I love your reviews and you sold me on a 2020 Kona SEL Plus AWD but the thing is, everyone is reviewing the Ultimate/Limited. It would be nice to see more budget friendly models get reviewed across the board on car channels on KZread. It was tough for me to find a good review of the 2.0L SEL trim with AWD on KZread before I decided to take a test drive. I really wanted to go with the Turbo engine but the combination of that + the dual clutch transmission scared me away as I heard it's not a happy transmission in stop and go traffic. Just would like your take on the 2.0 with AWD. I love mine, and I get it, the Ultimate and Limited really show the coolest, best performing package available but for a lot of us, cost, reliability, insurance prices, all of these things push us into lower trim models or less powerful drivetrains.

@Mischa808

4 жыл бұрын

I got the 2018 as a brand new lease. More than once I have had near accidental mishaps in stop and go traffic or while making close maneuvers at low speed. I do have the limited turbo, which on highways, in turbo, its smooth and powerful for the vehicle size. I don't fully understand the dual clutch...and had no idea about it until I found tag about it under the seat months later. I await 2021 updates, as my lease is over then. My 2002, 6 cyl Sonata GLS is still running strong at 135k miles just in case 😉.

@travisp11

4 жыл бұрын

Chelle Shakir good info! Especially for people that don’t realize how the dual clutch operates.

@Mischa808

3 жыл бұрын

@@travisp11 its on the gas or on the brake, no in between or it can get away from you. Actually the tag said you can damage the clutch by not using brake pedal while sitting at lights, on inclines and such. Thank you for bringing up the points it so validated my experiences.

@travisp11

3 жыл бұрын

Chelle Shakir Thanks for the info on the dual clutch!

@tatt4music

3 жыл бұрын

Stay away from turbo on any vehicle.

You have no clue how much your videos have helped me purchase my new Hyundai Kona plus. I love it ! Thank you so much for quality, entertaining and yet humorous reviews !!!

I am a fan of medium size and large SUVs but Joe you got me listenin I cannot wait to see your reviews

Raitis is one of the best car presenter, hands down!

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

That is so really awesome of you to say! Thank you!

@mr.2cents.846

3 жыл бұрын

True. 8 also love the canadians Throttle House and Straight Pipes.

Another great review Joe, you help me appreciate vehicles more every day! Much love to Victor and the others who film for you, they do a great job keeping things steady and in frame while maintaining the overall view.

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Blaise! That really means a lot!

@BlaiseMcAfee

4 жыл бұрын

@@RaitisRides No problem! I don't comment frequently, but I'm definitely around!

Take notice how enthusiastic he expresses NO “CVT” That transmission reminds me of the 1955 Buick “DYNAFLOW”

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

Yes sir!

@Rheisler1475

3 жыл бұрын

The DCT is very quick at shifting and from what I read one of the most reliable DCTs out there

@alaorilla9716

3 жыл бұрын

@@Rheisler1475 is the hyundai DCT same as kias since they're basically the same company?

@Rheisler1475

3 жыл бұрын

@@alaorilla9716 yes, it should be. do your research on how to drive a DCT to save you money on repairs. it is NOT ment to be driven like a regular automatic, more like a manual. I am enjoying it so far but I will never get another car with one I will tell you that right now.

@alaorilla9716

3 жыл бұрын

​@@Rheisler1475 i have DCT in my mercedes .. i'm used to it and wouldn't want to trade off the quick power i get from it.. i'm just afraid of the quality of kia transmission.. i get that a lot of people don't know how to drive DCT but i'm wondering if people who do still have issues with overheating and whatnot. what adjustments have you had to make between driving a regular automatic and dct? are you driving a kia/hyundai?

I rented the Kona a few times and drove it up and down the highway to work. From Maryland to Philadelphia daily. AMAZING gas mileage. Great CUV. I actually got the mpg up to around 40 mpg.

I saw your 2021 Cadillac Escalade video today, and that's how I found your channel. I'm glad I found it. 😊 Keep up the good work! Love from India. Btw, I'm a student and a teacher, so I post my teaching videos.

So much respect for team raiti's rides for always replying on almost every comments in every videos🙌

Own a Kona love it!!! Took it to the grand canyon today! Great on gas! But still sporty and fun to drive! Kona with added technology package. Practically drove it's self with lane assist and cruise control on.

@Rheisler1475

3 жыл бұрын

Dimitri Allen what trim do you have, I have been limited. drove from Florida to Maryland to visit family and attend a wedding, the drive was very smooth and comfortable

Awesome review Team Raiti's Rides!

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks man!

Great review my dude

That's the mail slot in the front LOL

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

I think you may be right! Lol

@delcyvoisine1395

4 жыл бұрын

Toyota's large pickup has the same 'mail slot'.

Another great review RR .

Love the denim Venue behind you at 5:26.

I like how the Kona looks. It definitely stands out compared to most of the small SUVs on the market that tend to look so much the same. Also, before I started watching Raiti's Rides I never noticed whether the front-end vents on a car were fake or functional. Now when I drive down the street I ZONK all the cars I see with fake vents! LOL

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Andrew for letting me share it all with you! I really appreciate your support and watching!

@andrewmarinkovich8657

4 жыл бұрын

@@RaitisRides I should add that I ZONK all the fake exhausts I see as well. :-)

I love you’re videos and when Lori Responded to me it made my day.

its a cool car i own it as my every day ride , good review thank you 🙏🏻

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

You are so very welcome!

Looking at this size veh in 2021 when our lease is up. Kind of narrowed down to the Kona and Seltos. Thanks for what you do. I was leaning toward the Seltos, but now you’ve made it a tougher decision. Lol.

Thank you for your honest review You help me decide between Tucson and kona

JOE ~ I've heard more good than bad on the Kona (especially the EV) sure it lacks some nice features but 175 HP is actually pretty good for a small SUV of this price point, if a person just wants or needs the basics for a solid lil SUV with an incredible warranty ya can't really beat this. you are a true Professor of Carology > have a great weekend - tony

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

That is so really great Tony! Thanks for letting me share it with you!

I'd have to go with the Kona, especially the EV version. It's outstanding

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one!

GREAT REVIEW!

@RaitisRides

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man!

Waking up just in time to watch a Raiti’s Ride video 👍🏽

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

Good morning man!

I have a 19 Kona SE AWD. With a few options. Not a bad car. Had to tint the rear windows to get rid of the Rental Car feeling. Previously I owned Tucsons. The Kona does Handle well. MPG? Around 31. I live in NJ. Haven't had a chance to try the AWD in the snow. Rain isn't bad.

Thanks for the review as I like Kona and Seltos. I'm just curious, how many Twinkies do you eat?

I was able to find this at the local dealership in it's highest trim for around 25k. The Seltos is marked up on all the dealerships. Definitely a better buy at the moment

I prefer the boxy style of the Seltos.

@RaitisRides

3 жыл бұрын

AGREED!

He relates to food..luv it

Love our Kona!

Here is your Hyundai key fob. "It's got the condom on it I'm not gonna take it off it's for your protection and mine"! Lol

I’ve been looking for a car to store my Twinkies 🤔 sold!

I don't know. I think I like the Seltos a little more. Another great video. Thanks!

Any noticeable jerkiness with the DCT in stop-and-go traffic or at slow parking lot speeds?

@anto41691

3 жыл бұрын

Yes with my dct Veloster

Hey Joe how are ya?? I really would like you to do a presentation on a 2020 KIA Sportage sx turbo.i asked this before I noticed you've done a few KIA's since I last asked. I've seen the Sportage from a few other presenters,but I this your videos are more informative....

does the car lock itself for example when you park and close the door + walk away? (like detects the key fob isn’t inside the car anymore) ? i have the same question for the Seltos😫 currently have a honda civic hatchback and i love it but need a bigger car 🤩

I’m really considering one of these or the Kia Seltos going to go test drive them see which one I like better

Good Morning Joe!

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

Morning Raymond!

Mr. Joe great review sir. Now I want Taco Bell. What do you want from there 🤣

Your reviews are very good. In this segment nothing compares to the Kia Seltos. Styling , amenities, value, roominess. Just my observation.

So what is your best recommended sub compact suv?

I've seen both a Kona and a Seltos in my apartment parking lot, but only one of each. I like the Seltos just from seeing it in real life.

Joe really likes Twinkies, huh? He always makes reference to them!

hi man i enjoy all your videos very professional, i have a question about compact suv like this hyundai kona regarding reliability, which do you think is the best option, it is for my mom and she wants something reliable in the long term, thanks

@RaitisRides

3 жыл бұрын

It is a great choice Julio! You might want to also check out the Kia Seltos! I really appreciate your support!

Hey Joe I think the kona would be nice if this thing had a naturally aspirated 2.4 litre will have more hauling capacity and also a lot of reliability and also an eight speed automatic gearbox. Coz I hate CVT

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

It has a DCT not a CVT.

@Rheisler1475

3 жыл бұрын

Maybe the next GEN will have a 2.4 L, that’s what I’m hoping. I’ll trade my 2020 kona for that

I have it , I love my Kona ultimate is a nice SUV and easy to drive

You didn’t go over the awesome safety features which are awesome. Big selling point !

Do you recommend all wheel drive for Florida

Tacos in the passages door and Twinkie’s in the center compartment. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

Great review like always. I think for 29k dual climate and more leatherette accents are a need. Too much hard plastic and the additional, not mentioned, zonk of dead buttons on the center stack. Like, it's the ultimate trim. the CX-30 is the winner interior wise.

@joshua9073

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed! I got a new VW Tiguan SE with more of everything for $24,500!

I remember around 20 years ago when 0-60 at 6 seconds was reserved to elite sport cars like the Acura Integra and they would throw you back much more than 29,000 of today’s money.

I like the Kona, but you could get a very well equipped Tucson if you're willing to pay into the upper 20k range

@privateprivate5302

4 жыл бұрын

i agree. my 2018 santa fe (xl) was 24k. but the Kona is a SUPER cute car. Like the Bug used to be way back in the day. The Kona always turns my head. If I didn't need the space of the XL, I would love to have a Kona as my every day driver just reminds me of a hatch back. Great first car for the high school senior/college freshman

@trrippydude

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah no some of us are on a budget 😂😂 I just bought myself a Venue and I love it so far!

@BG-ig6fd

3 жыл бұрын

@@trrippydude How are the seats? Comfortable? Thanks

@trrippydude

3 жыл бұрын

@@BG-ig6fd Hi Bethany, The seats are extremely comfortable! You have to test drive it and see if it suits you! I love it tho!

@trrippydude

3 жыл бұрын

@Uzizoe 10 not tight at all!

I am on my second Kona. I love them.

@RaitisRides

3 жыл бұрын

I am so glad that yo like them Debbie!

Can you do the 2020 Kia Sorento?

The new Joe Raiti hit. Sympathy for the SUV "Please allow me to go and zonk your car I'm man of wealth and fame"

during the refresh they gnna bring the kona n line and kona N crazy...

Nice little vehicle. I actually want the electric version because I've got solar panels.

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

That is so very true! I am glad that you liked this one.

There’s a refresh coming for 2021 with a 275 hp N version!

@jamesgand828

3 жыл бұрын

Which markets are getting it? Remember, North America always gets the N-Line which sucks nuts

@rogersmith3295

3 жыл бұрын

@@jamesgand828 why does that suck?

@datdemoman1145

3 жыл бұрын

@@rogersmith3295 its not a true N model

@fruitbouquet5479

3 жыл бұрын

@@rogersmith3295 I am guessing he is not in North America

Are you related to the Sham Wow guy? Your voice and presentation sure sounds a lot like his...

Are the 2021 konas cvt transmission ? Was online can’t seem to find out

Waiting for your intro Hyundai Elantra 2021 CN7. Come with 3 model, (Petrol, Hybrid, N Line) Fan of Hyundai Lover

can you take off that top cover that is in the trunk?

Great prices. I'm in the market for a second vehicle for utility - I'll have to check this brand out.

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

7:12-7:15 lol😂😂😂 btw this guys one of the most funniest car you tubers outs there

Hey my brother checking in

I have a kona ultimate and was disappointed that passenger side seat was not power. Also no cooling for the seats.

here in Europe this car gets a lot of color(roof,air vents,seatbelts,stitching etc)..i think you have the silver detail one so it's not all that black*at least in my eyes.. ps. Excellent review as always

@RaitisRides

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing that great info! I appreciate you watching!

Hyundai (Kia) is a steel company that masquerades itself as a car company. That's not a bad thing and it is one reason their cars are a good value. It's also a reason many should consider these cars as safe as Volvos. For $29K, my only disappointment is no ventilated seats.

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

Thanks Ervin for sharing that great input and perspective!

I'm gonna zonk where they place the head light

The Kona is Nice! I had one as a rental when my car was in the body shop. The Kona is peppy with a smooth ride. I would definitely buy it.

@Rheisler1475

3 жыл бұрын

Reynaldo Cordero I have a 2020 limited, drove from Florida to MD to visit family and attend a wedding, beautiful smooth ride and comfortable

@reynaldocordero4247

3 жыл бұрын

@@Rheisler1475 Florida. I have a Cousin that lives in Tallahassee and a Uncle that lives in Virginia Beach. I live in Columbus Georgia. We're like a six degrees of separation. LOL. Back on topic the Kona is a nice compact suv with style and good horsepower.

@Rheisler1475

3 жыл бұрын

@@reynaldocordero4247 lol geez, well the good thing is you always have that change in seasons when you visit. yeah the kona is good, I was gonna get the Mazda CX-3 but I got the kona instead. Hyundai really surprised me.

@reynaldocordero4247

3 жыл бұрын

@@Rheisler1475 Exactly! The Kona surprised me as well. The acceleration and the exhaust note. You would've thought it had Sport written on the back. The Kona I drove was a rental. So you know it was the base model. There was nothing base about its performance, ride quality and sound. I was whole heartily impressed. Kudos to Hyundai.

Nice car, I really love it but I still prefer the Mazda Cx30 for my taste. Nice review

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah the CX-30 is a better choice.

There are ac vents for rear passengers under the front seats

@TheSkyWhale

3 жыл бұрын

@@ozzzy3z946 good to know. Thanks for the info!

new car smell every day!

@RaitisRides

3 жыл бұрын

Nice!

For me, the slightly roomier interior and the much better cargo space pointed me to the Seltos. You indicate the Kona cargo volume is around 23 cu. ft., but the specs on the Kona have it at just above 19, which is even less than the Soul. I've had my Seltos for 5 months now, and love it. I went for the FWD 'S' trim for the better gas mileage rating, which is better than the Kona's, so with price being comparable, not sure why anyone would choose the Kona over the Seltos.

Does your editor live in a locked basement? how do you put out so much quality content!

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

I am the editor! LOL

@CCD93

4 жыл бұрын

@@RaitisRides YEEEEESH workin over time man! you get my thumbs up 👍🏼

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

Carson Denny thanks my friend. You guys deserve it!

@amauryplasencia6180

4 жыл бұрын

@@RaitisRides I don't understand why you zonk things without knowing if we like it or no , you can't think for all of us .

@ryzzn3170

4 жыл бұрын

@@amauryplasencia6180 It's his opinion lol

Kona all the way! The Seltos has a CVT (or as Hyundai/Kia calls it IVT). Hopefully the next generation has the 6 speed available and doesn’t come with the CVT (IVT)

Is this car good for short people? Hoping for a response thanks!

cool car but I think I’d sacrifice a little space and go gt2 package on the Kia Forte GT, slightly nicer interior imo and it’s actually cheaper. I’m still so impressed with the Forte GT

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

Good move!

Is this good for someone who is 6ft 2” ?

I just bought a new Kona this week and I love it.

@joshua9073

4 жыл бұрын

Did you consider a Mazda CX-30? And congrats on your purchase ?

@ScooterWeibels

4 жыл бұрын

@@joshua9073 Yes I did an test drove one. I liked it, very nice interior, Just that Consumer Reports gave the Kona a buy recommendation.

@joshua9073

4 жыл бұрын

Scott Weber oh are they not recommending the Mazda yet ? I personally would go for Mazda but I do like Hyundai. I hope you have many years of good service and fun from her!

Nice review Raiti! What ya think, FWD or AWD? I live in Michigan but really how often do you really need AWD? (costs more and worse gas mileage)

@RaitisRides

3 жыл бұрын

I would go AWD!

@cindykeselowski899

3 жыл бұрын

@@RaitisRides but WHY if AWD costs more & decreases mpg?

@cindykeselowski899

3 жыл бұрын

@@RaitisRides Raiti, still waiting why recommend AWD over FWD when it adds weight & decreases mpg. Yes it helps in inclement weather but really only needed maybe 5 times a year. And it adds $1,400

@cindykeselowski899

3 жыл бұрын

Raiti, still waiting on your reply for justifying AWD over FWD on the Kona...thank you!

Just got the ultimate 2021 in thunder gray. Was a lot more fun than Lexus NX300/UX250 and Mazda CX-30/5

Would love to see the Crosstrek, Niro

Does it come with Three engines sizes and tell me more about the larger one with out turbo charger.

@RaitisRides

3 жыл бұрын

Yep

We tried the Kona and tbh it felt like a toy compared to the Mazda cx30. We also notice the number of used Kona’s on the market that are only a few years old. It feels like Hyundai still has a way to go compared to the major Japanese brands.

I have a 2019 Kona AWD. Nice little CUV. Great in the snow. Does what I need it to do, plus a 10 year/100,000 powertrain warranty.

@sherrid5315

3 жыл бұрын

Does the black body trim fade over time ? Seen another review it’s possible I just got this three days ago and extended warranty you think if it did they would replace it! Any help here please ? Ty

@wxman2003

3 жыл бұрын

@@sherrid5315 No problem so far, but I have a garage.

@sherrid5315

3 жыл бұрын

Christopher Thank you thats my problem I don’t but I am planning to park it elsewhere in my apt complex!

@wxman2003

3 жыл бұрын

@@sherrid5315 It's a flat black trim. That's less likely to fade than a shiny black, I had a Jeep for 6 years with that flat black trim. It never faded. Even after 100,000 miles. And there is plastic cleaner that will keep it looking good. Go to Amazon, and search for Plexus. It is the best plastic cleaner and protectant on the market. www.amazon.com/Plexus-91-20214-01-Spray-Cleaner-oz/dp/B002MQCYO0/ref=sr_1_18?dchild=1&keywords=plexus&qid=1596267295&sr=8-18

@sherrid5315

3 жыл бұрын

Christopher Thank you so much I will definitely check into that ! I heard they used it to keep rocks etc from flying up off the road doing less damage to your vehicle! But hey one my neighbors told another it’s ugly lol must be a jealous thing ☺️

But how about the base models SE and SEL

If driving fun is a priority, this is your ride! Nothing else in class is even close. I'd opt for the AWD though, as it comes with IRS and the FWD does not.

@johnholst

3 жыл бұрын

@LanaInAmerica Independent rear suspension

The EV version is nice, test drove one in the dealers lot.

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

I need to get my hands on one.

What you think about mudd flaps for this will it make it look sporty cause I only have a se the dealership said it give it more sport Style great deal too only 61.00 labor taxes etc ! With a coupon ?

@RaitisRides

3 жыл бұрын

It will protect your paint.

@sherrid5315

3 жыл бұрын

Raiti's Rides Thanks for all your help take care be safe ☺️

wow this became by dream car

@RaitisRides

4 жыл бұрын

I am so glad that you like this one!

GOT EM!!! Joe smokes the Vette with the mighty turbo Kona!

@RaitisRides

3 жыл бұрын

Oh yeah!

Just picked one up , sadly I had to make some financial decisions and got rid of my mustang GT but I’ll definitely make this thing look good !

@RaitisRides

Жыл бұрын

Adulting is very hard to do.

This car's in Saudi Arabia, like a pepsi can, it's everywhere.

@GeN56YoS

3 жыл бұрын

هههههههههه

I was an engineer for that company. the thing is, Fake bent is mostly the result of compromise in between design and engineering. designers want that empty space open for a look, but engineer needs to close that big gap on the front other than air curtain. Ergo, the fake plastic cover.

I too would zonk it for no air vents in the back, need that if you have kids or pets back there! Also, no connectivity back there, how is this an Ultimate trim?

My son has a Kona Active X, The only thing I don't like is the undersized so called space saver spare, they don't save any space and it is less in diameter, I replaced it with a Ford falcon wheel, also getting in is not much higher then a Sedan, i would like higher front seats like a Tucson,On the plus side The engine has manifold injection 2 Litre plus 6 speed torque converter trans , a real handbrake not one of those stupid electric park brakes, also no rediculous push button start. My son would like the active cruise and DAB radio, might be on the next model, 65,000Km to date, smooth as silk.

IPad style infortament system is the best I promise you.

If you’re hear because of the title, skip it. He doesn’t say a word about how it compares to the Seltos..

Even the 2010 Ford Escape has a 12 volt for the rear compartment.