If you’re looking for a new vehicle that has easy-to-use in-vehicle technology and is also a top safety pick, check out the Hyundai Kona. The vehicle was recently ranked number one in overall satisfaction for new-vehicle technology by the J.D. Power 2018 U.S. Tech Experience Index. It was also named a Top Safety Pick+ by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The J.D. Power study examined how vehicle owners used and interacted with in-vehicle technology. The crossover SUV dominated in the small segment in areas including entertainment and connectivity, driving assistance, collision protection, and smartphone mirroring, reports wheels.ca.
A standard Kona features a seven-inch LCD touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and LED Daytime Running Lights. Also standard are the following advanced safety options—a rearview camera with Dynamic Guidance, Vehicle Stability Management system, and Hill Start Assist Control.
The infotainment system has optional SiriusXM Radio, HD Radio and next-generation Blue Link LTE-powered connectivity.
IIHS gave the 2018 Kona a Top Safety Pick+ Award after it scored a good rating for occupant protection (when equipped with good-rated headlights) and five other tests. It was rated superior for its optional front crash prevention system after avoiding collisions in the institute’s 12- and 15-mph crash tests.
Vehicles qualify for a Top Safety Pick+ Plus award only if they earn good ratings in the driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraint tests and an acceptable or good rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. They must also feature a front crash prevention system with an advanced or superior rating and have good-rated headlights.
IIHS rated the base halogen headlights of Konas built prior to June 2018 as poor due to inadequate visibility. Hyundai made changes in May 2018 by using LED projector headlights, which limit glare for oncoming drivers.
The Kona, which debuted in 2017, has also been named one of the coolest cars under $20,000 by KBB.com, and it earned a Red Dot Award for its product design. It has an optional turbo engine, and its signature colour is Lime Twist.
