No clue why anyone would complain about you including snippets from the mfg presentation. I think it's great.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

Not sure. But I got a lot of blow back on a Toyota video saying it was just a paid promo. Typically, I edit out all the blatant marketing stuff and going for info and facts that help distinguish vehicles. But... the internet.

@therealcdnuser

9 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviewskeep doing what you are doing,

@ornative7514

9 ай бұрын

Keep up the tidbits, they add to the understanding.

@jaanfo3874

9 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews Some people just like to find things to complain about. Keep up the awesome reviews.

@kengreenberg

9 ай бұрын

⁠@@DrivenCarReviewsI😊

Tom, I've been appreciating the event soundbites for years now. You always edit in the perfect amount of it especially when the engineers are explaining key things. Thank you for your passion for this!

Not understanding any criticisms of your reviews. They are the best.

I’m all about facts and figures so I appreciate when you intersperse original presentation 👌🏻

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

Yeah, and sometimes that works better.

Keep the sound bites. It adds authenticity and texture. I can not in the world imagine why people would complain about that. But I also, unfortunately can.

The soundbytes are great, as are all the videos you produce. Keep up with the great work, Tom!

It is wonderful that you include the manufacturers comments! We get to hear what they're saying! But I have to observe that, since the days of coat and tie are gone--long gone--some of the reviewers, I see in that little audience, including you, Tom, look pretty good in your collared and buttoned shirts. However, that first representative in a gray, baggy T-shirt, did not look so hot. I further wonder if you have ever considered a TP trunk test estimate, for when you're on the road? Super photography, as always!

If you get it in white, I bet it looks like a storm trooper.

I'm in for the soundbites as well...hearing the reps in their own words is valuable from my perspective. I would also enjoy seeing behind the scenes as the U.S. Auto Show season ramps up. What does the media experience before the general public floods in? Analysis of the significant reduction in size and brand representation at smaller auto shows like the Seattle event would help views like myself better understand current trends as we move to an electrified future. Great Job as usual! Thanks.

Keep doing the soundbytes, it adds more gravitas to hear from the engineers/reps

Best reviews, best photography, and heck yes the manufacturer presentation tidbits were interesting too..especially the charts with interior volume, cargo room etc.👍😁 Great job, Tom 👍😁

The Bluelink plus is such a great marketing move. Not having to bother with that sort of stuff is massive

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

Agreed. At the very least, automakers should just bundle the plans into one. Many times it's a patchwork that even I don't want to get into

Your reviews are comprehensive and entertaining! Thank you

Beautiful shots, job well done.

Nice video and good review. Keep the sound bites!!👍👍

I like everything about the new Kona, except for the red plastic strips on the dashboard. They seem so bright that I thought they were illuminated. Very distracting! Nice to see that Hyundai included a rear wiper and didn't try to pass the rear wing as some sort of foil to keep the window clean. Your videos always score Five Stars from me. Thanks Tom!

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

Yes, the red strips are very bright which is why I addressed that issue. And yes, for a moment I wondered if they were lighted.

@BBK83

9 ай бұрын

I just got the 24 Kona N Line YESTERDAY. and today I've been trying to think of clever ways to cover the red on the dash that wouldn't be permanent. I hate it. Too bad it's a lease. 🥴

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

@@BBK83Yeah, normally it wouldn't be an issue for me but man it's really bright.

Great review as always, Tom, I love everything about this new Kona (especially the real buttons and 360 degree camera) except the lack of hybrid/PHEV powertrain here in the US. Hopefully those versions will come soon as I still have range anxiety driving EVs here on American roads.

Tom going at it with a wet shoulder. looks modern but competition is tough.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

It was in the low 90s and high humidity. I thought the dark shirt would hide that fact. Uh... nope.

@fist003

9 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews really appreciate the commitment

I've always thought the 1.6T was Hyundai's best engine, seeing that with a normal automatic and not a DCT is great news. I still think the CX30 is the nicest car in the segment, but for families that need more space or softer ride this is hard to argue against. Also the 1st gen Trax does that cargo cover thing too.

Just discovered your channel. Really like your reviews. You don't spend half the video talking about how the exterior looks and never discussing the inside of the car where it counts the most. Nice car, have to test drive it. Can't seem to find any car these days for less than 30k.

Fantastic review as always! In my opinion, they should've put the indicators in the Robocop light strips up front and back. Some people own huge pickup trucks and high SUVs, and they might miss those really low indicators.

Hey Tom. Great Review. I hope you had a great time in MD and enjoyed some blue crabs.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

I did have some crab. It was quite good.

We have the new kona hybrid ordered. Amazing mileage. Gen 2 fixed all the issues. We are in Australia though as not all markets get the hybrid

thanks for the nice review! Just a tiny thing 1:43, it's 360 degrees (as a full circle), not 365 degrees (otherwise you're back at 5 degrees :))

KEEP THE SOUND BITES!!! It gives some context to your vids.

I'm getting the Kona ev next year. Currently have the 22 limited with the 1.6T. I love it, but I know I'll love the ev more.

Thanks!

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

Thanks Man! Much appreciated.

I am still unsure of the exterior of the new Kona, but I like the X made between the side window and the hatch window, and the z angles on the side are definitely reminiscent of the Ionic 5. The Interior is a much improved, though, and the extra space in the back seats and the cargo area is a serious plus for such a small rig.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

Like any car, wait to see it in person. It works for me (might not for you). Crisper than the outgoing version.

Please keep the sound bites! Also curious about what the next Kona EV will offer for range and charging setups.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

The EV is targeting 261 miles with the larger battery. More soon.

I’m very happy with my 22 Kona NLine. Glad the new one is bigger and quieter. Maybe the new design will grow on me. I don’t like that rear wing. Hope it’s optional. Still needs more soft touch materials. Hope the infotainment GPS works better. My 22 system is often glitchy.

Thanks for calling out the visibility risk of the low-down turn signal indicators. I have noticed this on the Bolt and wondered how it is allowed by DOT regulations. Even in my modest-height vehicles, I find these indicators difficult to see. I would never buy a vehicle with such low-down indicators, since they wouldn't be visible to the many SUV drivers out there.

@rightlanehog3151

9 ай бұрын

Agreed.

@JT-fq2bl

8 ай бұрын

I have no problem with the rear lights as long as I keep my distance. My driving height is at 8ft.

@Dreampiece.

5 ай бұрын

There's always a top light to create a triangle of lights. If it was just two bottom lights then yeah it'd be a problem but there's three.

@nicklum3248

5 ай бұрын

@@Dreampiece. To be clear, I'm talking about turn signal indicators. There are not three of these, just two, both down low. Brake lights are fine because there's one high up. If you can point me to a third turn signal indicator, I would be most appreciative-and surprised!

Red light green light is the best!

9:27 A touch of Rivian headlight design in a Kona.

Had a Gen1 Kona and it was an excellent overall vehicle but was simply too small for us. We currently have a Tuscon but will certainly be cross shopping the Kona and possibly the EV when we eventually replace it. This 2nd Gen vehicle is as usual a great replacement offering from Hyundai. Wish they kept the 1.6T and dct for more models.

Great review as always! At ~7:01 in the video, the center console on a brand new car is completely worn out!! Really??

@DrivenCarReviews

8 ай бұрын

Nope.

I’m fine with the sound bites. The one at the end did have me rolling my eyes though. Like, “Wowee, people will be able to use all those extra features baked into the price without being nickel and dimed. How generous...”

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

Nickled and dimed? OnStar can easily be $40 a month. Do you expect to use your cell phone free of charge without paying Verizon? There's significant connectivity happening with Bluelink. Most manufacturers charge quite a bit for that kind of service, and often on a confusing escalating scale. In a way, I buried that announcement. It's significant.

@neeko.b

9 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews Don’t expect to use my cell phone w/o paying a provider, but they’re not gonna say “Oh, you want to adjust the volume of a call? That’s extra. You want to save contacts? That’s extra”. Same thing with paying to finance or lease a car. You’re already paying more for features like phone connectivity, keyless entry, remote start, heated seats, and so on to be in the car, which I get. Adding a subscription is just a way to make you keep paying for something you’ve already paid for. It’s cheap, in very poor taste, and shouldn’t be the norm.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

@@neeko.b The volume is easily changed with a knob, contacts are in your phone that's accessible by CarPlay and Android Auto. Those are already free. What digital connectivity does is add a higher level of convenience and safety like SOS locating after a crash, stolen vehicle locating, and the ability to check how much gas you have by looking at your smartphone while in the shower. Those have always cost extra and why Hyundai offering it all for free is a big deal. Few if any of the digital features are necessary, but many can be nice. And the phone carriers are happy to charge you for extras as well.

Pretty SUV and pretty ranch lands...

Nice to see a review for an affordable car for a change. Seems like it's been only really expensive cars lately

Looks a lot better

if only it had a mild hybrid 48 volt like the xc40 has now and memory seats along with passenger seat back control buttons like Korea has, also wish it had a fold flat passenger seat like the Chevy Trailblazer.

Privacy cover storage -- I don't find this slot against the back of the rear seat so brilliant, as the only time I ever need or want to remove the privacy cover in my hatchback is when I'm folding the rear seats to place a longer / larger item inside. The only good place to store it would be under the load floor where it won't be in the way or if they found some way to clip it to the headliner.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

In that case it does go up against the from seats, not clipped like the back ones but it fits.

Not bad - more in my price range than some. "The Wire" is the only Baltimore-based cop show I've watched.

Okay here’s a question from the north forty: what’s that grille low down by the back right fender inside the trunk area? Seems too low for air flow through ventilation.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

Could be a battery vent for different variants.

It needs a hybrid version to really be competitive in the overall market. MPG on turbo isn't good.

This is the dumbest little criticism, but I really wish Hyundai would get rid of the useless square of plastic to the left of the instrument cluster. Sister company Kia manages to do the same "one long screen" trick without a useless "wing" on the left side. At least they didn't put a fun circle pattern on it like in the Elantra, I guess. More seriously: Why can't we get the Kona Hybrid here? It exists, they just don't sell it in the States.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

My drive partner,and I agreed that camouflaging it like a speaker was a good idea. Chopping that section off would have made that area of the dashboard look awkward in our opinion.

I plan on getting the Limited version but FWD or AWD? Your comments are appreciated and your review well done!

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

If you live where it's often wet or snowy, you'll appreciate AWD. It adds cost but doesn't affect fuel economy too much. If you don't mind putting winter tires half the year or live in the sun belt, front drive will do you just fine.

@cindykeselowski899

7 ай бұрын

I live in Michigan but rarely have the need for AWD. FWD gets 3 more mpg and saves $1,500. Not sure how much difference between suspensions.

@DrivenCarReviews

7 ай бұрын

@@cindykeselowski899 There is a suspension difference. FWD models get a torsion beam axle in back, AWD versions get a multi-link rear suspension. Depending on how sensitive you are, you might be able to tell the difference. Many mainstream buyers wouldn't be able to.

What’s with wet shoulder at 5:02? Roof leaking? Sleep on side of road?

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

It was hot and humid. My wardrobe people failed me Wait... I don't have one...

I really hope they add AWD to the next Kona N. Literally the only thing stopping me from getting the previous gen.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

Yup, that would be great.

Based on looks alone, this would be my vehicle of choice in this segment. I would've gone for the Corolla Cross or Seltos, but the new refreshed Seltos looks a bit worse whereas this looks far better than before.

The designer is a genius. Hundai Will sell most headlights ever. Think what happens every time someone parks carelessly

Unfortunately, Kona N profomance is no longer here in Australia

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

That was kind of a fun car.

Tom, Every hatch, wagon, CUV and SUV should have a 12:05 fold flat from passenger seat just like the PT Cruiser, Matrix, Vibe and others had 20 years ago!!!! Why did most automakers drop that incredibly useful feature??? 🤔🤔 Kona has raised the bar for interior space efficiency in this class and absolutely shames the Corolla Cross. Now it desperately needs to catch up on mpg.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

No argument from me. It's why I mentioned it.

@rightlanehog3151

9 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews We didn't argue the last time you brought it up either. 😉😉

Damn, I hate it when they increase the size with each new model design.

No surprise that the engines are a carryover, given that Hyundai is not developing any more new internal combustion engines.

It’s actually not a carryover engine. Same displacement but reworked (smartstream) for emissions etc. There is a hybrid but unfortunately not in US just everywhere else 😢

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

Hyundai called both engines carryover at the event.

I wouldn't trust any Hyundai/Kia combustion drivetrain to begin with. Putting a turbocharger on it sounds like tossing a match into your gasoline tank -- just one enormous pile of NOPE. And those rear lights on the blistered fenders are WAY too PT Cruiser-esque for me. "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!" Same with that insane "wing" on top of the rear hatch -- sorry, I'm not 17. I expect you will be reviewing the EV version of this some day, and I would be interested in that -- as I would any kind of reasonable EV for $35,00 or under. In the end, though, that so-called alleged "styling" is OK in a few places, and just downright horrifying in most of the others. I'd still want something like this in EV form and with far less outrageous styling. Thanks for the fine work, as usual Tom.

My SEL FWD came with a real spare tire. Not a repair kit.

So nothing on an EV version? Seems like in the Vancouver BC area, the Kona Electric is the most popular version of the outgoing model. But I may have selective sensing...

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

I'll have something in the next week or two

I seek attention and feedback. I like Tom's reviews, too. As in the days of Noah, they will be reviewing cars and buying cars, and . . .

Unless I missed it, will there be an EV version?

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

I mentioned it at the end. I have a quick video about it I'm working on at the moment. Drops in a day or two.

Nice looking vehicle but not enough horsepower

I’m so glad they got rid of the terrible 7 speed DCT

just bought my wife one. Grey limted

No mention of the EV version??

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

I'll have a brief video up in a week or two Also a separate design video. A few different things for me.

@jasanmiguel

9 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews 👍👍

No hybrid in N.America .... but Europeans have it ! Why ?

$34k for a KONA??? Hellooo Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid 😅

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

The Toyota is smaller and has a cheaper looking cabin. Plus the Hyundai tech is arguable better. But the CC Hybrid has better fuel efficiency for sure.

@BBK83

9 ай бұрын

My friend got the cross 2 weeks. I got the 24 Kona yesterday. BELIEVE IT when I say - the cross is soooo small inside !

Nothing of the current offerings from any car manufacrurer excites me. Forced lines and creases outside just to make it different, too much plastic cladding and tablets instead of real instruments. Meh.

Don't like the screen gauges. Screens fail

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

You’re going to hate this, but that’s the future. Real gauges are going away.

No PHEV = fail

I was hoping Tom would explain the giant stain on his shirt....

How do Hyundai and Kia recover from their catastrophic decision to break with industry standards and save money by not using chipped keys, leading to thousands of percent increases in car theft for the affected models, and an enormous increase in stolen vehicles being used in crimes? I liken it to a negligent gun owner leaving a loaded weapon lying around their house (or in this case, on the street). A Seattle PD officer recently had his personal Hyundai SUV stolen in Edmonds with department issued ballistic vest, firearm, and radio inside; he fired his weapon at the fleeing vehicle, something that could have killed a bystander. Not to mention deaths and injuries to stupid teenagers (we've all been there) trivially stealing vehicles for joy rides, or damages to owners of even non-affected Kias and Hyundais when would be thieves smash the window and break off trim. Kia and Hyundai's only response, from what I can see, has been to provide cumbersome ca. 1992 "club" steering wheel locks, like anyone is going to want to bother with that in 2023.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

Well, if you were paying attention you'd know that they did that a few years ago. True, it should have had better keys from the start. But neither Hyundai or Kia is having any trouble selling all the cars it can.

@readyplayer2

9 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews I've been paying attention :) Yes, this doesn't affect new models, it affects older models but recently has become a MAJOR issue as knowledge of how easy it is to steal these vehicles has spread far and wide. This is why Honda, Toyota, etc. all implemented chips in keys across their fleets in the early 2000s. Car theft rates are through the roof over the last year or two and it's almost entirely from these two brands. At this point, pretty much every bored teenager and crook has learned from Tiktok that all one has to do with a key ignition older Kia or Hyundai is to break a window, enter the car, pry the trim off the around the cylinder, then use a USB cable end to turn the ignition and start the car. Passing this off as something from a few years ago is failing to acknowledge that this is a huge problem today, to the point where many insurance companies will not issue policies on certain years of these makes. It's offensive that Kia and Hyundai are refusing to address the issue in a meaningful way. All of these vehicles should be recalled, and handing out a few clubs to police departments is not an adequate solution.

EV review, please.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

That will be awhile. The production vehicle won't be out for 3-4 month. Any "review" you're seeing is a pre-production prototype. My drive partner drove it while I finished my video and he felt it wasn't quite finished.

@barryw9473

9 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews Thanks for update. Looking forward to your assessment.

Love the lies companies just blatantly tell. “It’s all included” “we give everything” If you do the bare minimum of due diligence the OTA map update clearly shows “3 years”. Sound bites are fine but being Hyundai’s propaganda mouthpiece is a bit much. Also go back to 14:40 to hear this gem: “All inclusion with no expiration” LOL, LMAO even.

Why can’t Americans pronounce Hyundai correctly. It’s Hyoon-die not Hun-day.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

Stop. In the US, it's "Hyundai rhymes with Sunday" and this is from every Hyundai PR person I've worked with.

@SeKeYo

9 ай бұрын

… its hyun-day The word is korean, driver is right.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

@@SeKeYoHa, ha! I understand how it's pronounced in Korea (hyun-dye). But we don't pronounce it "mat-su-da" or "jag-u-ar" or hone-da in the US. I need go by the US PR teams's preference and how it's pronounced on TV ads. Also, according to the US PR team, it's pour-shaw. Tomato, tomahto.

@TJDST4

9 ай бұрын

​@DrivenCarReviews I agree. Regardless of whatever language a company, or person's name is from, it doesn't matter. That only thing that matters is how the company or person says it should be pronounced.

Man it’s looks like a EV, I wonder if that’s going to be a thing where ICE cars try to look like EVs

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

It was designed first as an EV, so that's part of the reason why.

@ducknorris233

9 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews well, don’t I look silly

@TJDST4

9 ай бұрын

There have been a bunch of ICE cars that have tried to look like BEVs through the years. The Olds Aurora is the first one that springs to mind.

@DrivenCarReviews

9 ай бұрын

@@ducknorris233 Not silly at all. The first thing I learned in the news business is to ask "obvious questions" because sometimes you get an unexpected answer.

@ducknorris233

9 ай бұрын

@@DrivenCarReviews you are a class act Tom

Sorry to say this, but this is not a good-looking car.

The lightbar seems to be the new hyundai design language its been on the asia market only cars Staria and the upcoming Granduer

It's basically a less Tall version of the Old Hyundai Tucson !

Please don't stand in a ditch when you stand next to the car...we need an idea of how tall the vehicle so how its on the road, and we use your height to determine that !

Just get a RAV 4 .......bigger and better build !......better engineering, basically a better CAR Overall

@DeadofWinter321

9 ай бұрын

A RAV4? 😂😂😂 They have cramped interiors. A gutless, chintzy sounding powertrain. Less tech/features. A cheap, outdated interior that falls apart literally on just 2-3 years (not making that up as I've owned 3 Toyotas as of recent..never will again). The RAV4 has a worse ride. The majority of Kona owners have had excellent luck out of them and love them, should I keep going on?

no hybrid? no thanks.

I appreciate the format you follow...best reviews in my opinion!