All-new Hyundai Kona starts at $19,500

The Kona will arrive in showrooms next month.

Hyundai released pricing information for the brand-new 2018 Kona that made its American debut last year in Los Angeles. The crossover will begin to reach showrooms across the nation this month.

The Kona line-up includes four trim levels named SE, SEL, Limited, and Ultimate, respectively. The entry-level SE with front-wheel drive starts at $19,500. It comes with a naturally-aspirated, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. Adding all-wheel drive bumps the SE's price to $20,800.

The list of standard features includes key-less entry, automatic headlights, LED fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, A/C, a six-speaker sound system, cloth upholstery plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

The SEL costs $21,150 with front-wheel drive and $22,450 with all-wheel drive. Hyundai offers a sub-trim called SEL with Contrast Roof that adds -- you guessed it! -- a two-tone look (pictured). It's just $150 more expensive. SEL models benefit from more features like heated seats, heated mirrors, and a blind spot monitoring system.

The Limited model replaces the 2.0-liter with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that makes 175 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Priced at $24,700, it comes standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. Winter-friendly all-wheel drive bumps the price tag up to an even $26,000.

Limited models also gain leather upholstery and a standard sun roof.

Finally, the range-topping Ultimate costs $27,400 with front-wheel drive and $28,700 with all-wheel drive. Nearly fully loaded, the Kona Ultimate comes with Hyundai's smart sense suite of electronic driving aids, rain-sensing wipers, a head-up display, wireless charging, and an eight-inch touch screen. Factor in options and it's possible to take the Kona above the $30,000 threshold.

None of the aforementioned prices include a mandatory $950 destination charge. When it lands, the Kona will compete in the same segment as other cute 'utes like the Honda HR-V, the Mazda CX-3, and the Jeep Renegade/Fiat 500X siblings.

Photography by Ronan Glon.