2019 Hyundai Kona Ultimate FWD – A Crossover with an Attitude

The 2019 Hyundai Kona Ultimate FWD, is proof of the fact that Hyundai is now focusing its synergy on designing a slew of great looking crossovers. The sub-contact Kona will turn heads and brilliantly avoids looking too busy despite the use of multifaceted curves. 

The design is rounded off with a whimsy aesthetic of the cabin. While we acknowledge that it isn’t the most practical SUV or crossover, it’s a crime we are willing to forgive considering just how well the entire vehicle looks, feels, and performs. So, there is no wonder that the 2019 Kona has made it to the top 10 list of many auto reviewers. 

Let’s dive into exactly why the 2019 Hyundai Kona Ultimate FWD comes so highly recommended! 

Zippy Performance for a Crossover 

We had to test the Ultimate FWD’s top speed and acceleration especially considering that this comparatively tiny vehicle packs a 1.6L Turbocharged DOHC engine capable of producing 175hp and 195lb-ft of torque. 

Putting pedal to the metal in the FWD Kona, we clocked the car reaching 60 mph in just 9.2 seconds. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission shifts like a dream so much so that we bet you’ll forget it’s a Hyundai. The only problem we had was with the first gear hesitantly engaging and disengaging in when driving through bumper to bumper traffic. 

The Hyundai Kona is also a champ in the handling department. It is fun to drive, and you won’t feel the bumps even on moderately choppy roads. The suspension is so good that you won’t feel 99% of road imperfections that are otherwise hard not to notice when in competition vehicles in this segment.

The Interior, Entertainment, and Infotainment 

Hyundai has successfully brought the same attitude and charm of the exterior design to the cabin. The quality of materials used is excellent; the ergonomics are comfortable, not to mention that every other aspect of the cabin seems well thought of and refined. 

The contrasting stitching on the leather around the steering wheel coupled with the slim digital readout makes the driver’s seat feel so much more aesthetic. The driver is flanked by shortcut buttons which allows him or her to quickly swipe through all the most commonly used menus. Speaking of the infotainment system, the 8.0 touchscreen is very responsive with an institutively designed menu system. As expected the infotainment system supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay regardless of the trim. 

Safety Features 

The Kona has received top marks in the safety department receiving the IIHS’s highest award. Also onboard is Hyundai’s driver assist feature. The feature includes automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. 

Final Verdict 

The 2019 Hyundai Kona FWD offers an exceptional package for buyers who want plenty of features without having to pay through the nose for them. The added advantage is the fact that the vehicle looks great and is fun to drive. The Kona is an excellent buy regardless of if you need to do long interstate driving or want something easy to handle in the city.