.4 / 61.4 in | 3,715 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kona Electric EV | 150 kW AC PMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 258 mi · 27 kWh/100mi | – | $600 | – |
| Kona FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 / 32 / 30 | +14% | $2,250 | 303 |
| Kona FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 33 / 30 | +14% | $2,250 | 300 |
| Kona AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 29 / 27 | +13% | $2,500 | 324 |
| Kona AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | +13% | $2,500 | 326 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Kona SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.1% |
| 2021 Hyundai Kona SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 13.6% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Hyundai Kona (this car) | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Ford Bronco | 21 MPG | Not rated | 20 |
| 2021 Kia Seltos | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Jeep Compass | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Fiat 500 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Chevrolet Trax | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (3)
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery › Thermal Management › Fluid/Coolant · Dec 16, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V941000 · 853 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021 Kona EV vehicles. The Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) may have been improperly sealed and may leak coolant internally.
- Risk
- Coolant contacting the EPCU circuit board may cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the EPCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 22, 2023. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 239.
Engine · Apr 28, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V301000 · 158,493 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Elantra, 2019-2021 Kona and Veloster vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which could result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine may stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, oil may leak onto hot exhaust components, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. In addition, Hyundai will deploy Piston Ring Noise Sensing System (PNSS) software. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist › Electric › Control Module › Software · Dec 1, 2020
NHTSA campaign 20V748000 · 8,176 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Nexo Fuel Cell and 2019-2021 Kona Electric vehicles. The Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) system may detect an abnormal sensor signal and as a result, may significantly reduce braking performance.
- Risk
- Reduced braking power could lengthen the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will update the IEB software, free of charge. The recall began January 25, 2021. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 199.
Not every 2021 Hyundai Kona is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Hyundai Kona buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 85 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 18 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 14 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 35,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 258 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Hyundai Kona. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Kona years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kona | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Kona | 31 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 10 |
| 2025 Kona | 31 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 29 |
| 2024 Kona | 31 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 68 |
| 2023 Kona | 32 | 165.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 75 |
| 2022 Kona | 32 | 165.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 130 |
| 2020 Kona | 30 | 164.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 189 |
| 2019 Kona | 30 | 164.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 252 |
| 2018 Kona | 30 | 164.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 75 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →