Hyundai Bayon vs. Hyundai Kona: which is better?
Hyundai SUVs are among the best for used car buyers, but which comes out on top as we compare the Bayon and the Kona in our comparison guide?
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Crossovers and SUVs are among the most popular new and used cars traded today, and for good reason – they can offer a better view of the road and even more practicality.
Hyundai has plenty of SUV models to pick from, which is great news because the brand is now synonymous with high-quality cars that offer a slice of affordable luxury.
If you prefer to keep to something smaller, you’ll have the pick of a Hyundai Bayon and a Hyundai Kona. Both are excellent cars, but which is best for you?
Hyundai Kona vs. Hyundai Bayon: which has more style?
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Though both cars belong to Hyundai’s range of SUVs, the Hyundai Kona and Hyundai Bayon are completely different-looking cars that appeal to opposing crowds.
The Hyundai Kona looks a lot more conventional, and it’s an excellent crossover for anyone who might otherwise consider something like a Nissan Juke.
The Kona stands out for its cascading front end – air vents sit beneath headlights and fog lights, which sit beneath either a pair of slim LED daytime running lights for first-generation Kona models or a full-width LED strip in second-generation models.
There’s also a centre-mounted Hyundai logo, under which is a striking grille design for combustion models. Electric models have this area entirely blanked off, similar to a Tesla.
The rear end is just as striking, with split taillights and a unique bumper design.
The Bayon looks much more like a large hatchback than an SUV, which is the case with many entry-level SUVs like the first-generation Mercedes GLA.
Still, for an affordable crossover model, it packs a punch, with plenty of design cues to help it stand out – including a similar multi-level front end.
The back features a two-tone paint job, like a Volkswagen ID.3 and a similarly attractive taillight setup.
Ultimately, both models stand out in an incredibly saturated market of SUVs and crossovers with distinctive and attractive designs.
What is it like to drive a Hyundai Kona vs. Bayon?
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A lot of manufacturers have been adding 1.0-litre petrol engines into their cars in the name of efficiency, and the same is true of the Kona and Bayon.
It’s one of the best 1.0-litre units we’ve driven, and with up to 120hp, it’s pretty punchy too. Newer versions come with added mild hybrid assistance to further reduce emissions.
The Kona benefits from a wider range of engines, including a 1.6-litre hybrid capable of consistently hitting the 60mpg mark, and a pair of electric models that can do up to around 200 miles and 300 miles between charges respectively.
On a similar note, many manufacturers reserve their best automatic transmissions for their more expensive cars. This isn’t the case with Hyundai – the Bayon gets full access to the South Korean brand’s incredible, smooth-shifting DCT automatic. That is, if you don’t prefer a manual.
Both models offer a smooth and refined ride, with minimal road noise and vibrations. They’re comfortable around town, where they soak up the usual array of bumps.
The electric version of the Kona carried a lot of its weight low down, which means it feels even more nimble than the petrol models, making it a joy to weave in and out of side streets.
What is the technology in the Hyundai Bayon and Kona?
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Hyundai might previously have been regarded as one of the cheaper brands, but the company has come on leaps and bounds and offers exceptionally high-quality products.
All models come equipped with more than just the staples, but going for a higher trim level ensures you get the best car tech.
Even entry-level SE Connect versions of the Hyundai Bayon come with an eight-inch infotainment display, but Premium and Ultimate models get a larger 10.25-inch screen.
All Bayon models also get a second 10.25-inch display in place of traditional instrument dials, as well as a reversing camera and rear parking sensors.
The Kona is an even more pleasant place to be, especially given that Hyundai only recently introduced the second-generation version.
All newer models get a pair of 12.3-inch displays (one for the infotainment and another behind the steering wheel), keyless entry, adaptive cruise control and all-around parking sensors.
First-generation Konas are just as tech-laden, but with slightly smaller screens. The Kona Electric gets more kit as standard, such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Hyundai Bayon vs. Kona dimensions and boot space
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Being the smaller of the two SUVs – and Hyundai’s smallest SUV full stop – the Bayon is naturally shorter, narrower and lower than the Kona.
It’s 4,180mm long, 1,775mm wide and 1,500mm tall, placing it somewhere between the Hyundai i20 and Hyundai i30 in terms of dimensions. It also has a 321-litre boot.
The first-generation Kona measures 4,205mm long, 2,070mm wide and 1,568mm tall, but its boot size varies by fuel choice. Most models have a 374-litre boot, which is slightly below average, but electric variants have a smaller 332-litre boot.
Fortunately, the second-generation model has a larger 466-litre boot, regardless of fuel choice. It’s also slightly bigger in all directions, but not enough to notice. It measures 4,350mm long, 2,100mm wide and 1,585mm tall.
Bayon vs. Kona: which is more reliable?
Although these are some of Hyundai’s newest models, early data already backs up the company’s long-standing reputation for building reliable and dependable cars.
Moreover, the brand performs admirably in consumer feedback tests. Its cars get five years of warranty coverage with no mileage limit, which is excellent news for long-distance drivers.
Those worried about the longevity of an electric Hyundai Kona can rest assured with a separate eight-year/100,000-mile warranty, which will look after the battery of new and used models within those limits.
Used Hyundai Kona vs used Hyundai Bayon: which should I buy?
The Hyundai Kona is an incredibly popular crossover, as exemplified by the fact that a second generation came around five years after the first. Typically, car manufacturers wait at least seven or eight years before announcing such a major update.
There’s also the fact that there’s so much choice with the Kona, so whether you want regular petrol power or you want to explore varying degrees of more sustainable options, there should be a Kona for you.
That’s not to say that the Bayon is a bad car, and it actually stands out against many key rivals, but it’s better suited to younger or older drivers who want to get behind the wheel of something slightly more affordable.