Comparison: Ground clearance Hyundai Kona vs. competitors 2025
Let's talk about the Hyundai Kona's altitude above the terra firma, shall we? Ground clearance, a seemingly mundane measurement, becomes a banquet for the imagination when shopping for a solid urban cruiser with occasional off-pavement aspirations. The Kona's ground clearance is a pivotal feature that dictates whether you'll scrape over speed bumps with the grace of a ballet dancer or with the agony of a street-sweeper.
Hyundai Kona - How has the ground clearance changed over the generations?
Hyundai, in their pursuit of developing the Kona, have held the ground clearance steady at 158 mm for the first generation and its subsequent face-lift. However, the latest 2023 installment of Kona has seen a drop to a 151 mm clearance. This shift could be the outcome of a tighter focus on aerodynamics or ride quality, entailing that newer Konas might exchange a bit of their mini-Mountaineer capability for a glossier tarmac glide.
Variants
The ground clearance compared to other Hyundai models
Within the Hyundai fleet, the Kona's ground clearance is a fascinating middle-ground. You have the i20 N, i30 family, and the IONIQs scraping their bellies closer to the ground with clearances ranging from a low-slung 130 mm to a modestly higher 160 mm. Perched atop the ground clearance ladder are the Tucson, Santa Fe, and the Staria, climbing from 170 mm to an adventurous 186 mm. The Kona maintains a respectful equilibrium, avoiding the extremes and promising a Jack-of-all-trades versatility.
How does the ground clearance of the Hyundai Kona compare to it's nearest competitors?
But how does our trusty Kona stand up against the competitive hive? Aye, it's a mixed bag. The Kona pitches a higher clearance than the urbanite Renault Arkana by a sliver, and massively outstrips the pavement-hugging Lexus UX. Yet, it stands humbled beneath the Lynk & Co 01's towering 213 mm. The length and wheelbase of these rivals play their parts too - the shorter Nissan Juke might look like a mountain goat with its equal ground clearance, but the Kona's longer wheelbase promises stability. In contrast, the Toyota Highlander - a veritable fortress on wheels - overshadows our Kona with more length, wheelbase, and a clearance that challenges the most rugged of paths.
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