Is Hyundai Kona A Small Suv?

A highly regarded subcompact SUV with agile handling, a smooth ride, and powerful engine options is the 2022 Hyundai Kona. The Kona also has a user-friendly infotainment system and a plethora of other standard and add-on options.

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.

Seats for a Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona is a small SUV with five seats. Although it is slightly longer than the model it replaces, there isn’t much extra room for passengers. However, it falls somewhere in the middle in terms of interior space, neither being the largest nor the smallest.

I would not want to spend a lot of time in the backseat with two other people since the headroom is a little cramped. I am 175 cm, and sitting behind my own driving position, I had ample leg room.

  • When it comes to interior room, the Kona is neither the largest nor the smallest (image: N Line Premium).
  • When it comes to interior room, the Kona is neither the largest nor the smallest (image: N Line).
  • When it comes to interior room, the Kona is neither the largest nor the smallest (image: Highlander).
  • When it comes to interior room, the Kona is neither the largest nor the smallest (image: Elite).
  • When it comes to interior room, the Kona is neither the largest nor the smallest (image: Kona).
  • When it comes to interior room, the Kona is neither the largest nor the smallest (image: Active).

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.

Cons: Not as roomy as competitors; no federal tax credit for electric vehicles

You want to learn about the Hyundai Kona from 2023, I take it? You’ll need to be more specific than that, though, since there are really only three separate cars involved. Despite having the same funky, subcompact SUV style and sharing the same charmingly Hawaiian name, each vehicle serves a very different purpose and is powered differently. Most people will consider the vehicle you can see above to be a “Hyundai Kona”: a subcompact SUV with a modest engine, a moderate price, and a generous amount of features and warranty coverage. Whether you choose the base engine or the turbocharged update, it has unique looks, amazing tech, and a surprisingly entertaining driving experience. Even though it’s one of the least roomy subcompact SUVs, we still think it’s worth recommending.

Okay, things now begin to diverge. As entertaining as the standard Kona can be, the sporty N Line adds a turbocharger and spices things up even more. Next, the Kona N increases the volume to 11: It’s essentially a hot hatch with lots of power, noise, and fun. It’s rioting. The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric surely isn’t as loud or as entertaining as the previous variants, but it offers outstanding electric range for the money (yes, despite being significantly more expensive). Unfortunately, the price is no longer as competitive as it once was due to the loss of federal tax credits, especially since the Chevrolet Bolt is less expensive and is still eligible for the $7,500 credit.

More Pictures

Actually, this is a review of three cars, possibly four. Although they are all classified as 2022 Hyundai Konas and have the same quirky, subcompact SUV appearance, their functions and powertrains are very different. The “Hyundai Kona” is a subcompact SUV with a small engine, a low price, and a generous amount of features and warranty coverage for the majority of purchasers. With its unusual style, user-friendly technology, and unexpectedly enjoyable driving, it distinguishes out from the competition. On the other hand, it’s also one of the least spacious in its segment. One of our top picks for a small SUV.

Then, things truly start to interest. Even though the standard Kona may be entertaining, an optional 1.6-liter turbo engine upgrade boosts power to a level that few competitors even come close to matching, let alone surpassing. It is a standard feature on both the Limited, which is shown in the image above, and the brand-new Kona N-Line for 2022, which really pushes into the Kona’s sporty attitude. In contrast, the similarly new 2022 Kona N not only leans into it but also immerses itself entirely before rolling around in a joyful celebration of ridiculous power, noisy noise, and hot hatch handling. It’s rioting.

Finally, one of your best chances among less expensive EVs is the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric. Due in part to being one of the most efficient EVs, it offers a generous 258 miles of range and is equally enjoyable to drive, but considerably more quietly. To put it another way, know that any Kona flavor you choose, you’re looking at one of our favorites in that category.

The Hyundai Kona is large.

Our team of professionals has a wealth of knowledge when analyzing cars. We use manufacturer-supplied automobiles in the actual world as real consumers would in order to present an unbiased assessment of their capabilities, but we occasionally, but not always, review them. Reading More

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.

To what can the Hyundai Kona be compared?

The 2019 Chevy Trax is Chevrolet’s most economical SUV, with a starting price of just over $22,000. The Chevy Trax is both the brand’s most compact crossover and its most fuel-efficient vehicle. It is smaller than the popular Equinox model. But don’t be fooled by the Chevy’s small size. This crossover has 48.4 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear is folded down, which is more than enough for even the most irresponsible Costco members.

Chevy sells the Trax in three model levels, with front-wheel drive as standard or all-wheel drive for $1,500 more. A 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower and a 6-speed automated transmission power all Trax versions. Its estimated 25 mpg city fuel economy is about average for the class, while its projected 33 mpg highway fuel economy is a class leader.