Last updated on October 4th, 2023 at 11:01 am
Hyundai Kona is one of the newer models of Hyundai which has helped change the way consumers view Hyundai’s value for the better.
The Kona is a subcompact crossover SUV first manufactured in 2018 and has had relatively good reviews since then.
This vehicle can be found in four trim levels and offers a fun driving experience and a decent list of standard features at an affordable cost.
If you plan to purchase a Kona, continue reading this article to learn about Hyundai Kona reliability and some other interesting facts about this car.
Hyundai Kona Specifications
The Hyundai Kona has an automatic transmission and a permanent magnet synchronous motor. The battery capacity in this vehicle is 39.2 kWh.
You can seat a maximum number of 5 passengers comfortably in this car. The vehicle is 1800 mm in width and 1570 mm in height and the wheelbase is 2600 mm.
A good amount of safety features is available on this car; however, brake assist, 360 view camera, and traction control are some of the features missing.
How Long Do Hyundai Kona Last?
The Hyundai Kona is a reliable SUV that can last up to 200,000 to 250,000 miles with proper maintenance and conservative driving.
If you drive the car an average of 15,000 miles per year, the Kona is expected to provide service for up to 13 to 17 years before needing uneconomical repairs.
Hyundai Kona is designed for mild off-roading but being too rough with the brake pedals or gas or overworking the engine will be tough on any vehicle.
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Hyundai Kona Reliability: Is the Hyundai Kona Reliable?
According to industry experts, the Hyundai Kona has some of the highest reliability ratings and consumers scored the vehicle highly for reliability.
RepairPal scored the Hyundai Kona 4 out of 5 in terms of reliability ratings, and it is placed at 4th out of 32 car brands listed for reliability.
According to Kelley Blue Book’s consumer rating index, the Kona scores 4.7 out of 5, which is a fantastic score and proves how reliable the vehicle is.
Last but not least, J.D. Power scored the Kona 81 out of 100 for quality and reliability.
Reliability Scores of the Hyundai Kona and Other Vehicles
| Car Models | Reliability Ratings |
| MINI Cooper Countryman | 85/100 |
| Kia Soul | 83/100 |
| Ford Bronco Sport | 83/100 |
| Chevrolet TrailBlazer | 83/100 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 82/100 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 82/100 |
| Toyota C-HR | 81/100 |
| Hyundai Kona | 81/100 |
| Buick Encore | 81/100 |
| Kia Seltos | 80/100 |
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How Long Does the Hyundai Kona Last Compared to Similar Cars?
We will compare the Hyundai Kona with other similar SUVs in this part.
Hyundai Kona vs. Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is a crossover subcompact SUV in production since 2019 by the automobile manufacturer Mazda.
You can expect your Mazda CX-30 to last for about 200,000 to 250,000 miles or up to 13 to 16 years, the same as the Kona.
Mazda CX-30 has an average annual maintenance and repair cost of about $462, quite similar to the servicing fee for Hyundai Kona, $468.
According to RepairPal, the Mazda CX-30 scores 4 out of 5, the same as Kona’s reliability score.
J.D. Power rated the CX-30 82 out of 100, while the Kona scored 81 out of 100 for quality and reliability.
The Hyundai Kona seems to offer more power, but the Mazda CX-30 is known for having a more upscale cabin.
Hyundai Kona vs Kia Soul
The Kia Soul was launched in 2008, is famous for its funky looks extrovert design, and is currently in its third generation.
Expected mileage from a Kia Soul is about 200,000 to 250,000 miles or provides service up to 13 to 16 years, as par with the Kona.
The Soul has an average maintenance cost of $492 per year, $24 higher than the servicing cost for a Hyundai Kona.
RepairPal rated the Hyundai Kona 4 out of 5, and Kia Soul received 4.5 out of 5 in terms of reliability.
While comparing quality and reliability, J.D. Power scores the Kia Soul 83 out of 100 while the Hyundai Kona receives 81 out of 100.
Choosing between the two is difficult as the Kia Soul is more affordable, but the Hyundai Kona is expected to fare better in snow.
Hyundai Kona vs. Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a utilitarian, rugged and practical compact SUV launched in 2016.
The Crosstrek is expected to last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles or 13 to 16 years before needing major repairs.
The maintenance cost for the Subaru Crosstrek is $492 annually and for the Hyundai Kona is $468 on average.
For reliability, RepairPal rated the Crosstrek 4.5 out of 5, while the Kona received 4 out of 5.
J.D. Power scored the Crosstrek 82 out of 100, whereas the Kona outpoints with 81 out of 100 for quality and reliability.
People wanting a more rugged compact SUV should go for the Crosstrek and if you want an urban-oriented design, go for the Kona.
Comparison Chart
| Car Models | Hyundai Kona | Mazda CX-30 | Kia Soul | Subaru Crosstrek |
| Expected Miles | 200,000 to 250,000 miles | 200,000 to 250,000 miles | 200,000 to 250,000 miles | 200,000 to 250,000 miles |
| Average Maintenance Cost | $468 | $462 | $492 | $492 |
| RepairPal Ratings | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| J.D. Power Scores | 81/100 | 82/100 | 83/100 | 82/100 |
| Price Range | Starts from $21,150 | Starts from $22,200 | Starts from $19,290 | Starts from $22,445 |
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Best and Worst Years for the Hyundai Kona
Like any average vehicle, the Hyundai Kona has had its fair share of good and bad years of performance.
Best Years
Any Kona model from 2019 onwards is considered a safe choice due to upgraded features and technologies, but 2022 would be a good pick.
The 2021 model of Hyundai Kona received a comfortability rating of 7.5 out of 10 and has many good consumer reviews collected from surveys across various platforms.
The updated 2022 model features a refreshed interior and exterior and is expected to remain as reliable as its predecessors.
Worst Years
The 2018 Kona was the worst model year, according to Car Complaints. This model also received the most overall complaints – 19. There were many electrical issues with this model.
2018 model also faced significant issues such as blind collision warning shuts down, poor fuel mileage, and radio stations changing randomly.
It is relatively common for car models to face more problems in their debut year; such was the case for the Kona.
Hyundai Kona Model Years and Reliability Ratings
| Hyundai Kona Model Years | Reliability Ratings |
| Hyundai Kona 2018 Reliability | 4.6/5 |
| Hyundai Kona 2019 Reliability | 4.2/5 |
| Hyundai Kona 2020 Reliability | 4.2/5 |
| Hyundai Kona 2021 Reliability | 3.8/5 |
| Hyundai Kona 2022 Reliability | 4/5 |
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Is the Hyundai Kona Expensive to Maintain?
The Hyundai models have a maintenance cost of $468 annually, while the cost across all car models is $652 on average.
Below is a list of the repair or replacement parts for the Hyundai Kona and their expenses.
| Hyundai Kona Repair/Replacement Parts | Cost |
| Clutch Hydraulic System Bleed | $39 – $49 |
| Engine Oil Light Diagnosis | $88 – $111 |
| Noise Diagnosis | $88 – $111 |
| Blower Motor Switch Replacement | $109 -$118 |
| Yaw Sensor Replacement | $1346 – $1365 |
| Door Lock Cylinder Replacement | $306 – $330 |
| Brake System Inspect | $88 – $111 |
| Power Steering System Leak Inspection | $44 – $56 |
| Exhaust Manifold Gasket Replacement | $179 – $216 |
| Window Regulator Motor Replacement | $676 – $692 |
How Long Does the Hyundai Kona Brakes Last?
Hyundai Kona brake pads usually last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles, but this is dependent on driving habits.
Per brake pads usually cost between $50 to $100, and labor would add extra costs. You can expect the brakes to be replaced sooner if you often go through stop and accelerate traffic.
How Long Does the Hyundai Kona Tires Last?
The stock tires on a Hyundai Kona are expected to last up to 50,000 miles which are close to 3 years of use, but they can wear out much sooner.
The condition of the tires primarily depends on various factors such as driving habits, road conditions, climate and the region.
How Long Does the Hyundai Kona Batteries Last?
The Hyundai Kona batteries are known to last between 3 to 5 years, but this varies depending on driving habits and types of battery.
Controlling corrosion around the terminals and limiting short trips are many ways to increase the life of your vehicle’s batteries.
Tips to Prolong the Lifespan of Your Hyundai Kona
- Adopt calm and smooth driving habits.
- Use good quality parts and fluids.
- Keep updated with factory-recommended maintenance.
- Wash your vehicle now and then to get rid of dirt and grime to protect the undercarriage and paint from rust.
- Store your car in a garage to protect it from the weather’s elements.
- Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear and tear.
We hope this article has presented enough information to help you decide on purchasing a Hyundai Kona.
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