2023 Hyundai Kona

Overview

Whether you call it a low-riding SUV or a tall hatchback car, the diminutive 2023 Hyundai Kona is a practical and fun-to-drive vehicle, which makes it one of our faves. The entry-level engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes only 147 horsepower, but the optional turbocharged mill dials in some spiciness that better matches the Kona's nimble handling. Like other Hyundai models, the Kona comes packed with a generous list of standard features—including driver assistance and infotainment technologies—at a reasonable price. More than reasonable, actually. Considering that rivals such as the Kia Seltos and the Volkswagen Taos cost thousands more to start, you may find it easy to justify splurging on a higher-trimmed Kona model even if you're on a budget. The Kona may not have as much passenger or cargo space as some of its larger rivals, but when it comes to driving satisfaction it's a bundle of spunky, funky fun—no matter whether you think it's a car or an SUV.

What's New for 2023?

The Kona gains more standard driver-assistance features for 2023, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Hyundai's safe-exit warning system, which watches for approaching cars or bicycles to warn the driver and passengers upon exiting the vehicle. The N-Line model's optional Tech package has been eliminated and its contents have been made either standard or are no longer available on that trim. For example, the N-Line now gets a sunroof and the larger 10.3-inch infotainment as standard but the Harman/Kardon stereo and the adaptive cruise control are now exclusive to the top-spec Limited trim.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

If it were our money, we'd spring for the nearly loaded Limited model, as it offers nearly all of the most sought-after equipment without being too expensive. Standard equipment includes a sunroof, automatic climate control, fog lamps, leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Going with the Limited also gives us the spunky turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's shared with the N-Line trim.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Two powertrains are available with the Kona: SE and SEL models come with a 147-hp four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup could use a big cup of caffeine; in our testing, an all-wheel-drive SEL model required 9.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. Limited and N-Line models are powered by the considerably peppier 195-hp turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that did the 60-mph dash in 7.3 seconds in our testing. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic shifts quickly and smoothly once you're rolling, but it stumbles at low speed in parking lots and bumper-to-bumper traffic, engaging and disengaging first gear hesitantly until the driver offers more throttle input. The Kona delivers agile handling and a surprising amount of fun. This doesn't translate to a rough ride over choppy roads; in fact, the suspension offers quite the opposite, damping out bumps and providing occupants with a cabin that is well isolated from pavement imperfections. The steering is perhaps the Kona's biggest dynamic downfall: It's an uncommunicative helm that, despite its heavy-weighted feel, requires frequent corrections when cruising the highway.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

In this class of fuel-sipping mini-SUVs, the Kona's EPA ratings are good but only average among its rivals. Despite this, the Kona impressed us during our real-world testing, besting much of its competition. The most efficient version is the base model with front-wheel drive, which is rated for 30 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. The turbocharged model is rated for up to 29 mpg city and 35 mpg highway with front-wheel drive; add all-wheel drive and those numbers are reduced to 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. In our testing, the turbo all-wheel-drive model did deliver 32 mpg in our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test; we also managed 33 mpg with the base four-cylinder. For more information about the Kona's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Hyundai's designers managed the tough task of bringing the charm of the Kona's exterior design to the cabin while maintaining comfort and convenience. Quality materials, good ergonomics, and comfortable seats feel grown up and refined but not out of step with the Kona's funkadelic outward appearance. The steering wheel is wrapped with nicely-grained leather with contrast stitching and offers integrated controls for cruise control and audio settings. Those upgrading from a compact hatchback or sedan will find the Kona's cargo space perfectly suitable, but buyers downsizing from a larger SUV will most likely feel the pinch. The Kona narrowly beat the pipsqueak Mazda CX-3 in our testing to see how many carry-on suitcases could fit. The Kona managed to hold 14 of our carry-on suitcases—two more than the CX-3 but eight fewer than the Honda HR-V.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Standing atop the Kona's dashboard is a touchscreen infotainment system flanked by simple shortcut buttons that allow you to easily switch between common menus. We found the system to be intuitive in its operation but leisurely when responding to inputs. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard, but buyers wanting a larger display can upgrade to a 10.3-inch unit. Driving directions can be projected onto the optional head-up display that flips up from the dashboard and also shows the vehicle's speed and other information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard, with a wireless connection for such features available as an option.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)

View Crash Test Results

Buyers searching for popular driver-assistance features will find them on the Kona, which offers automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a driver-attention monitor as standard equipment. Other more advanced features are still optional. For more information about the Kona's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

By now, Hyundai's 10-year powertrain warranty is well known in the automotive industry as being one of the most generous policies available, and the Kona receives the same coverage as the rest of the lineup. The company also now offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.

• Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance covers 3 years or 36,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications

2022 Hyundai Kona N Line AWD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $28,425/$31,080
Options: Tech package, $2500; floor mats, $155

ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 98 in³, 1598 cm³
Power: 195 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 195 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm

TRANSMISSION
7-speed dual-clutch automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: struts/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 12.0-in vented disc/11.2-in disc
Tires: Goodyear Eagle Touring
235/45R-18 98V M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 102.4 in
Length: 166.0 in
Width: 70.9 in
Height: 61.4 in
Passenger Volume: 93 ft³
Cargo Volume: 19 ft³
Curb Weight: 3287 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.3 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.7 sec @ 90 mph
100 mph: 19.7 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.4 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.6 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.8 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.1 sec
Top Speed (C/D est): 130 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 174 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.87 g

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 29/27/32 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs