The 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited DCT FWD arrives as a major player in the increasingly crowded compact SUV segment. Fully redesigned for its second generation, it showcases modern styling, upgraded powertrains, and a tech-forward cabin.
The Limited trim represents the pinnacle of Kona’s gas-powered range, offering luxury-oriented features such as ventilated seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with navigation, and an eight-speaker Bose sound system.
With a starting price of $31,800, it strikes a balance between affordability and sophistication. This overview also compares the Kona Limited with similar trims from competing automakers offering ventilated front seats and premium amenities.
1. Kona Limited: Tech, Comfort, and Value
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited stands out for its upscale interior and impressive list of features. Buyers enjoy ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 12.3-inch display with navigation—all standard.
The Bose premium sound system adds to the luxury experience, while thoughtful conveniences like wireless device charging and dual-zone climate control enhance daily usability.
Hyundai’s smart design ensures that the Kona doesn’t feel cramped, despite its compact footprint. At $31,800, it’s competitively priced, offering a rich feature set often reserved for higher-end vehicles in the compact SUV segment, making it a strong value proposition.
2. Kia Forte GT and GT-Line: Sporty but Conditional
The Kia Forte GT-Line and GT trims aim to inject sportiness into the compact sedan market, and both offer ventilated seats—but only as part of optional packages. For example, you’ll need the GT-Line with Sport Premium Package or the GT with GT2 Package to access this comfort feature.
These combinations push the price above $24,000, still undercutting the Kona. However, the Forte lacks the elevated driving position and spaciousness of an SUV.
While it provides an affordable way to enjoy seat ventilation, it doesn’t match the Kona’s SUV appeal and tech-rich environment, especially in family or utility-oriented situations.
3. Honda Passport Black Edition: A Premium Leap
In contrast to the Kona’s affordable luxury, the Honda Passport Black Edition represents a leap into the midsize SUV market. Priced at $47,970, it’s nearly $16,000 more expensive but includes ventilated front seats as standard, along with heated rear seats and premium touches like red stitching.
The 3.5L V6 engine and standard AWD make it more powerful and off-road capable. However, it’s overkill for urban drivers seeking efficiency and value. Compared to the Kona Limited, the Passport offers more space and power but at a significantly higher cost, placing it in a different buyer category entirely.
4. Toyota Venza Limited AWD: Hybrid Elegance
The Toyota Venza Limited AWD is a stylish two-row hybrid SUV blending mainstream pricing with Lexus-like refinement. Standard features include ventilated SofTex seats, a hybrid 2.5L engine, and AWD—all at $43,215.
It also excels in fuel efficiency with a combined rating of 39 mpg. While more expensive than the Kona, it justifies the price with fuel savings and high-end comfort.
However, the Venza is set to be discontinued after 2024, replaced by the upcoming Toyota Crown Signia. The Kona Limited remains a more budget-conscious alternative, appealing to buyers who prioritize a lower purchase cost and smaller vehicle size.
5. Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited: Efficiency with Comfort
For those considering a sedan over an SUV, the Hyundai Elantra Hybrid Limited is a compelling alternative to the Kona Limited. With ventilated front seats, a premium interior, and hybrid fuel economy of 50 mpg, it blends comfort and frugality.
At $29,450, it’s slightly cheaper than the Kona but lacks the elevated seating position and versatility of an SUV. Nonetheless, both vehicles reflect Hyundai’s commitment to packing value and features into affordable packages.
The Elantra Hybrid targets efficiency-focused buyers, while the Kona Limited appeals more to those who need SUV practicality without compromising on technology and comfort.
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6. Subaru Forester Touring: Rugged and Refined
The Subaru Forester Touring caters to adventure-seekers who don’t want to compromise on comfort. The only trim with ventilated front seats, it also includes Subaru’s symmetrical AWD and upgraded safety tech.
With a starting price close to $37,000, it costs more than the Kona but offers better off-road capabilities and more cargo room. Subaru emphasizes comfort with redesigned, well-bolstered seats suitable for long drives.
The Kona Limited, by contrast, suits city drivers or small families who prioritize technology, styling, and cost over rugged terrain capabilities. Both serve different needs but share a focus on premium seating comfort.
7. Mazda CX-5: Multiple Trims with Ventilation
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 is unique in that several trims—ranging from the 2.5 S Premium Plus to the Turbo Signature—include ventilated front seats as standard. Prices range from $36,500 to $40,600. Known for its upscale interior and engaging driving dynamics, the CX-5 rivals luxury brands at a lower cost.
Though pricier than the Kona Limited, it offers AWD across all ventilated-seat models and superior driving refinement. The Kona wins on affordability and infotainment features, but the CX-5 is a strong contender for buyers who value performance, premium materials, and a slightly larger SUV platform.
8. Kia Seltos SX: Subcompact Surprise
Kia’s Seltos SX, especially with the Sunroof Package, brings ventilated seats to the subcompact class—an uncommon luxury at this size. For around $31,290, it competes directly with the Kona Limited in price and target demographic.
The Seltos stands out with its practical cargo space, striking design, and user-friendly tech, earning high BuzzScores. Both vehicles offer similar feature sets, but the Kona feels more futuristic inside thanks to its sleeker interface and digital displays.
The Seltos wins on space, while the Kona wins on cabin refinement. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether size or tech-savviness takes priority for the buyer.
9. Chevrolet Equinox Premier: Optional Luxury
The 2024 Chevrolet Equinox Premier AWD includes ventilated seats—but only with the optional $1,745 Confidence & Convenience II Package. This brings the total cost to $35,145. The Equinox offers a conventional SUV experience with a familiar GM layout, and while competent, it doesn’t break new ground in design or technology.
The Kona Limited, despite being smaller, feels more modern and polished. Hyundai’s commitment to standard features gives it an edge in value. Unless you’re loyal to Chevrolet or require a slightly roomier interior, the Kona Limited offers more tech, refinement, and comfort for a more accessible price.
10. Toyota bZ4X Limited: Electric and Equipped
The Toyota bZ4X Limited is a fully electric SUV with standard ventilated front seats. Offered in FWD and AWD configurations, it delivers between 222–236 miles of range and starts at $47,180. While its futuristic styling and electric drivetrain cater to a niche market, early reliability concerns may deter some buyers.
Compared to the gas-powered Kona Limited, the bZ4X offers zero emissions and high-end amenities but at a much higher cost. For eco-conscious consumers who want a well-equipped EV, it’s a solid choice. For others, the Kona Limited remains the better option for everyday affordability, convenience, and availability.
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited successfully carves a niche in the compact crossover segment by blending premium features with practical pricing. It offers an impressive suite of standard features—ventilated seats, a premium sound system, and an advanced infotainment screen—all for under $32,000.
While competitors like the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester may offer more space or power, and EVs like the bZ4X lead in sustainability, the Kona balances comfort, tech, and value for a broad audience. For buyers who want upscale amenities without a luxury brand price tag, the Kona Limited stands as one of the top choices in 2024.
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