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Is the Hyundai Kona a Good First Car? A Guide for First-Time Buyers

Published on Sep 19, 2025 by DDM Devs

Is the Hyundai Kona a Good First Car?
A Guide for First-Time Buyers

Choosing the right vehicle as your first car is a big decision and involves balancing multiple factors:
affordability, reliability, safety, and practicality.

The Hyundai Kona has become a popular choice among new drivers and first-time SUV buyers, offering the elevated driving position and cargo space of an SUV in a manageable, subcompact package.
First-time buyers often gravitate toward smaller SUVs because they provide better visibility than sedans while remaining easier to park and maneuver than larger vehicles.
The Kona enters this consideration with competitive pricing, comprehensive warranty coverage, and a full suite of standard safety features that appeal to both new drivers and concerned parents.
This guide examines the Kona's key characteristics, from safety ratings and fuel economy to maintenance costs and insurance considerations, to help determine whether it makes sense as a first vehicle purchase.

Why the Hyundai Kona Stands Out as a First Car

The Hyundai Kona offers a compelling package for first-time drivers, particularly in Midwest City, Norman, and Edmond.

It undercuts many rivals in price while delivering a comprehensive suite of features.
  • Hyundai pairs this value with one of the industry’s longest warranties—a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty—providing peace of mind to new owners who may be concerned about long-term maintenance.

  • Standard equipment in entry-level trims includes a user-friendly 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and essential safety technologies like forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist.

    These features make the Kona technologically accessible and safe for new drivers navigating city streets or highways throughout Oklahoma City and nearby communities such as Guthrie and Bethany.

  • First-time drivers appreciate the Kona's compact dimensions and intuitive controls, which help build driving confidence.
    The broad range of trims, from the efficient base SE to the sporty N Line, means there’s a Kona tailored to different budgets and driving preferences.

Which Model of Kona Should You Buy?

Hyundai Kona 2022
We recommend the Hyundai Kona models from 2022 onward for used car buyers, as they combine the latest safety tech, improved engines, and fewer reported issues.

For those interested in electric propulsion, the Kona EV models from 2021 onward are preferable due to better battery technology and increased driving range.
Kona EV 2021
For those interested in electric propulsion, the Kona EV models from 2021 onward are preferable due to better battery technology and increased driving range.
Hyundai Kona 2024 - 2nd Generation
The second-generation Kona, introduced in 2024, offers a larger footprint, more rear legroom, and upgraded tech features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and enhanced driver assistance systems.

While promising, these models are new to the market and typically command a premium price.

Safety Features and Ratings

Safety is a paramount concern for first-time drivers and parents alike. The Hyundai Kona excels with top-tier safety ratings, including a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and consistent 5-star scores from the NHTSA in recent years.

    Standard safety features across trims include:

  • Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection.

  • Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist

  • Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance

  • Safe Exit Assist to warn passengers of approaching traffic before opening doors

  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System

New vs. Used: Should You Buy a Pre-Owned Hyundai Kona?

Opting for a new Hyundai Kona ensures the latest design, technology, and full factory warranty coverage. Joe Cooper Hyundai offers a robust new vehicle inventory , including popular trims like the SEL , N Line, and Limited, ready for test drives in Midwest City.

However, purchasing a used or certified pre-owned Kona can be a smart financial decision. Used models from recent years often carry reinstated warranties and have undergone rigorous inspections. This can be particularly appealing to buyers who want quality and value without the new car price tag.

Joe Cooper Hyundai’s comprehensive service department and OEM parts availability through the Parts Request Page support both new and used vehicle owners, ensuring your Kona remains in excellent condition.

Size and Practicality: How big is the Hyundai Kona?

The Hyundai Kona fits comfortably in the small to medium SUV segment, offering a balance of compact urban maneuverability and practical interior space.

The first-generation Kona measures about 165 inches in length, while the newer second-generation models extend nearly six inches longer, providing increased rear legroom and cargo capacity.

    Despite its smaller external footprint, the Kona offers:

    • Approximately 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats
    • Up to 63.7 cubic feet with rear seats folded down
    • Seating for five passengers with comfortable legroom and headroom

    This makes it an excellent choice for young families in Oklahoma City who need versatility without the bulk of a larger SUV. Its compact size also facilitates parking and navigating tight city streets.

Driving Experience

The Hyundai Kona is widely praised for its engaging driving dynamics, which stand out in the subcompact SUV category. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 147 horsepower, providing adequate power for daily commuting with an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined fuel economy.

Buyers wanting enhanced performance can opt for the available turbocharged 1.6-liter powerplant in SEL and N Line variants, which generates up to 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This model accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 7.8 seconds, offering a fun and responsive ride.

Additionally, the Kona Electric variant combines efficiency with a sporty feel, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.8 seconds with its long-range 65.4 kWh battery. Its regenerative braking and instant torque make city driving smooth and dynamic.

The steering is light and precise, ideal for new drivers building confidence.

Long-Term Ownership Costs

The Hyundai Kona’s pricing is competitive within its class, offering a strong value proposition with a rich feature set that many competitors reserve for higher trims. .

Fuel economy remains a highlight, especially with front-wheel-drive models achieving up to 31 MPG combined and the electric version offering zero-emission driving with impressive range.

Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty, including 5 years/60,000 miles basic coverage and 10 years/100,000 miles powertrain protection, reduces ownership costs and enhances resale value, especially in Oklahoma City and Midwest City markets.

For maintenance, Joe Cooper Hyundai’s Service Scheduler makes booking appointments seamless, and our expert technicians use genuine OEM parts to keep your Kona running like new.

Why Hyundai is Ideal for First-Time Drivers

Hyundai’s reputation for safety, reliability, and affordability makes it a preferred brand for first-time drivers.

Models like the Hyundai Elantra, Tucson, and Santa Fe complement the Kona’s appeal, offering options for different lifestyles and budgets. Hyundai’s technology suite, including Bluelink® connected services, provides driver monitoring and safety alerts to assist new drivers and give parents peace of mind.

Explore Your Options at Joe Cooper Hyundai of Midwest City

At Joe Cooper Hyundai, customers across Midwest City, Norman, Moore, and beyond have access to one of the largest inventories of Hyundai vehicles in Oklahoma.

Whether you're looking for a brand-new Kona from our New Hyundai Inventory - SRP or a quality pre-owned model from our All Used Vehicles (at Hyundai) - SRP, you’ll find a wide selection to fit your needs.

Thinking about parting with your current vehicle? Use our Trade Valuation Page to get a real-time, market-based offer in under 30 seconds.

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