I took the new Hyundai Kona on a family road trip: It's a practical car with pizzazz that I'd be comfortable letting my teenager drive.

Alistair BarrApr 29, 2024, 20:10 IST

The Hyundai Kona Limited AWD.Alistair Barr/Business Insider

A friend sought advice on a safe but not too-large car for his teenage sons.
I've also been thinking about what car would be suitable for my college-bound daughter.

A close friend of mine recently called me for advice. He wanted to know what vehicle he should get for his teenage sons to drive.

The main criteria: It's got to be safe for these young drivers. But it also can't be too heavy and big, so if an accident happens, god forbid, they don't do too much damage to those around them.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately, too. My youngest daughter is about to leave for college. She occasionally drives our ancient Toyota. What would I want her driving as an adult heading out into the world?

On a recent trip from Silicon Valley to visit UC Santa Barbara with my wife and daughter, I got to try out a vehicle that fits the bill: The 2024 Hyundai Kona.

Here are the highlights of the trip and a rundown of what we loved, liked, and disliked about this vehicle.

We had a lot to pack for the trip. Would everything fit?

Luggage in the back of a 2024 Hyundai KonaAlistair Barr/Business Insider

Legroom in the back was good, even when I pushed the driver seat back.

The back seating area of the Hyundai KonaAlistair Barr/Business Insider

The interior of the Hyundai Kona was bright and spacious

The interior of the 2024 Hyundai Kona LimitedAlistair Barr/Business Insider

The 2024 Kona stands out on the street. A slight spaceship vibe that I grew to like.

The front of the 2024 Hyundai Kona LimitedAlistair Barr/Business Insider

The high-end Kona Limited model has a wide, crisp display for navigation and extra visibility around the vehicle

The main display in the 2024 Hyundai Kona LimitedAlistair Barr/Business Insider

We were most impressed by all the safety features

The front corner of the Hyundai Kona Limited AWDAlistair Barr/Business Insider

Some of the top safety features aren't available on the base model Kona

The Hyundai Kona Limited AWD parked near a vineyard in California.Alistair Barr/Business Insider

The Kona has a cool selector that you twist to put the automatic transmission into drive, reverse, and park.

The gear selector in the 2024 Hyundai Kona LimitedAlistair Barr/Business Insider

My daughter liked the Kona's styling, but said she wouldn't call it out to her friends. That's still a win.

Waiting to jump into the 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWDAlistair Barr/Business Insider

The Kona weighs 3000-3500 pounds, depending on the version. That's notably lighter than the average US vehicle.

The back of the 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWDAlistair Barr/Business Insider

Safety ratings for the Hyundai Kona are solid

The Hyundai Kona Limited AWD parked next to an old Toyota PriusAlistair Barr/Business Insider

On the road, the Kona handles well, with the occasional floaty feel in turns

The Hyundai Kona Limited AWD parked in King City, California.Alistair Barr/Business Insider

The Bose speaker system sounded deep and crisp, and our phones hooked up to the bluetooth easily.

A Bose speaker in the door of the Hyundai Kona Limited AWDAlistair Barr/Business Insider

On our long drive, these 2 safety features really helped

The steering wheel of the Hyundai Kona Limited AWDAlistair Barr/Business Insider

Our dog enjoyed the ride

Our dog Maisie sits in the Hyundai Kona Limited AWD during the drive south to US Santa Barbara in California.Alistair Barr/Business Insider

The base model Kona still has many safety features

The rear corner of the Hyundai Kona Limited AWDAlistair Barr/Business Insider

The engine on the Hyundai Kona Limited was peppy

Me on the highway with the Hyundai Kona Limited AWD in California.Alistair Barr/Business Insider

Summing up my thoughts on the Hyundai Kona

Me with the Hyundai Kona Limited parked in a suburban small in California.Alistair Barr/Business Insider

I'd be comfortable having my teenage daughter driving the Kona.

A view of the rear section of the Hyundai Kona Limited AWDAlistair Barr/Business Insider

It would also work well as a practical family vehicle that has a little pizzazz.

A view of the back of the Hyundai Kona Limited AWDAlistair Barr/Business Insider

A cheaper version of the Hyundai Kona may be a better deal

The Hyundai Kona Limited AWD parked in a mall in Santa Barbara, California.Alistair Barr/Business Insider

Overall, I was impressed — and my family agreed after spending many hours on the road in California with the Kona.

The Hyundai Kona Limited AWD parked on the campus of UC Santa Barbara in California.Alistair Barr/Business Insider

How a Ford dealership saved me from a charging disaster my first time driving a Tesla Cybertruck

Cookies on the Business Insider India website