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2025 Hyundai Kona Hybrid review (video)

The Hyundai Kona has been a strong contender in the small SUV market for quite some time now, and for 2024-2025, it gains a hybrid option to further broaden its appeal.

Combining a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, the Kona Hybrid promises impressive fuel efficiency without compromising the practicality and style that the Kona is known for. But does it deliver on this promise? We took a Premium variant for a week to see if it strikes the right balance between economy, value and features.

2025 Hyundai Kona Hybrid-taillights

2025 Hyundai Kona Premium Hybrid: Specifications

Engine: 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder hybrid
Electrical: 1.32kWh battery, 32kW/170Nm e-motor
Combined output: 104kW / 265Nm
Gearbox: Six-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×7.0, 215/55
ANCAP: Four stars
Kerb weight: 1504kg
Power-to-weight: 14.46:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 3.9L/100km
Our consumption: 5.7L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 38L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 26.66kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.64 seconds*
0-100km/h: 10.40 seconds*
60-110km/h: 7.47 seconds*
1/4 mile: 17.44 seconds at 129.7km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.647g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.82m in 3.37 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.220g*
Decibel at idle/standby: 24*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 82*
Starting price: $43,500

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2025 Hyundai Kona Premium Hybrid: How much does it cost?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Hybrid is available as a four-trim lineup, consisting of Kona, N Line, Premium, and Premium N Line variants. They retain the distinctive styling of the non-hybrid siblings, albeit with subtle badging and aerodynamically-optimised wheels.

Prices for the base model hybrid start from $36,500, representing decent value for a hybrid SUV, with the top-spec Premium N Line commanding a more substantial $46,500 (excluding on-roads). This Premium version starts from $43,500.

Considering the low fuel consumption and the generous level of standard equipment, the Kona Hybrid offers good value for money, at least in the lower trim levels. The potential fuel savings over the lifetime of the vehicle could (should in theory) offset the initial price premium over the regular Kona, which starts from $32,500 for the base 2.0L.

2025 Hyundai Kona Hybrid-interior

2025 Hyundai Kona Premium Hybrid: Interior & packaging

Inside, the Kona Hybrid offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. Most materials are of typical good Hyundai quality, and the layout is ergonomic and user-friendly. The infotainment system is centred around a 10.25-inch touch-screen that offers intuitive menus.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is a suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. You might want to turn off some of these systems off, requiring some fiddling about, such as the driver monitoring camera and speed limit assist.

2025 Hyundai Kona Hybrid-touchscreen

There is a menu there for all of it and you can preset the star button on the steering wheel to jump straight to that menu, as all systems will default back on when restarting the vehicle. But some of this stuff seems a bit complicated in terms of menu flow.

The front seats are comfortable and supportive, offering ample adjustment to accommodate drivers of varying sizes. Visibility is good thanks to the Kona’s relatively upright driving position and large windows. Rear seat space is great for two adults (for this class). Climate vents and charging ports are at the ready.

2025 Hyundai Kona Hybrid-rear seats

Up at the back the boot offers 407 litres of cargo space, which can be expanded to 1241 litres with the rear seats folded down. A space-saver spare wheel lives under the floor.

Overall, the Kona Hybrid’s interior is a pleasant place to be. It successfully blends practicality, comfort, and technology. It also displays a futuristic vibe, particularly the dash and open centre console area, which is similar to some EVs including the Hyundai IONIQ 5.

2025 Hyundai Kona Hybrid-boot

2025 Hyundai Kona Premium Hybrid: Powertrain & handling

The Kona Hybrid pairs a 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a 32kW electric motor and a 1.56kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This combination delivers a total output of 104kW and 265Nm, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

While not designed for outright performance, the Kona Hybrid offers a pleasant driving experience – but look to others in the segment if you want more absolute grunt. The electric motor provides a welcome surge of torque at lower speeds, making city driving effortless and responsive. The transition between electric and petrol power is seamless, though, again, for this day and age it could do with more oomph out on the open road.

2025 Hyundai Kona Hybrid-rear suspension

In terms of handling, this is what you’d call secure and predictable, with well-weighted steering that provides great feedback. While there’s some body roll in corners, and some of this might be due to the extra weight in the hybrid systems, it’s easily controlled and doesn’t detract from the overall driving experience.

The suspension does a good job of soaking up bumps and imperfections, contributing to a comfortable ride, even along poor quality country roads. However, enthusiastic drivers might find the Kona lacking in excitement, with its focus geared more towards comfort and efficiency.

2025 Hyundai Kona Hybrid-instrument cluster

Hyundai claims a combined fuel consumption figure of 3.9L/100km – a significant improvement over the non-hybrid 2.0L model that uses 6.6L. During our testing, we achieved figures closer to 5.7L/100km in mixed driving conditions, which, while not matching the official claim, still represents commendable fuel efficiency for a vehicle in this class.

One of the Kona Hybrid’s strengths is its quietness. The hybrid powertrain operates seamlessly, with minimal noise intrusion into the cabin. This contributes to a relaxing and refined drive, particularly in urban environments.

2025 Hyundai Kona Hybrid-Australia

2025 Hyundai Kona Premium Hybrid: Key attractions/reasons to buy

  • Excellent build quality: Fit and finish is superb, with no rattles or squeaks coming from anything inside or out.
  • Ergonomics are spot on: A natural driving position with all important controls right at your fingertips.
  • Handling: A good blend of comfort and control, particularly on bad country roads.

2025 Hyundai Kona Premium Hybrid: Key considerations before you buy

  • Power: This powertrain isn’t as gutsy as others, but 0-100 performance is about average for this class.
  • Safety systems: Some of these functions are very annoying, with lots of bings and bongs for false speed recognition and driver monitoring assumptions.

2025 Hyundai Kona Premium Hybrid: Video

How does it rate against its rivals?
  • Price
  • Quality look & feel
  • Interior tech
  • Powertrain performance
  • Ride & handling
  • X factor (does it stand out in its class?)
3.8

Final word

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Hybrid successfully builds upon the strengths of the Kona range, adding impressive fuel efficiency to the mix. It’s a stylish, practical, and well-equipped small SUV that delivers a comfortable and refined driving experience. While not the most exhilarating performer, it excels in urban environments and offers decent value for money in the lower-spec variants.

Josh Bennis

Previous editor of Hot4s Magazine, Fast Fours Magazine and known as JBens ‘maad’ in the world of car festivals, Josh kicked off his love for car journalism some 20 years ago and it’s simply never left. While his real life car collection would suggest he’s all about Australiana, his virtual garage is filled with 911 GT3s, W140 S500s, and V10 BMW M5s. Always up for an adventure or to film a vlog in the back of nowhere, Josh brings enthusiasm and creativity to Driving Enthusiast. He was also a co-founder and contributor of PerformanceDrive.

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