The 2024 Hyundai Kona is significantly bigger than its first-generation predecessor. That is greatest seen and appreciated within the again seat the place the Kona goes from cramped to family-friendly, and within the cargo space that balloons by 6.3 cubic-feet to 25.5. Which means the cargo space has gone from simply concerning the smallest within the phase to one of many largest.
After all, the purpose of those assessments is to place these cargo volumes to the take a look at. Fortunately, I baggage examined the previous-generation Kona, so you will be discovering out precisely how the 2 evaluate. I do know, proper, tremendous thrilling. I’ve additionally examined the Kia Niro, which shares a platform with the Kona, and consequently has very related dimensions.
Now, contemplating the widespread platform with the Niro Electrical, I’m just about sure that what you are about to see right here will even apply to the Hyundai Kona Electrical. The principle distinction could be gas-powered Konas just like the one right here have a spare tire, whereas the Electrical doesn’t.
It certain does not look large at first look, however there’s additionally loads happening right here that may not be apparent at first look.
Like the unique Kona and the Niro, there’s a dual-level cargo flooring. Additionally like the 2 of them, the ground is barely angled on the base of the again seat when in its lowered place. Due to the alternative angle of the seatback above that already blocks baggage from transferring any deeper, this is not the issue you would possibly suspect.
Now, because the excessive flooring exists solely to supply a flat load flooring with the again seat lowered, I solely take a look at with the decrease flooring top. Additionally, in contrast to the final Kona, there is not a ineffective foam bin factor sandwiched between the higher and decrease flooring heights it’s a must to chuck with a view to use the decrease top.
There’s a large, hatchback-style, inflexible cargo cowl. Normally that is dangerous information for cargo capability since you’re caught with it when you want max area and might’t discover someplace to stash the large, hatchback-style, inflexible cargo cowl. This might be the airport pickup doomsday state of affairs and the explanation I take a look at with and with out cargo covers.
BUT! Have a look at the image on the appropriate. There are two little nubbins on the cargo space partitions that the cargo cowl is designed to lock into. One up high (completely regular) and one down beneath (completely bizarre). It took me a second to determine what was happening, however then I spotted the cargo cowl is supposed to lock into the underside nubbin so it may be saved vertically in opposition to the seat again contained in the Kona. Sensible! At first look, airport pick-up doomsday state of affairs solved!
I feel I’ve seen one thing like this earlier than, however dude, I do not know what it was. I do, like, 50 of this stuff a yr. The final Kona did not have this and my Niro did not also have a cowl to check.
The place does this depart my testing routine? I nonetheless examined with the cargo cowl simply to see what can match beneath (the Corridor & Oates Memorial Prying Eyes take a look at) in addition to with the quilt stowed vertically. I would take away it fully if obligatory.
As with each Baggage Check, I take advantage of two midsize curler suitcases that will must be checked in on the airport (26 inches lengthy, 16 broad, 11 deep), two roll-aboard suitcases that simply barely match within the overhead (24L x 15W x 10D), and one smaller roll-aboard that matches simply (23L x 15W x 10D). I additionally embody my spouse’s fancy in a single day bag simply to spruce issues up a bit (21L x 12W x 12D).
This might be the 4 largest baggage beneath the cargo cowl. Now, the cargo cowl did grow to be dislodged, however no matter, it nonetheless coated the luggage and the liftgate closed.
That is yet one more bag (the most important one) than the final Kona might handle and precisely the identical quantity because the Chevy Trax.
OK, now lets stow the cargo cowl.
All the luggage match plus there was room left over for slightly duffel bag. In different phrases, that is precisely the identical because the Kia Niro hybrid and electrical fashions (the PHEV does not have the low flooring choice as a result of there’s not sufficient room after sandwiching in each a battery pack and gasoline tank).
You possibly can see the Niro and last-gen Kona beneath.
The outdated Kona wasn’t capable of match the most important grey bag and needed to swap that blue duffel bag for the flamboyant bag. It is also fairly apparent that it wasn’t straightforward to load. So yeah, approach worse.
As for a way the brand new Kona compares to the phase, it is nicely above common. With the ability to match all baggage plus one places it above all subcompact SUVs however the Bronco Sport, Volkswagen Taos and, simply barely, the Seltos.
