AVOID, AVOID, AVOID for longevity. Hyundai/Kia CANNOT build proper motors at all. You should see the class actions just for the motors. 

Hyundai/Kia’s are not known for making quality cars.  In addition, the Kona model is still fairly new.  I would recommend she doesn’t get that vehicle and instead look at a Toyota or Honda instead, if her budget allows (going used is good idea).  What is she looking for exactly in her next vehicle?

We also have a car buying guide to help our members out:

https://carkiller.com/scottykilmer/qa/used/

Avoid, look at the Honda HR-V 

I would skip out on this one, unless you have to have new and are really are on a budget. (in that case I would get a Mitsubishi, with at least SOME Japanese build quality, not some crappy Korean car)

My sister in law has one of those Hyundai crossovers from 2017 or 18 and it already rattles. I would not advise buying one.

Their CVT's are quite bad, and they don't really have any build quality at all.

If you have to go new, and don't want to pay a ton, at LEAST get a Chevy or Ford crossover, and bypass the CVT headache.

Here's a good read about the CVT's: https://oards.com/cvt-transmission-life-expectancy/

Skip Hyundai, … or KIA, outright! Go for Honda HRV, or Mazda CX-3. Toyota hatchback should also be on your mom’s list.

Don’t look any further than above three.

F.S.

Pass on anything Kia or Hyundai. Terrible quality.