Used 2022 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona has made a big splash in the hot subcompact SUV segment, capturing KBB Best Buy Awards in 2019 and 2020. Now, for 2022, Hyundai has given its popular Kona its first makeover.

While the gasoline powertrain is largely the same as before, the 2022 Hyundai Kona gets attractive new styling to go along with a thoroughly revamped interior and more safety and technology. There is also an electric version of the 2022 Kona (reviewed separately).

The new Kona is 1.6 inches longer than the previous model, with most of that length created by the new nose, which now has the Hyundai emblem located above the grille, not on it. The wheelbase is the same as before, but Hyundai somehow has managed to find an extra half-inch of rear legroom, making the Kona backseat a bit less confining.

Most Konas are powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that sends 147 horsepower to the front (or all four) wheels via a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), not the 6-speed automatic that was standard last year. The new N Line and Limited models get a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 that now puts out 195 horsepower, which is up from the 175 it put out last year. The engine, which puts out a healthy 195 lb-ft of torque at only 1,600 rpm, continues to be paired with 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The newest model is the ultra-sporty Kona N. Not to be confused with the N-Line, the new Kona N is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4 cylinder engine that sends 276 horsepower to the front wheels via a strengthened 8-speed paddle-shift dual-clutch transmission. The chassis is suitably modified, courtesy of some extra spot welding, lightweight wheels, grippy tires, and big brakes, plus an electronic limited-slip differential that helps the Kona N put the power down properly when exiting corners.

Also in the new Kona N’s sporting quiver: launch control, a variable exhaust system, and five drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N, and Custom.

Even though it’s a short vehicle, the Hyundai Kona feels supple and stable yet agile. It’s not a high-riding SUV, and the Kona shines about town, where it slices through traffic with ease and actually fits in those annoyingly tight parking spots marked “compact.”

The 147-horsepower engine in the Kona SE and SEL is a respectable blend of good fuel economy and decent power. A CVT, what Hyundai calls an IVT, replaces last year’s 6-speed automatic transmission. This is good for fuel economy, and Hyundai’s CVT does a fine job of emulating a conventional automatic transmission.

If you want better acceleration, get the new N Line or the Limited, both powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder with 195 horsepower (up 20 from last year). The 7-speed DCT with paddle shifters encourages spirited driving, and the Kona chassis delivers. Front-drive Kona models continue with a torsion beam rear axle, whereas AWD versions again get a multilink rear arrangement. Both rear suspensions benefit from stronger mounts in 2022, says Hyundai.

The new Kona N, the quickest model, is the one front-wheel-drive version with multilink rear suspension.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact crossover SUV with five seats. The rear, frankly, is best for kids, even with the extra half-inch of rear legroom that Hyundai has found for 2022. Rear cargo volume has stayed the same, at 19.2 cubic feet.

We think the new dash is handsome, more modern than before but rugged looking. The circular air vents add a nice touch, while the big 10.25-inch touchscreen “floats” atop the center stack. Interestingly, the Kona’s new center console isn’t attached to the dash, thereby adding to its visual width.

An electronic parking brake also is available on top models, as is ambient interior lighting that illuminates the Kona’s cupholder and footwells.

The Kona N interior is highlighted by a digital instrument cluster with an exclusive
racing display that looks like it could be from a video game (and offering N or Sport driving modes). The New Kona N also has N-specific sport seats (with blue accents), a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped shift knob.

With its stretched hood and bold new cladding, the 2022 Hyundai Kona looks a tad more polished than the original. There’s a Hyundai logo now mounted above the grille, and the headlights are separated from the daytime running lights.

The slightly longer body has less of a truncated look, so we think it has better proportions. Silver plastic cladding is used to simulate protective underbody skidplates front and rear.

It’s easy to spot the new Kona N. Look for the body-colored fenders, the 19-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli PZero tires, and a new Sonic Blue color, which is a derivative of the Performance Blue we first admired on the original Hyundai Veloster N. The new 2022 Hyundai Kona N also is fitted with a double-wing roof spoiler that houses a brake light while also enhancing downforce.

KONA N
The Kona N is the first N-branded Hyundai SUV. This crossover has the spirit and performance of a hot hatch with the versatility of an SUV. It excites with its lively 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, aerodynamic body kit, sport-tuned steering and suspension, and the delightful “N Grin Shift” button that temporarily boosts power (to 286 hp) like you’re in a video game.

10.25-INCH DIGITAL SCREENS
The new Kona is available with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch navigation screen that appears to “float” on the center stack while offering multiple connectivity features. This includes Dynamic Voice Recognition, which allows the driver to control the air conditioning, radio station, and even the heat for the steering wheel.

As an SE model, the 2022 Kona is equipped with a cloth interior, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, an 8.0-inch audio touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, cruise control, a tilt/telescope steering wheel, and a forward-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona SEL ups that content quotient with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated mirrors, rear privacy glass, Sirius satellite radio, and a more thorough safety suite that includes a blind-spot monitor and a rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking.

With the Kona N Line, you get the 1.6-liter turbo engine with 195 horsepower and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Other tasty morsels include heated front sport seats, 10.25-inch digital gauges, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic climate control, an 8-way power driver’s seat, and wireless smartphone charging.

The Kona Limited gets the same sporty powertrain as the N Line, but it’s decked out with leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, dual 10.25-inch digital screens, ambient interior lighting, rear USB ports, and an 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

The highest-performance variant of this SUV is the Kona N, which is Hyundai’s first-ever N-branded crossover. On top of performance upgrades like a 2.0-liter turbo engine and sport-tuned steering and suspension, it has an aerodynamic body kit, N mode, and an 8-speed DCT transmission. The big brakes, seats, steering wheel, shift knob, and pedals are all unique to the Kona N.

All 2022 Hyundai Kona models have an excellent powertrain warranty, which lasts 10 years or 100,000 miles.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona SEL is available with a black roof and a Convenience Package that includes a sunroof, dark gray cladding, the Hyundai Digital Key, a wireless smartphone charger, automatic climate control, and heated front seats.

On the new Kona N Line, you can order an extensive Tech Package. In addition to adaptive cruise control (with stop & go), a sunroof, and a premium Hardon Kardon audio system, it comes with a 10.25-inch navigation screen, Hyundai Highway Driving Assist, an electronic parking brake, LED headlights, LED taillights, and high-beam assist.

Other optional items on the 2022 Hyundai Kona include a sunroof, heated front seats, LED headlights, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Additionally, all-wheel drive is optional on all gasoline-powered 2022 Konas except the Kona N.

The Kona N doesn’t have any conventional options, but roof cross rails, mudflaps, and carpeted floor mats featuring the letter N can be installed at the port.

With the 2022 Kona SE and Kona SEL, Hyundai uses a direct-injected 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. That power reaches the Kona wheels via a new continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that replaces last year’s conventional 6-speed automatic. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.

The Kona N Line and Limited models get the turbo 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, which has been modified to produce 195 horsepower this year, up from 175. Hyundai said this big jump in power was made possible by a new technology that allows for better control of the engine’s valves. This 1.6 teams with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to provide the Kona with snappy acceleration.

Finally, the sporty Kona N is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4. It powers the front wheels via a paddle-shifted 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronic limited-slip differential. This powerplant, which emits sporty pops during deceleration, has a temporary overboost function that allows it to produce 286 horsepower for short periods.

2.0-liter inline-4 (Kona SE and SEL)
147 horsepower @ 6,200 rpm
132 lb-ft of torque @ 4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 30/35 mpg (FWD), 28/33 mpg (AWD)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Kona N Line and Limited)
195 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/35 mpg (FWD) 27/32 (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (Kona N)
276 horsepower @ 5,500-6,000 rpm
289 lb-ft of torque @ 2,100-4,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg