2019 Hyundai Kona Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The Hyundai Kona has made a great impression on the automotive world in its two years of existence. The 2019 Kona is just as impressive as the 2018 model and even adds premium driver assist technology to the list of standard features. It is a well rounded entry in the subcompact SUV category. Also new in the 2019 Kona is an all electric engine for interested buyers.

The Kona is a new entry in the Subcompact SUV category, though it stands out as an excellent value in the category. Many buyers will be drawn in by the low base price and generous warranty.

The Subcompact SUV offers buyers extra headroom and cargo space compared to a compact or subcompact car. It is great for daily use because it is compact and fuel efficient. It is also a very popular category and the competition among manufacturers is at a high level. This means buyers enjoy more standard and add on features at a low price point. The Kona is actually one of the lowest priced Subcompact SUVs available.

The Kona is offered in four different trim levels. The Kona SE, SEL, Limited and Ultimate have a variety of equipment features. There are also two engine options and optional all wheel drive capabilities. Buyers looking to get the most from their buying experience should be aware of the options available at each trim level so they can make a smart decision. This article lays out all of the available configurations for the Kona so interested buyers can make a decision with all of the information in front of them.

Compare the 2019 Hyundai Kona SE vs SEL Trims. What is the difference?

The Hyundai Kona SE offers buyers great value with one of the lowest starting prices in the category. It comes standard with a four cylinder engine that cranks out 147 horsepower and has an agile command of the road. It also comes with a six speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC technology. The Kona SE also offers buyers a sport driving mode that changes Kona's steering and acceleration response as well as shift points.

The exterior is available in seven colors including Chalk White, Sonic Silver, Thunder Gray, Surf Blue, Sunset Orange, Pulse Red and Ultra Black. It is equipped with a rear spoiler, LED daytime running lights and projector headlights. The mirrors are heated and offer a blind spot viewing lens.

The interior of the Kona SE seats five with a 60/40 folding rear seat with fold flat capabilities and a center arm rest. The dash and trim on the interior can be either gray or black, and the seats are black and gray cloth. It has manually operated single zone cruise control. The seats and steering wheel are manually adjusted.

It also features a seven inch color touch screen display and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Kona SE also has AM/FM/MP3 capabilities and a six speaker audio system. The Kona SE also has Bluetooth capabilities for smart phone pairing. The steering wheel is also equipped with controls for the audio and phone features as well as cruise control.

Also standard on the Kona SE are remote keyless entry, rear view camera with parking guidance, and several advanced safety features. The SE offers lane keep assist, forward collision warning and mitigation, and driver alertness reminders.

The only available add on option for the SE is the all wheel drive. Adding the more capable AWD system will cost buyers $1,400 and it can be added to the Kona at every trim level.

The SEL trim offers a variety of options and one add on package to the mix for the Kona. It also has unique exterior color options.

The SEL can be outfitted with three additional exterior color combinations. The SEL can combine Sonic Silver, Surf Blue or Pulse Red with a black roof line for a different appearance. It also offers upgraded 17" alloy wheels compared to the 16" alloy wheels on the SE trim. The SEL does away with the standard mirrors and replaces them with upgraded mirrors that integrate turn signal indicators. It also comes with a roof rack.

The interior of SEL is outfitted with a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob for a more comfortable driving experience. It also includes heated front seats. The SEL also upgrades the key fob to a proximity entry fob with push button start capabilities. The SEL also allows drivers and passengers to enjoy satellite radio. The SEL also has power windows in the front row of the vehicle.

The SEL has been equipped with additional standard driver technology with blind spot alert and rear cross traffic alert.

Buyers that step up to the SEL trim level also gain access to the Technology package. The Technology package increases the price of the SEL by $1,600. This includes a premium Infinity audio system with eight speakers. The Technology package also gives the buyer access to the Hyundai BlueLink system. This mobile app offers access to vehicle diagnostics as well as emergency response automation.

The Technology package also includes a power sunroof, front fog lights and a shark fin antenna. The driver seat is also upgraded to power adjust with lumbar support.

Compare the 2019 Kona SEL vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

The SEL offers an upgraded appearance option as well as an optional Technology package. The Limited makes an even bigger leap toward luxury and refinement with a more powerful engine and more standard features.

The SEL is outfitted with a turbocharged four cylinder that cranks out 175 horsepower. It also has a seven speed ECOSHIFT transmission. The fuel economy of the Kona does not change significantly from the 27 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway that the less powerful engine gets.

The Limited trim of the Kona includes all of the standard features of the SEL as well as all of the equipment of the Technology package. It does not offer the optional two tone exterior, but offers two additional exterior colors: Lime Green and Sunset Orange.

The Limited does have some exterior styling upgrades including a stylish grill with chrome surround and premium body moldings. It also has LED headlights and taillights and 18 inch alloy wheels.

The interior of the Limited also includes leather seating in either black or gray. Buyers of the Kona Limited with Thunder Gray exterior also gain access to a lime green highlighted interior. It is also equipped with an auto dimming rear view mirror that features HomeLink technology to allow the user to operate household accessories like a garage door. The Limited also includes automatic climate control.

Compare the Kona Limited vs Ultimate Trims. What is the difference?

The Limited trim level is anything but limited, but the Ultimate trim level is just that for the Kona. It is the top tier trim and offers the best available in a Hyundai.

The Kona Ultimate features the top shelf powertrain and many additional standard features.

The exterior of the Ultimate is available in the nine colors of the Limited and has the same exterior styling elements of the Limited. It also has rain sensing wipers.

The interior of the Kona Ultimate also has a head up display, color driver information cluster, and an eight inch color touchscreen with navigation. It also features wireless charging for mobile devices and HD radio traffic services.

The Kona Ultimate also comes equipped with additional driver technology. The forward collision mitigation system also has pedestrian awareness in the Ultimate. The Ultimate also offers high beam assist and a rear parking distance indicator.

Final Thoughts

The smart money is on the lower trim levels for the Kona. The SE offers a capable daily use vehicle with loads of standard features and optional all wheel drive. It has a lower than average MSRP compared to its rivals and offers an exceptional warranty.

Buyers that are looking to upgrade to slightly better accommodations like power windows and heated front seats will like the modest price increase of the SEL. It also offers unique styling with two tone exterior and premium wheels. The additional features like proximity entry and leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob also add a nice touch.

The Limited and Ultimate trim levels add leather seating and a variety of additional features, but the standard turbo charged engine and advanced transmission bump the price up quite a bit. The base engine of the Kona is capable for such a small vehicle, so the upgrade may not be worth the price. However, the Kona Ultimate has premium features including a head up display and eight inch touchscreen with navigation. Some buyers excited about the Kona will want to have all of the available conveniences.

The Kona will be available as an electric vehicle in 2019, though pricing information is not yet available. It will feature an exciting 201 horsepower engine with extended range and standard DC charging capability. Whether buyers wait for the electric engine or just stick to the ultra efficient gas engines of the standard Kona, it is one of the better buys in the category.