carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $21,547–$27,780 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2019 Hyundai Kona at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Performance at 6.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.8/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 8.2/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.2/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.9/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $21,547–$27,780, 25 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Kona sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.1/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 7 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2019 Hyundai Kona is a solid, well-rounded suv that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology and performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2019 Hyundai Kona ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $21,547 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 40%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Across the Kona model years we've scored, the 2019 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.8/10 | $26,110 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $26,110 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $25,350 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $24,589 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $23,829 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $23,068 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $22,308 | Read review → |
| 2019 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $21,547 | |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $20,787 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Engine 28/04/2021 · 21V301000 | 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. |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.