I'm looking to ditch my Grand Cherokee and get a cheap commuter vehicle for a bit. My wife has a GV-70, and her Genesis got me thinking about the Kona. They did a refresh in 2024, and while it's still relatively inexpensive ($25k to $35k) it seems like the interior is pretty refined for price. I would go for the turbo, which gets you an 8-speed transmission instead of the IVT. Anyone have experience with one?

I rented one in California last year. Not the manual just the mid level Kona

It felt nicer than I thought but also felt like it would be rattling apart in the inside by year 3. Maybe it was just my particular rental.

My MIL really likes her Kona. Her first one was a 2021, I think. About a year ago she decided she wanted an upgraded trim level and traded it in for a 2025 model. I've driven it a couple of times, and it's a nice car. The interior seems nice but honestly haven't paid attention when I have driven it.

I'm guessing you will trade your GC in?

That would be the plan. The GC is nicer in every regard, except for build quality. The air suspension is giving me issues, and I'm not sure I want to go through the hassle or expense of fixing it.