History/Overview
Since its 2018 debut, the Hyundai Kona has become a dominating force in the subcompact crossover category thanks to its manageable size, interesting (but not too weird) styling, and choice of powertrains.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
There are no changes to the Kona for 2023, following last year’s refresh.
Available Trims
Hyundai offers the Kona in Essential, Preferred, and N-Line trim levels. Essential and Preferred are powered by a 2.0L four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable automatic transmission, and either front- or all-wheel drive. N-Line uses a 1.6L turbo motor with standard AWD and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. There’s also a high-performance Kona N that’s covered in a separate buyer’s guide entry.
Standard Features
Essential models come with 16-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, six-speaker audio, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, and air conditioning. Also included is a suite of driver assists comprising forward collision mitigation, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, and rear occupant alert.
Preferred gets 17-inch wheels, remote engine start, a heated steering wheel, passive keyless entry, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
N-Line models add 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, and rain-sensing wipers.
Key Options
A sun and leather package for Preferred trim adds adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, leather upholstery, 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, and upgraded forward collision mitigation.
An N-Line Ultimate package builds on the sun and leather pack, adding a power driver’s seat, head-up display, rear parking sensors, wireless phone charging, automatic A/C, digital gauges, highway driving assist, and automatic high beams.
Fuel Economy
Hyundai’s fuel consumption estimates for the Kona are 8.0/6.6 L/100 km (city/highway) with the 2.0L engine and FWD, and 8.5/7.2 L/100 km with AWD. The N-Line’s ratings are 8.8/7.4 L/100 km.
Competition
The Kona’s newest competitor is the just-redesigned Honda HR-V; others include the mechanically similar Kia Seltos, the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Encore GX, Mitsubishi RVR, Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-30, Jeep Renegade, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota Corolla Cross, and Fiat 500X.
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed