2022 Hyundai Kona Review: The Original Cute-Ute

The addition of the sporty N-Line and N models make the Kona a lot more enjoyable. The Hyundai Kona is a smaller crossover that offers a large variety of products, from the large-functionality Kona N to the worth-minded Kona. It competes versus other small crossovers like the Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, and Subaru Crosstrek. The Kona earns leading marks on the power of its common attributes and technologies, price, and security ratings.

The Kona obtained massive adjustments for 2022, with a redesign to the current variants and the addition of two general performance-oriented styles, the Kona N-Line and Kona N. There is also an electrical version of the Kona that we review individually Right here.

The Kona retains its upright glance in the redesign, but the details have improved. The black cladding that runs all over the base of the SUV has been beefed up and the grille now pinches in just previously mentioned the front bumper. Up entrance, the grille has been widened and both the entrance and rear bumpers have faux skid-plate patterns on them. The sportier N-Line ditches the cladding for human body coloured panels, and the Kona N adds a double-wing roof spoiler, 19-inch alloy wheels, and greater intakes to feed its hungry turbocharger.

The Kona’s turbocharged engines offer most of the enjoyment. The powertrains get a shuffle in the redesign with a new transmission tied to the base engine. A pair of turbocharged engines are also available, with both of those providing a critical and essential influx of electrical power. Handling stays the Kona’s power with FWD standard throughout the board, with AWD made available on all trims besides for the Kona N.

The SE and SEL keep the same foundation engine as final 12 months, a 147-hp 2.-liter inline-4 that now will come with a continual variable computerized transmission (CVT) alternatively of a 6-velocity automated. This powertrain is lackadaisical, and what minimal electricity that does get pumped out feels constricted by the CVT.

The N-Line and Minimal element a 1.6-liter turbo-4 that gets a electrical power bump from 175-hp to 195-hp for 2022. It nevertheless mates to a 7-velocity twin-clutch computerized that feels a bit active at decreased speeds and can get a

For a shorter wheelbase crossover, the Kona rides decently and handles superior than you’d expect with included steering heft coming along with the Kona’s Activity method. AWD versions give a multi-backlink rear suspension that make the Kona really feel a lot more planted.

All of the other products pale in comparison to the Kona N, Hyundai’s third N model along with the Veloster N and Elantra N. Its 2.-liter turbo-4 will make 276-hp and 289 lb-ft. of torque and is mated to an 8-pace damp twin-clutch automated that fires off rapid shifts. The Kona N also options an electronic limited slip differential and adjustable dampers with a few stiffness options. All of them are as well stiff for day-to-working day use, but do make the Kona N entertaining on a backroad or on an autocross training course.

FWD Kona styles give the most efficiency. The SE and SEL with the foundation motor get the greatest gas economic climate by EPA requirements, but not by considerably. It’s rated at 30 mpg city, 35 freeway, 32 mixed, dropping to 28/33/30 mpg with AWD. With the turbo-4, those people ratings only fall by a hair to 29/35/32 mpg (FWD) and 27/32/29 mpg (AWD). Predictably, the Kona N provides up the rear by a massive margin at 20/27/23 mpg.

The Kona’s crash take a look at scores are remarkable with the Kona receives a whole 5-star score from the NHTSA and a “Good” rating on all of its crash assessments from the IIHS. But even though last year’s model acquired a Leading Basic safety Pick award designation, the 2022 model has not still as it awaits further tests of its headlights. All Konas occur with automatic crisis braking and energetic lane control. The SEL and previously mentioned incorporate blind-spot screens, when adaptive cruise regulate that will work down to a cease is optional on the N-Line and regular on the Restricted, which also provides rear parking sensors.

Within, the interior’s look remains largely the exact same. The largest improve is identified on top exactly where there’s a new housing for the greater infotainment screens (8. or 10.3 inches) and more classy air vents. The Kona’s upright human body condition offers it remarkably great headroom for entrance and rear passengers.

The entrance seat is the far better area to be with very good bolstering and a great assortment of top adjustments. Fitting a few grownups across the backseat is a obstacle due to the narrowness of the Kona, but its form offers it shockingly superior headroom and sightlines for all travellers except the inadequate soul in the middle.With the backseat folded down, cargo place expands to 45.8 cubic ft. Its tall entire body also options a amazingly small load ground that makes it less difficult to get cargo in through the vast hatch.

Value is a toughness of the Kona, specifically in SEL sort. Like most Hyundais, the Kona packs in the features for a excellent price to go along with complimentary upkeep for 3-many years/36,000 miles and a strong 5-calendar year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Increase in a foundation 8.-inch touchscreen and the Kona earns a 9 in this classification.

The base SE trim begins at $22,545 and comes with an 8.-inch touchscreen with wi-fi Android Car and Apple CarPlay connectivity, two entrance USB ports, fabric upholstery, 16-inch wheels, and cruise management. Most buyers must seem to the SEL with benefit deal. The SEL commences at $24,345 (just beneath $2,000 additional than the SE) and adds some characteristics, but not ample to justify that cost boost. The comfort package prices $1,700 additional, but it includes heated front seats, automated weather handle, a wi-fi charging pad, and a hidden storage compartment in the cargo region.

The downside of the SEL is that it arrives with the aggravating 4-cylinder and CVT mix, so individuals who want additional functionality need to look to the Kona N-Line ($27,095) and its extra highly effective turbo-4. The N-Line capabilities sportier styling, as perfectly as a 10.3-inch gauge cluster show and a ability driver’s seat. It’s also the cheapest Kona to offer the larger sized 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. Buyers ought to know that upgrading to the bigger infotainment display screen costs you wi-fi Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.

The Confined product ($29,845) has the most upscale interior with leather-based upholstery, a electrical power sunroof, and adaptive cruise handle regular. But the most high-priced product is the $35,445 superior-performance Kona N, which has mostly the exact tools as the Confined (sans leather) and is the most enjoyable model by a large, broad margin.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona with it is lovable crossover appears to be like is a fresh new take on the compact crossover mould. Tiny proportions, peppy electricity, and zippy handling dynamics make the Kona a entertaining city runabout. Incorporating slicing edge technologies, top safety, and Hyundai worth make the Kona a no-brainer for any smaller crossover thing to consider. The updates for 2022 with its more substantial monitor and typical safety devices only make it more so.