2018 Hyundai Kona vs 2019 Hyundai Kona
Reliability Side-by-Side
2018
Hyundai Kona
Grade C+
A fun-to-drive subcompact that's a solid buy with the right powertrain, but a gamble with the turbocharged engine and its temperamental transmission.
2019
Hyundai Kona
Grade B-
A generally reliable compact SUV, but careful consideration of the powertrain choice is crucial for long-term peace of mind.
Best For
Best for Reliability
2019 Hyundai Kona
Score 82/100 vs 78/100
Best for Lowest Risk
2019 Hyundai Kona
low risk
Best for Lowest Annual Upkeep
2019 Hyundai Kona
$400-600
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Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2018 Hyundai Kona | 2019 Hyundai Kona★ |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | $450-650 | $400-600 |
| Moderate Repairs | $600-1,800 occasionally (e.g., carbon cleaning, sensor replacement) | $500-1,500 occasionally |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 27 / 33 | 27 / 33 |
| MSRP (New) | $19,500 | $19,990 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2018 Hyundai Kona
7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
30,000-80,000 mi
1.6L GDI Turbo Engine (Carbon Buildup)
60,000-100,000 mi
Electrical / Infotainment System
15,000-70,000 mi
2019 Hyundai Kona
7-Speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
30,000-80,000 mi
HVAC System
40,000-90,000 mi
Engine Sensors & GDI System (1.6T)
60,000-100,000 mi
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Editorial Take
The Hyundai Kona burst onto the scene in late 2017 as a 2018 model year vehicle, quickly becoming a popular contender in the burgeoning subcompact SUV segment. Its distinctive styling, engaging driving dynamics, and generous feature set made it an immediate hit. Comparing the 2018 and 2019 model years is common for buyers looking at used Konas, as the 2019 model represents the second iteration of a brand-new vehicle. Most consumers considering these two years are seeking a practical, stylish, and feature-rich small SUV, with key decision factors often revolving around minor updates to standard features, subtle reliability refinements, and the marginal price difference on the used market. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
HYUNDAI KONA (2018 MODEL YEAR) As the debut model year for the Kona, the 2018 version generally proved to be robust. However, as with many first-year vehicles, a few minor issues were reported: 1. Infotainment Software Glitches: Some early owners reported occasional freezing or slow responses from the touchscreen infotainment system. These were typically resolved with software updates available through Hyundai dealerships. This issue was more common in the first few months of production. 2. Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Behavior: Owners of 1.6T models equipped with the seven-speed DCT sometimes reported hesitation or slightly jerky shifts at very low speeds, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. This is a characteristic inherent to some dual-clutch designs, though Hyundai often refined the transmission's tuning via software updates to smooth out performance. This typically affects vehicles in the 10,000-30,000 mile range, depending on driving habits. HYUNDAI KONA (2019 MODEL YEAR) The 2019 Kona benefited from being the second model year, allowing Hyundai to address any minor bugs or feedback from the initial production run. Consequently, it shares an excellent reliability profile with the 2018 model. 1. Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Characteristics: Similar to the 2018 model, the 1.6T's DCT can still exhibit some of its inherent characteristics, like slight hesitation or less-than-smooth engagement at very low speeds. While some refinements were made, it's not a traditional automatic, and some drivers may notice this behavior, particularly in the 10,000-40,000 mile range. This is less a defect and more a design characteristic. 2. Minor Interior Rattles: While not widespread, a small number of owners reported occasional minor rattles or squeaks from interior trim pieces, particularly around the dashboard or cargo area. These are often remedied by careful re-tightening or padding, and are generally minor annoyances rather than significant mechanical issues, affecting vehicles typically after 15,000 miles.
Value & Cost of Ownership
PURCHASE PRICES (NEW AND USED) As noted, the 2018 Kona had a starting MSRP of approximately $19,500, while the 2019 started around $19,990. On the used market, the 2018 model will typically command a slightly lower price than a comparable 2019 model. The difference might be marginal, often in the range of $500 to $1,500, depending on trim, mileage, condition, and region. For example, a used 2018 Kona SEL might be found for $15,000-$17,000, while a 2019 Kona SEL with similar mileage could be $16,000-$18,500.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
Products for 2018 Hyundai Kona
Products for 2019 Hyundai Kona
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