The Hyundai Kona: A Reliable SUV When it comes to subcompact SUVs, the Hyundai Kona is the complete deal. Due to its exceptional blend of quality and value in the class, we even dubbed it our Best 2022 Subcompact SUV for the Money.
In This Article...
Overview
It’s difficult to get caught up in the typical anti-crossover mentality when an SUV offers a driving experience as sharp as the 2022 Hyundai Kona, so we won’t. Simply put, the subcompact Kona is a fantastic package that combines carlike on-road behavior with dramatic appearance, a dash of practicality, and an elevated driving position. We are so impressed with it that we gave it an Editors’ Choice award. A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which is admittedly rather sluggish, and a more desirable turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which packs a lot more punch, are the two four-cylinder engines available. In keeping with Hyundai’s value-oriented philosophy, the Kona has a large list of standard equipment that only gets longer as you travel through the more expensive trims—the top couple of which become downright luxury. We believe that the Kona’s compact package and fun-to-drive personality more than make up for its smaller size and lack of some of its larger competitors’ cargo and passenger room. The Kona is one of the smaller options in the subcompact SUV class.
Infiniti Kona
Although the standard 2.0-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission are sufficient for commuting, they occasionally feel sluggish.
Although the upgraded 1.6-liter turbo has more power, the power distribution is neither as predictable nor seamless.
But the ride is rough, and the engine and road noise fill the interior loudly.
The Hyundai Kona is one of the more alluring subcompact SUVs because it is fun and affordable.
The base 2.0-liter engine performs admirably in town, but under strong acceleration it might seem sluggish.
With this engine in our AWD model, we achieved typical for the class total mileage of 26 mpg.
Although the more powerful 1.6-liter turbo is stronger, its power delivery is less even and unreliable.
However, due to engine and road noise, the ride is rough and the cabin becomes loud.
A unusual feature in the sector is a motorized driver’s seat with lumbar support adjustment.
2019 sees the introduction of an all-electric model. The Kona electric is just as good as the standard model.
The automobile accelerates quickly, smoothly, and quietly thanks to its 201 horsepower electric powertrain.
On a 240-volt connector, a full charge of the 64 kilowatt-hour battery takes 9 hours. New for 2022, the high-performance N is equipped with an eight-speed dual clutch automatic transmission and a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine with 280 horsepower.
AEB and FCW systems now have pedestrian detection, among other 2022 upgrades.
Hyundai appears to be making an effort to provide us with a hot hatchback in the form that the market is really into right now—the compact SUV.
Road Etiquette
For a car with such a small wheelbase, the Kona provides a smooth ride. Although the ride is firm, it doesn’t have the choppiness that can occasionally detract from a small SUV’s ride quality. Bumpiness is moderately absorbed, and excessive movement is restrained. Its tight turning radius and overall taut, controlled feel aid with maneuverability. Even if you can make it more sporty by switching to Sport mode, it’s still entertaining to drive.
The Kona has three driving modes: Sport, Smart, and Normal. Smart and Normal modes didn’t seem to change much from one another, but Sport gave the Limited trim I was driving a more forceful response. It had a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that produced 195 horsepower, an increase from 175 horsepower the previous year.
This engine is also used in the N Line trim, while the upcoming Kona N has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 276 horsepower and an eight-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. The 1.6-liter’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic from 2021 gets upgraded for the Limited. The standard powerplant, a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 horsepower coupled to a new continuously variable automatic transmission, has been replaced by that duo.
The Limited’s powertrain occasionally had a Jekyll-and-Hyde quality to it, appearing calm one second and moody the next. It sprung from a stop, and the abrupt yet quick-shifting transmission kept things moving smoothly. The engine had a noticeable idle shake when the vehicle was stopped, and it felt and sounded harsh. Contrarily, the Kona destroys the HR-V and the loud, sluggish Crosstrek (with its base engine).
Additionally, it performs well in terms of fuel efficiency. The Kona’s fuel economy ratings for the base front-wheel-drive variant with the standard engine are 30/35/32 mpg city/highway/combined. The 29/35/32 mpg numbers for the turbo 1.6-liter I tested are comparable with FWD; AWD slightly reduces them to 27/32/29 mpg. In actual testing, I was able to achieve those numbers: on a 310-mile journey that largely involved highway driving, I averaged 33 mpg.
The Kia Seltos, the Kona’s twin, is rated similarly and has the same drivetrains: base FWD trim with the standard engine gets 29/35/31 mpg. Only AWD is offered with the turbo 1.6-liter, which has a lower mileage rating of 25/30/27 mpg. With standard AWD and a basic manual transmission, the Subaru Crosstrek’s base engine is rated at a weaker 22/29/25 mpg; switching to the CVT increases that rating to 28/33/30 mpg. The bigger engine in the Crosstrek has a 27/34/29 mpg rating. The Honda HR-base V’s FWD trim is rated at 28/34/30 mpg.
Hyundai also sells an electric vehicle (EV) version of the Kona, but there’s a catch: The car, which has a 201-hp electric motor and a stated range of 258 miles, is only offered in the 12 states that have laws requiring more sales of zero-emissions vehicles. Although the Crosstrek is also available as a plug-in hybrid, it is the only one of the rivals listed here with an electric-only option that is readily available anywhere.
Hyundai Kona: Is it an SUV?
A highly regarded subcompact SUV with agile handling, a smooth ride, and powerful engine options is the 2022 Hyundai Kona. Additionally, the Kona comes with a user-friendly infotainment system and a plethora of standard and optional options.
What Kona-sized Hyundai is less compact?
Dimensional Analysis The Venue is 6.5 inches shorter than the Kona, measuring 159.1 inches as opposed to 165.6 inches for the Kona (166 inches for the N-Line). The Kona has a width of 70.9 inches, while the Venue is narrower at 69.7 inches.
The Hyundai Kona is large.
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The Hyundai Kona is a typical example of a small crossover that sits in between a large hatchback and a small SUV. The Kona, which measures just 166 inches in length, was the automaker’s smallest SUV when it was introduced in 2018, but the even smaller Venue joined it in 2020. Both vehicles, which together replaced the previous Elantra GT hatchback, drive very much like cars. They are very affordable, like many Hyundais, but the Kona offers greater space and power in an eye-catching package. There is also a Kona that is entirely electric, which we examine separately.
For 2022, the Kona receives a significant aesthetic update as well as a specialized high-performance model, the Kona N. Diminutive crossovers are a rapidly expanding and fiercely competitive market sector. The new aesthetics give the car an exterior that is sportier, but the interior has also been redesigned, with a new 10.0-inch digital, adjustable driver information display that has bright, clear graphics and a bigger basic infotainment screen (8.0 inches, up from 7.0 inches).
The Mazda CX-30, Jeep Renegade, Kia Soul, and Buick Encore GX are just a few of the small utes that the Kona competes against. The hot new N provides more speed than Mazda’s CX-30 Turbo, however it lacks the opulent cabin of fast luxury vehicles like the BMW X2 M35i and Mini Countryman John Cooper Works (JCW). Regarding the inside, the Kona’s size does result in trade-offs in the back seat and cargo space. Although it holds its own against smaller rivals, it falls short of somewhat larger compact SUVs like the Volkswagen Taos.
The SE edition of the Kona costs only $22,545 (destination fees included), which makes it incredibly economical, yet even in this small car, the base engine’s 147 horsepower is inadequate. While they are more expensive up front, the 195-horsepower turbocharged engines in the N-Line ($27,095) and Limited ($29,845) are far more gratifying. But having a short wheelbase, the Kona is a fine city car with a smooth ride, despite not being very athletic. The Kona has a $1,500 AWD option, but it doesn’t really alter how the car handles.
With 276 horsepower and a 5.0-second zero to sixty pace, the Kona N is fast. An overboost function can add an additional 10 horsepower for periods of up to 20 seconds. The N has a stronger body construction, standard all-wheel drive, and a significantly updated suspension. It’s undoubtedly the most gratifying variant for experienced drivers and a great alternative to hot hatchbacks like the Volkswagen GTI, but at $35,845, it’s also the priciest Kona.
Hyundai gives a ton of basic safety equipment and a ton of good in-car technology, especially on the higher-spec vehicles, regardless of which Kona you choose. The fundamentals of safety, such front automatic emergency braking, are included, as are features like blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alerts with braking. The only available option is adaptive cruise control. The Kona’s extensive warranty coverages are also included, which adds security to an already user-friendly and appealing bundle.
What class of vehicle is the Hyundai Kona?
A subcompact crossover with room for up to five people is the Hyundai Kona. Five trim levels are available: SE, SEL, N Line, Limited, and N. Except for the Kona N, all versions come with front-wheel drive as standard and all-wheel drive as an option.
Is the Tucson smaller than the Hyundai Kona?
TucsonDimensions. Although the Kona subcompact SUV is slightly larger than the small crossover Tucson SUV, both vehicles can seat up to five people. The Tucson has 31 cubic feet more cargo room behind the back seat than the Kona, which only has 19.2 cubic feet.
Is the Hyundai Kona spacious?
Comfort is a top consideration when you and your family set off on your next adventure, and the 2022 Hyundai Kona will provide. Five people may ride in the large interior of the Hyundai Kona entries, which offers 94.1 cubic feet of passenger capacity. Leather-trimmed seats, heated front seats, a Harman Kardon sound system, Hyundai Digital Key, a wireless charging pad, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch touchscreen multimedia system are a few features that will enhance your comfort and convenience. The table below contains more information about the Hyundai Kona’s passenger capacity.