The 2024 Hyundai Kona’s Styling is Even More Cutting-Edge Than It Appears

Fully revamped for 2024, it provides various drivetrain options for discerning buyers, an exterior design pushing the boundaries of standard manufacturing, and an interior that eschews tradition to offer increased space and enhanced user experience.

The Kona, however, is not without flaws. The attractiveness of the electric model’s exterior is somewhat diminished by a prominent battery pack protruding from beneath the vehicle—a consequence of offering multiple drivetrains. Moreover, the “N-Line” visual package may be slightly excessive considering the absence of mechanical enhancements to justify the imposing wing spoiler. Nevertheless, it is worth highlighting the intricate details, both inside and out, across every trim level that collectively elevate the appeal of this car.

Similar to the elongated taillights on the Cadillac Escalade, the Kona’s exterior features significant amounts of plastic that push the boundaries of conventional engineering. During a walkthrough of the vehicle with Hyundai’s chief designer, SangYup Lee, attention was drawn to the massive single-piece daytime running light that dominates the front end. On the Staria van, a model not available in the United States, it was noted that engineering constraints necessitated dividing a similar DRL into three sections, which the designers were not entirely pleased with. Through constructive dialogue, this issue was resolved on the Kona, although the lighting components are now segmented as the illumination spans towards the central section of the car.

This design choice serves multiple purposes. A primary one is to ensure uniformity between the front and rear aesthetics of the vehicle. For instance, the monolithic rear running light necessitates segmentation due to the tailgate. Intentionally segmenting this feature is a logical decision, mirroring a strategy utilized by Volvo. In a similar scenario with the XC40 Recharge, Volvo intentionally segmented the upper segment of the taillight due to manufacturing constraints, turning a necessary interruption in the seamless light strip into a deliberate design element.

This particular feature is exclusive to the electric variant of the Kona, which Lee’s team envisioned as the flagship model. Hyundai’s unconventional yet essential approach involves prioritizing the design of the EV over other drivetrain options in a multi-drivetrain vehicle like the Kona. The brand believes this sequence is crucial in the design process. With the combustion engine versions of the car exuding the same level of sophistication as the electric variant, it’s challenging to refute their strategy.

Beyond the lighting elements, the Kona’s exterior design shares similarities with other Hyundai models, albeit with distinctions. For example, the slanted character line running along the vehicle’s sides, a recurring trait in Korean automaker’s lineup, ascends from front to back on the Kona. In contrast, on the Ioniq 5, this line descends in the opposite direction. Models such as the Elantra, Santa Cruz, and Tucson feature similar bold diagonal lines, albeit with a more abstract interpretation, establishing a clear aesthetic connection.

A few interesting compromises can be noticed in the interior of the Kona, where many physical controls have been retained. It is emphasized that maintaining a tactile interface for frequently used controls is crucial. While this principle holds true for the Kona, other Hyundai models like the Santa Cruz have adopted buttonless haptic controls to a large extent. However, the fact that Hyundai has resisted the trend of entirely touchscreen controls is a positive development.

A notable innovation lies in several small adjustments that collectively enhance the interior. Specifically, the integration of the door card with the dashboard and the relocation of the shifter to the steering column were deliberate steps taken to optimize interior space. While designers may often be tempted to create a seamless transition between the door and dash, Lee pointed out that such designs can compromise the usable volume inside the vehicle. The Kona demonstrates how this challenge can be effectively addressed. Moreover, shifting the shifter from the center console to the column creates the illusion of increased space due to its lower positioning, enhancing both the perceived spaciousness and actual usable area.

Another clever feature is the customizable phone charging port, allowing either vehicle connectivity or dedicated charging at the push of a physical button. This flexibility proves handy when lending the car or simply wanting to charge without connecting to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Additionally, all charging ports are illuminated for easier use in low-light conditions.

The unique flip-out cupholders from Hyundai are prominently featured here as well. They enable the center console to function as a single expansive storage surface or, with a touch, transform into up to two cupholders. This design balances utility and convenience, although the efficacy of the cup-holding function remains untested.

Enhancing the experience is the delightful ambient lighting, differentiated across various trims, reflecting the well-thought-out design of the Kona. Despite offering a hybrid, a conventional ICE model, and an EV variant (the latter two being available), all built on the same platform and sharing body panels, each vehicle retains its unique visual identity. In contrast, automakers like Toyota, offering distinct hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and ICE trims on a single model, often struggle to achieve this level of differentiation. For instance, a RAV4 Prime closely resembles a higher-trim ICE model.

As Hyundai, Genesis, and Kia have exciting plans in the pipeline, it will be fascinating to witness the direction Lee and his team steer the brand toward. The elevation of automotive design standards, particularly for budget-friendly brands, is long overdue. Vehicles contribute to the aesthetics of our daily lives, enhancing our surroundings with visual appeal, thereby making the world a slightly more pleasant place to inhabit.

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