Hyundai Kona/Kona EV

How it looks when you see on the street: When the Kona first came along in 2018 it offered a pleasing, fresh take on the compact SUV shape, and here it is redesigned in 2024 for the second generation, longer and more spacious, embellished by slanted headlamps and back-the-future form. Its a longer, wider, and taller to appease customer’s desire for do-all small SUVs.. The Kona is made as both a gas and fully electric vehicle, and the EV is our top picks. Its offered in four trims: S, SEL, N Line, and Limited.

How it makes you feel when you get in: For the cost, its classy and comfortable. The Kona Electric SUV has dual 12.3-inch high-resolution displays. The long list of standard features includes heated and ventilated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, and voice recognition. It has over-the-air updates and wireles-CarPlay and Android Auto.

How it drives: It’s not a stunner, but it delivers a pleasant driving experience and precise handling. The Kona has two gas engine variants — a 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter on the N Line and Limited trims, and a 147-hp 2.0-liter four and all are available with all-wheel drive. Sport mode adds more verve. The EV gets 261 miles on a single full battery charge. It offers vehicle-to-load charging, which in theory could be used for home charging. The fuel economy on the gas variant earns a combined 31 mpg with front-wheel drive, and in contrast the turbo engine earns a combine 28 mpg.

Space for people and things: It’s added a bit more storage space for its compact proportions, and is suitable for carry on bags and a backseat for children, with 3 additional inches of legroom from its gen one predecessor.

What to compare it to: Kia Niro and Mazd CX-30, Buick Envista.

How much does it cost: The base price for the Electric Limited model is $42,500. mOur version was priced at $43,840. The pricing for the gas model starts at $25,745.