The Hyundai Kona Has A Very Impressive AWD System With One Big Issue....
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- čas přidán 13. 05. 2019
- ( www.TFLcar.com ) The Hyundai Kona Has A Very Impressive AWD System With One Big Flaw...
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This AWD system is meant for rain and snow since it's a Dual clutch tans. Not for off-roading.
Couldn't agree more its really unfair to test a car that wasn't designed for off-road off the road. They are making the Kona look bad when that's not what it wasn't designed to do in the fist place.
I agree 182% i have 2020 luxury edition I can guarantee that car is so nice fun to drive too
Yes try the 2.0 now
How is it in the snow?
@@maxthrust976 It will do great in the snow if you're looking for extra traction or to get out of slippery situations that a normal 2wd car couldn't do. It won't be well suited for situations where you're constantly loading up on the dry clutches in the transmission, such as steep slippery inclines.
I dont understand why you guys dont make this your first test for ALL the cars and trucks you test drive🤔
Bc it's funny
@@joshgladstone7119 Because they'd lose viewers immediately.
I'd be willing to bet that both Hyundai and the buying demographic for this vehicle, only ever intended the AWD to be used in mud and snow in suburban and city situations, not severe off roading situations.
But this is also applicable to snowy/icy situations where you can have spotty areas of traction so it's not irrelevant
Nothing wrong with finding a vehicle’s traction limitations.
100% correct. I love my Kona Turbo and wouldn't ever take it on this type of terrain. It does great in the snow and that's what I'm concerned with. Great car!!
I don't ever plan to take mine off road.
Great vid. Most people don't know awd systems can be very different in capabilities.
Agree, this was well planned and executed. The car community needs more demonstration videos like this (Engineering Explained tries, but he does more on his white board than real world testing).
Agree to, different capabilities, different purposes (traction oriented, performance oriented), different designs.
I have yet to see or read a negative review of this car. Sounds like Hyundai really made a class leader here
only thing i dont like about mine (2.0 awd) is its a little cramped in the back seat.
Buy a Renegade - bigger than the Kona, more space than Kona and much better 4x4 with a 4 wheek lock transmission. Renegade in TrailHawk guise can tackle almost anything that the LR can do. Also the only compact real SUV with 2000kg towing capacity. All the others are AWD sissies.
That's right buy a Jeep Renegade if you want the reliability of a Fiat because it is a Fiat built in Italy.
@@justinuzzanti361 if they made it 6" wider and another foot longer it'd be near perfect. But trying to get 2 carsseats in the back of my Kona is a major bummer. Otherwise the cars been awesome!
Only thing I don't like about the Kona is the non-color coded wheel flares.
Hyundai does not make off road vehicles so it makes no sense to take this off road. This is a good vehicle in winter climates on paved roads. Also, do not buy press vehicles. 😂
Your are right !! It's a softroader !! For snow and Rocky roads ,not off roading !
TL, DW: The AWD system is awesome, but the dual clutch transmission make offroading almost impossible
Yes they put the DCT to make it faster on pavement. I have a 2019 ultimate awd and I would not take it off road. The ground clearance is not that good on the front bumper along with those big alloys being somewhat low profile. The awd is best for snowy days and hammering it off stop lights. Super fun awd daily for 26k.
Is this still a problem on the 2020 model?
2:45 It ain’t “roasting” those clutch plates.. Hyundai engineers knew what people would attempt to do with these cars so they (along with many manufacturers) have tuned the nannies to intervene long before it reaches the point of something breaking or getting damaged. It could probably allow more throttle and RPM but if that were the case you’d have people sitting there with their foot to the floor spinning.
Thanks Tommy. Always appreciate your reviews and tests!
The auto with the NA engine would be better for off road, the 1.6 dct is a better vehicle for driving quick on the road and not worrying about weather.
I have a 19 Kona SE AWD. 2.0 and 6 Speed Auto. There is a Gauge for the AWD Power distribution inside the DIC. When I take off(Street) Power starts at 50/50. As the Speed increases, More power is transferred to the Front. Although I live in NJ, Last winter I was not able to test the Snow traction. But the Rain is Excellent.
That's a good reliable combo, the 2.0 liter with auto. This is not meant for off road. It's an elantra platform...
It's a good vehicle for what it was built for. Rain, snow.
Meant for people who are going to lease it for 3 years and then get a new one. No way I would buy a car with a dual clutch and expect to commute in stop and go traffic everyday for years and it be trouble free. All this test shows is that dual clutch transmissions should be avoided.
3 years???? What, Hyundai cover the drive train for 10 years or 100k miles. 🤦♂️
I bought a 2020 Kona SEL Plus AWD about three months ago and have driven it in heavy rain, gravel roads and mud and while most cars could go through it the Kona goes right through and fells very connected. Can’t wait to drive it in the snow and ice this winter!
Nice review and I learned something about AWDs.
I am a Subaru owner, but a coworker said people in the market for a Crosstrek are getting the Kona which made me curious. I think the Crosstrek is slightly more capable in mild off roading. For all weather street driving the Kona is plenty capable and I wish I would have test drove one before buying my Subaru.
Edit for spelling.
Great video and appreciate the real world results. Great looking vehicle and currently shopping for a replacement for my aging SUV. I am not sure if you have already tested it but would love to see the 2.0 N/A AWD trim off road, especially in snowy conditions.
Great presentation on Hyundai KONA awd slip test very helpful thank you.
Alan
I'm incredibly amazed. Hyundais got likely the best AWD system, but nothing can beat a Jeep or Subaru. I've driven my Tucson through a pretty deep patch of snow this past winter that was about 6 inches and my car just handled it fine!
Or if you really want to up your game, a Toyota :)
@@minrathejunglist nobody wants a Chinese lifeless pile of junk 😂
Had my local dealer had one of these in a 2.0L I would have purchased it. But, they didn't even have any AWD Konas and that is why I went with my 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and I really Love the Crosstrek Sport 2.5L. Traded in my 2017 Tucson for it. Glad I Did!!
The 7 speed dual clutch is the whole reason I’m looking into the 2.0 with the 6speed auto and awd for the wife.
Guys I can confirm this. I have a kona 1.6t awd. And one day it was snowing really bad and I took a turn and there was ice and slippery snow and the awd kicked in and I was able to correct my oversteer. And this van behind me with fwd spun out.
What driving mode were you in? I'm a brand new owner (2023 Limited AWD) and wondering which to use, Smart or Normal. I know that Sport if for faster take-offs. And do all of the driving modes put car into AWD when car senses it's needed?
@@4cats2008 I was just in normal mode. I would just stick with normal too. And all modes the car is still in awd. Unless you use the awd lock button, then the car will be split 50/50 power until you hit a certain mph. But the cars system is very smart. I would recommend you use awd lock if you are in very slippery environments.
Just leased one. Will NEVER go off road. I love it!
Great Review. I do take my Kona into the Australian Outback and it handles pretty much anything super well. I am so impressed with the little Kona. It's an amazing package for the coin. We shared your Video "Hyundai Kona Owners" on Facebook also. I noticed on your first Vid doing an off-road test, you stopped the Kona dead before asking it to go over a 5" wedge shaped rock that would act like a wheel chock. Any AWD would struggle to do that. ;-)
Just bought Kona SEL because I needed something with awd to haul dogs, bikes and kayaks. I have been happy with it so far. I am looking at long term ownership so the non-turbo 2.0 and normal 6 speed auto made it an easy choice over most in it's class. I will miss my jeep, but I am moving back into town and it almost doubles my gas mpg.
This is the test I want to see please use this as a regular test this helps me decide what to buy : )
Best looking subcompact SUV.
I love my Kona Turbo. I would never drive on this type of terrain. If this is your type of terrain you would want a different vehicle.
Doug Sydnes - or chose the 2.0 litre 6 speed automatic. It will do what all Hyundai’s can do! Just go. (The dual clutch is only realistic in road vehicles that don’t tow.)
Great vid. This should be standard for all of the AWD vehicles you guys review.
Can you also debunk the old myth "use the brake pedal to mimic lockers action" by testing both AWD (range rover?) and 4WD (wrangler? ) on rollers ?
haha, its not possible unless you had a setting to select proportionetly which tire was braked. I do understand that brakes plus acceleration can modify the traction situation though. Just not as effectively as actual individual wheel braking.
@@kartboarder22g17 Well, light brake pedal "~locks" front, light console e-brake "~locks" rear.
DCT is for a track or highway car only.
@@ERICtheLATE yea but lock a rear right you can't do. Fully agree with DCT not for offroad worst tranny for offroad.
Excellent tests. Very well done report.
Great video Tommy, I love these... I'd like to see it on the ramp on diagonal hill start as you used to.
Ps. While your tesla is dented can we see it on the ramp on the above test 👍😊please.
You should always get the right tool for the job. This car isn't designed for off road recreation. The issue isn't the Kona, this issue is you.
Exactly. It's an elantra platform.
I'm going to get a Kona 1.6 Turbo AWD for my winter car and keep my GTI for Summer!
Great result in roller test, so far the best of all Hyundai cars.
Man I love the muscular shape of the Kona.
Please do the same that with a 2nd generation 2012 Ford Escape Limited.
Kuna was launched on a Hawaiian Mountain .... on a paved road. That’s all you really need to know.
Yep, Roman took it up to an elevation of 14,000 feet and there was snow.
There is a trim level for the Kona with AWD and the 2.0L 4cyl 6A transmission that should eliminate the Dual Clutch transmission concern (albeit with less HP and Torque than the Turbo version tested). Would be good to see a retest with that setup...
Omg this is perfect for me, I visit my parents often and they're living off-grid on a mildly rough dirt road. To think I was thinking of choosing a new Altima previously.
these vehicles are not designed for offroad , just because they are AWD actually means nothing SUV does not mean a proper 4WD vehicle
The worst "off road" conditions the Kona will ever see are probably a snowy road, and maybe an occasional and fairly maintained dirt road
I'm considering a 2022 Kona AWD, N Line or Limited. Both have the dual clutch transmission. You mentioned snow. Well, snow can easily match what the Kona was dealing with on that hill. Which means, if you happen to be travelling in a snowstorm, will the transmission heat up as well.? Then what, move over to the side of the road and wait until the DCT cools off. What if there is NO side of the road? Now What?
The overheating clutch was the same reason Fiat 500L got burned right from the start. Although, that was a regular gearbox with automated clutch. People did not know how to drive those cars and prolonged crawling in drive throughs or on a highway in rush hour caused the clutch to overheat. The only way the car could crawl was to slip the clutch which quickly resulted in heat buildup. The gearbox problem quickly become publicised and otherwise good car soon became stigmatized.
People hate on CVTs all day but dual clutch trannies are very problematic and expensive when they fail as well. Nowadays, best bet is just a regular old torque converter auto. It's one of the reasons why I went with a new Elantra over other options.
I'll still take a dct over a cvt
@@tonychau1983 living in the city, of personally take a CVT over DCT. Constant up and doenshifts grow annoying asbdoes the jerky sensations of clutch action with a DCT. I might prefer DCT out on open roads.
@@palebeachbum I live in a congested city . I rather ride public transportation before I get another cvt car
@@tonychau1983 why? Did it give you trouble? Or you just didnt like how a CVT drives?
@@palebeachbum the way it drives. And when you need the power it'll bog downs. And it jerks when slowly coming to a stop. Only pro was it saved a little gas. I do agree with you I rather have a torque converter auto.
Why do you keep ignoring the 2.0/6AT version of the Kona? The 1.6/7DC is for buyers who want a sportier road car, not for the more utilitarian market. While the Kona isn’t an off reader (ground clearance makes that clear), I suspect the 6AT version would do better on Gold Mine Hill.
I bet your right. They should go over these facts at the start of their video. Like hey we are testing this vehicle today, but keep in mind that there are 3 or 4 or whatever different drivetrains available for this one and result would vary.
you guys should try it with the lower trim levels with the 6 speed auto.
who needs the turb0- more to fail- the 2.0 liter is easy to maintain and the regular trans is fine
Any luck trying out the 2 L with the 6 speed auto. ?
There is a trim level for the Kona with AWD and the 2.0L 4cyl 6A transmission that should eliminate the Dual Clutch transmission concern (albeit with less HP and Torque than the Turbo version tested). Would be good to see a retest with that setup...
The first Nissan X-Trail supposedly partly engaged 4wd from stop regardles of 2WD or 4WD was selected. Then disengaged rear wheels with some speed. It may be the same for this as it did so well with fronts on the rollers.
The dual clutch putting power to the wheels in off road simulated conditions is similar to the Subaru Outback with its CVT. With traction on, the wheels barely slip at all, especially on Subaru’s CVT. At least the Kona spun its wheels and squealed off the rollers.
Thank you. That was the type of review I have been looking for on Hyundai's AWD.
You didn't try a different set of tires. Nice test though. Thanks for sharing. 👍
I would go VW Golf Alltrack SEL for the type of driving you attempted with the Kona. The Hyundai Kona is built to handle rain and snow better than a typical FWD only small car...and handle light dirt road driving...that's about it. ;-)
With an AWD economy car based vehicle you should never need to power brake it. This was not built for off road smh
This video was super interesting. You hear AWD and think it can off road. Cool stuff!
Pretty sure 90% of the Hyundai/Kia owners out there aren't going to be taking their SUVs off road. 🤷♂
I took my Tucson and IT did great.
Of course not, this is about capabilities. When the competition is able to then it’s simply another reason not to choose Hyundai. Why Hyundai has dual clutch is mind boggling, even BMW is getting out of the dual clutch hype.
Its all about giving the OPTION to customers to go off road/inclimate weather driving.
You don't want to be short changed when duty calls for it
I own one and yea not taking it off road. If you are an off road kind of person you would buy a different car.
Never had off road problems with my 1.6T . You just got to understand how a duel clutch transmission works
I love the subtly sad music you play in bg when cars get stuck on the hill 😆
Can you do manual or paddle shifting on the hill climb? Besides shifting at 4,500 rpms for safety, it should hold first or second solid for steady pressure. They do not make it very simple to recalibrate the clutches after wear on these new dct's. Once it senses excess slip, it goes into limp, cutting throttle and holding 3rd or 4th.
I have 2022 Kona AWD & DCT N-Line Trim. It has 3 AWD drive mode settings: Normal, Sport & Smart. When driving in the Smart Mode, I wonder if Kona detects the road conditions (e.g. snow, rain, icy, mud, sand, normal, etc.) and automatically sets the AWD properly. Thank you for comments.
I. wonder the same as a one-day owner of a 2023 Limited awd...
If the transmission overheats in 2 seconds, what's that impressive awesome superb extraordinary AWD junk/ system good for?! :)) These are not made for offroad driving! Just be happy that their AWD makes it a little bit safer driving from your kids school to the shopping center and then, home! :))
somebody is getting overpaid to say its a great awd lol
Exactly! A DCT transmission is great on road and thats it! The AWD it is ok but for ice or snow! Here they got to make videos at any price! Body clearance 6,2 inches and they brought this CUV on Goldmine Hill! Hahaha!
@@alexmobil7463 If you are going to test a vehicle, you actually go somewhere that will test it. don't just go to a place where any minivan will pass with some luck and good driving.
Because you can get the awd system on all versions of the kona and only the top trim has that dual clutch lower trims you a conventional automatic that shouldn’t have that overheating issue
Its design for winter driving, not offroad.
2:05 you have the passenger front wheel pinned on a rock with no traction on driver's front or passenger rear. There's no way you were getting over that without turning traction off and gunning it.
@TFL When are you going to test the 2019 Rav4 with the Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (TV-AWD) with Multi-terrain Select and Rear Driveline Disconnect?
I bought a brand new SEL Tech package Kona 2019 it did not have the Dual clutch in it which I'm glad the blind spot system in it went out at 200 miles Hyundai worked and worked on it there was no fix for it Hyundai bought back my 2019 Kona which I have problems with blind-spot so I bought a brand new 2019 Tucson night Edition
It will do the repetitive "rev then grab" thing if you don't floor it. If you floor it, it won't disengage the clutch or rev really high. It just goes. It works much better.
You need to do TWO "three roller ramp test" : first test with a rear wheel on the ground and do a second test with a front wheel on the ground. That way you will most probably show the apportioning of torque front-to-back axles.
How would the 2.0 non turbo with the traditional automatic transmission do?
Better for crawling speed
Might also last longer
How about a 6 speed manual with AWD.....cant beat that if it has a good clutch
First gear could be really low too....👍😉
I had alot of trouble crossing the baja with my Kona.
LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!
I drive a Santa fe sport awd, and I'd never take it off roading. I'm sure no Kona drivers will ever do this 😂
i got an acura rdx turbo shawd and I make offroad with it
Only because I don't have rollers.
They took one off road it did pretty good. I think Dave Erickson did also
I take out through the pastures to check fences and horses. It's done fine but in most cases, the Ram goes out there especially when it's wet.
Use this test on the 4runner plz. Great vid.
A couple of years ago, Roman took a Mercedes GLA250 to the top of Gold Mine Hill which also has a DCT. I wonder what are the key differences that allowed the GLA to get to the top without getting stuck?
I believe it has a torque converter. No overheated transmission there...
You need to put the tape on the tires once you are up on the rollers. You also need to choose a different colour of tape, yellow would be fine on black tires. Great test thanks!
Yeah, blue, really? Didn't have any black tape handy?
That seems plenty good enough to go up my dirt road when its covered in snow!
Im guessing it did so well because it starts off powering all 4 wheels all the time. Not front wheels only. My 2016 explorer is like that.
All time favorite? OMG ALREADY!
I have the 2018 SE AWD, bought straight off the showroom with 7 miles, and I have nearly 100,000 on it now. I did not have the intent of purchasing an off-road vehicle. If that was the goal, I would have gone with a small Jeep or a used Subaru. I wanted something that could handle a casual beach trip, but also classy enough to take to the theatre. My first experience off-road was on the beach in Southeast Texas where the tide is unpredictable, disrupting the sand on a regular basis. Where it looks stable, it occasionally isn't. I accidentally put the Kona through a compromising scenario and it handled surprisingly well and got itself out of a jam. After many trips after that, it handled better than your usual '98 z71 in the sand, most likely due to its lesser weight. It glided over the deep sand without a problem. My next "jewel in the crown," per say, was my trip to Northwest Arkansas. In order to reach many of the hiking trails, we were forced to take on some steep inclines on unpaved paths. Steepest was nearly 40 degrees. One of the paths was totally unpaved, and much rather an ATV trail for hunters on the mountain. Some of those inclines matched the others. I passed outfitted Jeeps, trucks, and side-by-side's while driving cautiously. They thought I was crazy; some of them complimented the ride's capabilities. That particular day, we were on the trail for nearly 3 hours round trip. I get my oil changed every 7-8k miles and the sealed transmission has handled everything without overheating or showing any signs of compromise. I have never seen the warning light that is featured in this video, although I'm sure it is very possible with the 1.6L. Everything I have done so far has been atop the factory rims, and at the time, on the factory tires. I have since replaced all four tires, getting nearly 55k miles out of the factory.
Long story short, if you want a capable vehicle, this is your ride. If you want an off-roading machine, get something made for it. I am inspired, though, to purchase some rims made to take a little heat and some all terrain tires for those Arkansas situations.
Nice test! Any chance you guys can do the same test with Ford Escape?
please do this on BMW's FWD based xDrive like on the X1, and also on BMW's RWD based xDrive like on M240i, 3 series, X3, and X5 please and thank you
Impressive system but smelling the clutches so quickly is scary.
Can't wait for you to do this with a Kia Telluride!
Does the car need to be stopped before pushing the awd lock button? I have a 2022 Kona SEL with AWD. I live on a short steep private road that turns into a muddy mess (think mud bog) when it rains. Wondering if I should leave it in automatic mode or use the lock button?
Nice looking small SUV. What trim level is it and what is the MSRP?
Based on my usage of a 2020 Santa Fe, the car will actually send power to both front and back on initial acceleration.
This was awesome.
Do one with a Jeep Wrangler or Gladiator, Rubicon models with diff lockers engaged.
Great real world test on Goldmine Mt.
Are all these dual clutch auto? The non turbo one and the normal 2 litre? Nice to know the AWD on these is good
Could you test the model with the normal Auto?
There is a trim level for the Kona with AWD and the 2.0L 4cyl 6A transmission that should eliminate the Dual Clutch transmission concern (albeit with less HP and Torque than the Turbo version tested). Would be good to see a retest with that setup...
My 2021 Hyundai Kona was at Reliable Hyundai in Springfield Missouri for over 1 1/2 years. It only had 6500 miles on it and under full warranty. The dealership experience was horrible. The excuse, week after week, month after month, was that the couldn’t get approval from Hyundai Customer Care. Only after getting an attorney involved, did they finally take the car back. During that time, they didn’t give me a loaner vehicle. I spent over $16,000 for 1 1/2 years of rental car expenses. I was expecting full reimbursement, but they only reimbursed $4000. What a scam! I finally went down the street and bought a Toyota Camry. I learned a lesson. I hope you avoid what I experienced.
So do you recommend AWD or FWD? I live in Michigan but really my FWD vehicle has served me well. The AWD costs $1,000 more and decreases mpg by 2.
Can you do the roller test with the 2019 rav4 hybrid? would love to see how it does.
I think they have done that and it was not that good. Hybrid uses use a separate link with front and rear wheels. I remember them doing this test...am sure of it. The normal RAV4 with AWD is better in my opinion based on the test Tommy did with it.
@@mikefoehr235 There are 3 AWD systems for the RAV4 in the 2019 model. The high end one is available only in sport and Limited trim. Yet I've seen it evaluated on CarQuestion and it wasn't as good as I was expecting. Probably because they have a rear drivetrain disconnect, which hurts it off road.
@@kartboarder22g17 I see..thx
Can you fit a transmission cooler on a DCT and would it help or not .
Same Issue with Ford Escape 2.0 Turbo 4W?, greetings from Colombia.
Took a Kona on a test drive and when I got back the smell of burnt clutch was in the air. I was not beating on the car at all. Off the shopping list it came because if it was going to do that on a test drive imagine what it would do during ownership. Reminds me of the 1993 RX7 I test drove years ago. It was a spirited test drive and when I returned to the dealer it was belching coolant.
I also noticed a burning smell after test driving a Kona. I was pushing it hard though.
"I hate using momentum off-road" said no real offroader ever.
Thks.
Looks like you can make a video for a lot of previously reviewed cars because some people really care about this feature.
Those wheel mats would be good for a launch lol
The Ridgeline's trans got too hot on one of your comparo tests. Can you dig deeper into that?
It done pretty good I still think you should do only 1 front wheel with traction
Bought the kona sel. Loves the way it drives our third hyunday
Is the off-road problem fixed on the 2020 model?
Can you do the same test with the automatic SEL!?!
Dual clutch transmissions are so stupid! Modern automatics like the 9 speed from Mercedes or the 8 speed ZF are almost just as quick and they shift smoother and give far better driveability especially when starting on hills and towing. They're also more reliable. CVT and dual clutch should not exist.
Dual clutch makes sense on high end performance cars
SnowCat dual clutch also is more fun, specially in manual mode
You're comparing performance single clutch to a basic dual clutch from a Hyundai. Compare it with a performance dual clutch and it's much better.
@@snowcat3116 But even those can just use a good, well sorted auto. Like Mercedes does. Their AMG cars use a multi clutch transmission but it is a normal auto with a wet start up clutch so you get quicker shift times but at the same time you get the smooth and torque converter feel of a normal auto in normal driving conditions.
@@TitanSKiZlz Not when you're trying to drive in traffic. Or move away on a steep incline. I don't like them.
There seems to be a lot of bagging on the DCT but is that of huge concern when it is backed up by a 100k warranty? Just curious. I am no mechanic - and I am thinking of getting one of these for snow travel in the winters. This seems well suited to that end.
If you burn out the trans the warranty won't cover you. Hyundai will view it as abuse.
The problem you're having with the 1.6T I would like to see you take the 2.0 up that hill course and see if you have the same problems.
Kona reminds me of a simple 90s design...good job Audi designer
So if you had the European kona whit the 6 speed manual it would have made it look to easy but that is amazing for a car like that