2023 Hyundai Kona Review

The Kona has 94.1 cubic feet of wiggle room while the Kona Electric is slightly smaller with 92.4 cubic feet. With all Konas, the cargo space measures 19.2 cubic feet, and it expands to 45.8 cubic feet. The rear seats fold to make that happen.

Cargo standards on the SE, SEL, N-Line and Limited models include a cargo cover and four tie-down anchors. The Kona N has an underfloor cargo tray.

As the least expensive, naturally the Kona SE will be at the top of a budget-minded shopper’s list. Cabins have solar glass, heated mirrors, remote keyless entry, and automatic headlights. A handsome cloth upholstery covers the multi-adjustable driver’s chair and passenger seat.

On the dash, an 8-inch audio display offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a 4.2-inch color multi-information display. The cockpit has dual USB outlets and a tilt-telescopic steering wheel with duplicate radio controls. The second row has rear AC ducts and a center armrest with cupholders.

The engine is a capable four-cylinder unit that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. FWD fuel economy is 30 mpg city and 35 mpg highway for a combined rate of 32 mpg.

Gear shifts are controlled by the Hyundai Intelligent Variable Transmission. This has fun Shiftronic manual modes. To improve handling, torque vectoring is accomplished by selective wheel braking. Downhill brake control, hill assist control, and 4-wheel anti-lock brakes are all standard.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given a superior rating to the Kona forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and an emergency autobrake. Maintaining a safe trajectory is easier with a lane departure warning and a lane keep assist.

Watching for trouble, the blind spot system has an avoidance assist. Assisting with parking, the rear cross traffic alert has an assist autobrake to prevent collisions. These features were just options on the 2022 Hyundai Kona, but they are standard now on all Kona model.

A rear occupant alert and safe exit warning are on board to help busy parents. There are also LATCH attachments for toddler and baby car seats.

Kona SEL models share the same powertrain configuration as the SE. There’s a choice of front-wheel and all-wheel drive.

The cockpit has push button start, a wireless charger, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Other SEL Trim advantages include the Proximity Key and BlueLink. The audio display system includes HD radio and satellite radio connectivity.

The exterior package includes a shark-fin radio antenna, rear privacy glass and roof rails. This trim is the only one to offer a contrast tone roof among the regular Kona models. With Earnhardt Hyundai - San Tan pricing, you don’t have to wait for a Hyundai Kona sale to get the trim level you want.

The 2023 Kona N Line trim has a Gamma engine that generates 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This turbocharged engine uses regular unleaded and gets 35 mpg on the highway. Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive is available.

Trim-specific elements, such as 18-inch alloys, add a sporty vibe to the N Line exterior. It has standard aerodynamic wiper blades.

Interior style is even sportier with its special N-Line Cloth, a black headliner, and N Logo leather-trimmed steering wheel. Drivers will appreciate a power chair, alloy sport pedals, and a sunroof. Dual screens include digital instruments and a touch audio display.

The Limited cabin has a rich leather upholstery that is specific to this trim level. There are soft door panels, ambient-lit footwells, ambient-lit cup holders, and other special touches.

Phoenix AZ drivers will love the dual ventilated seats. Plus 2023 N Line drivers enjoy the benefits of full digital instrumentation. The large touchscreen displays GPS navigation that stays current with over-the-air updates.

The exterior is one of the best dressed with its premium light gray body cladding. The nighttime is tamed by LED headlights, LED tail lights, and High Beam Assist. Additional safety features include a reverse distance warning and rain-sensing wipers.

The forward collision system adds cyclist detection. Smart Cruise Control has stop and go capability. Highway Driving Assist is a step closer to automation. Like the N Line trim, Limited trims have the 195-horsepower Gamma engine.

As the performance trim, the 2023 Hyundai Kona N has the best turbo, and it is outfitted with Launch Control and a special N drive mode. Output is 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. The large bore dual exhaust tips speak to its speedy nature. A wing-style spoiler adds an aerodynamic touch.

This engine is strictly tied to front wheel drive and a special N 8-speed DCT. This wet friction automatic transmission is specially tuned to make the most of every horse under the hood. Paddle shifters with rev matching are added for manual driving fun.

An N Corner Carving Differential adds more craft to the handling. This electronic limited-slip differential can even out wheelspin while keeping the pace fast. Engineers increased spot welds for stiffer handling.

This fun model has its own N leather upholstery that is combined with a soft suede. Special details include soft door panels, aluminum sill covers, and alloy sport pedals. Even the carpet has the N Badge.

The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the most affordable EVs on the market. It’s also extremely efficient. You’ll want to test drive this model to discover just how smart it really is. For instance, in slow driving, you can utilize just one pedal and spare yourself the aggravation of switching between the accelerator and brake pedals.

Working together, electric motors and a battery pack produce 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of load-moving torque. The electric range is 258 miles. When the charge starts to wane, a Level III charger can boost the driving range from 10 to 80 percent in about 40 minutes.

This driving range compares favorably to the least expensive Tesla 267-mile range. The only difference is that to get the Tesla you’d pay as much as $15,000 more than the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric.

Kona Electric SUVs come in SE, SEL and Limited trims. Electric SE models are new to the lineup. They have everything on the regular SE package, but they add automatic temperature controls. It also has the shark-fin radio antenna, aero wipers, active grille shutters, and a cargo net. This EV offers a contrast color roof, unless you choose the optional sunroof.

Kona Electric SEL models go high tech. They add the 10.25-inch dual screens to the driver’s cockpit. This includes the digital instrument cluster. This adds the Hyundai Digital Key as well.

Like the regular Kona, the Limited trim is at the top of the ladder. It has all of the dash tech, driver assistance features, and amenities of the regular Limited trim. This includes a handsome leather upholstery, the exciting Harman Kardon music system, and ventilated front seats.

Most Kona models are made to keep your fuel costs as low as possible. As for the Kona electric SUV, it is estimated that it will only cost $600 a year to keep it charged.

In addition, these Hyundais have a 5-year Limited warranty and a 10-year Powertrain warranty with mileage caps. You won’t find this valuable coverage on rivals such as the Honda HR V or the Subaru Crosstrek.

Cost is further defrayed by Hyundai’s 5-year roadside assistance coverage and the 3-year complimentary scheduled maintenance program. You can get a loan with our easy online pre-approval.

You are sure to find an excellent compact SUV in the Hyundai Kona lineup. Check out the current inventory and be in touch if you want to know what else may be available soon. Then head to our dealership to take a test drive.