The Hyundai Kona is one of the top-rated subcompact crossover SUVs, known for offering excellent long-term value at its price point. Besides, its capabilities under the hood make it a practical car that is fun to drive. Packed with a wide range of features, this automobile is ideal for those looking for an easy-going SUV suitable for everyday commutes as well as longer trips. Further, the Kona offers reliable performance on city roads and highways.
Trims
The 2023 Hyundai Kona is available across four different trims. These include the base trim SE, which is followed by the mid-level trim SEL. The N Line and Limited are the higher-end trim levels of the Kona. While there are variations in features and price points, all the trims have standard front-wheel drive. For car buyers who want the all-wheel drive version, this option is available at an additional cost of about $1,500. Besides this, the lower trims of SE and SEL have standard four-cylinder engines and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Meanwhile, the higher trims—N Line and Limited—have a turbo-four engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Prices
The 2023 Hyundai Kona comes at a competitive price compared to other subcompact SUVs in the segment. The base trim starts from around $23,000, and the highest trims can go over $30,000. Prices vary depending on the trim, optional features, taxes, dealerships, and dealer location. Dealerships typically offer a range of price points for the different variants of the Kona.
- SE: $23,480
- SEL: $25,290
- N Line: $29,190
- Limited: $30,290
It is important to note that these are only approximations of the pricing and can vary due to market conditions and economic factors.
Engine and performance
The 2023 Hyundai Kona comes with two powertrains. The base models SE and SEL are equipped with a four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers 147 hp. With these under the hood, the Kona can reach 60 mph in just under 10 seconds. Meanwhile, the Limited, N-Line, and N models are powered by an energetic 195-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. This combination makes the Kona get to 60 mph in just 7 seconds.
Additionally, the handling is agile, making it fun and stress-free to drive the Kona, even on bumpy roads. This can be attributed to the capable suspension that absorbs all the bumps and dips on the road, providing a comfortable ride even over imperfect pavements.
Fuel economy
The Hyundai Kona’s EPA ratings are quite competitive when compared to other vehicles in the same segment. The front-wheel drive of the base trim SE has a rating of around 30 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. On the other hand, the turbocharged models have a fuel economy rating of around 35 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city. With the all-wheel drive variants, the fuel economy goes slightly down to about 32 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg on city roads.
Safety features
For the prices at which the 2023 Hyundai Kona is available, it offers quite decent safety features that are standard across all the trims. These include driver assistance features like lane-keeping assistance, driver-attention monitor, and automated emergency braking. Other advanced safety attributes, such as automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control, are standard for the higher trims and optional for the lower trims of SEL models. Other key safety features include lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
Interior cabin and cargo
The Hyundai Kona’s interior cabin is designed to be convenient, comfortable, and as elegant as the exterior. This is mostly because Hyundai has used quality materials for the upholstery and dashboard controls. Plus, the seats have been designed to have good ergonomics and refined comfort.
In addition, the steering wheel has been encased in a grained leather cover with contrast stitching, making it look good while providing a better grip. Controls for audio settings and cruise control are integrated into the steering wheel for added convenience during driving,
The intuitive infotainment system further enhances the appeal of the interior cabin. This 8.0-inch touchscreen system is standard across all the trims, but buyers can also opt for a slightly bigger 10.3-inch unit at an additional cost. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are also standard, with wireless connections for these features available as an upgrade.
The vehicle offers 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats (when they are up) and around 45.8 cubic feet (when the seats are folded down). This is fairly comparable to that of a compact hatchback or sedan. Yet, the Hyundai Kona is capable of fitting more than ten pieces of carry-on luggage together.
