Used 2023 Hyundai Kona

Let’s assume that people looking to buy a good, reasonably priced, new subcompact SUV have already worked out how much rear space they’re going to need for passengers and cargo. And the answer is “not much.”

They have probably decided to get something that’s easy on gas as well. And a good runabout around town. Ta-da, here’s the 2023 Kona. The lineup stretches from economical to energetic, with higher trim levels diverging in either a sporty or a more luxurious direction.

The all-electric Hyundai Kona Electric (with 258 miles of range) is reviewed separately.

People new to the whole driving thing could climb into the SE or SEL versions of the 2023 Kona and be happy with their modest 147 horsepower and decent fuel economy. This setup is hardly thrilling, but not many thrill-seekers put a budget-priced subcompact SUV at the top of their must-have list.

Some enthusiasts seeking pace and poise with a dash of practicality, however, could find the 276-horsepower Kona N intriguing. It’s built for back-road blasts, not freeway comfort. But if a 300-plus-horsepower Honda Civic Type R is seen as excessive, give the Kona N a test drive.

Sitting between these two extremes is the 195-horsepower turbocharged engine found in the N Line and Limited variants. Spicy, but not too fierce. And not too thirsty, either.

The cabin of the 2023 Kona is roomy enough for average-sized adults up front. But this is a subcompact SUV, so generous rear legroom isn’t really expected.

The two lower trims have an 8-inch infotainment screen. This is replaced by a 10.25-inch item in the top three variants. A general over-reliance on low-grade plastics is a bit disappointing, though.

The Kona N Line comes with sport seats and contrasting red stitching that also extends to the dashboard, steering wheel, and shift knob. The even sportier Kona N (not to be confused with the N Line) has its own interior design touches, like blue stitching on its well-bolstered front seats.

Behind the rear seats is a luggage area of 19.2 cubic feet. These seats fold flat to create a maximum cargo volume of 45.8 cubic feet. That doesn’t compare so well to the new 2023 Honda HR-V, which enjoys between 24.4 and 55.1 cubic feet.

There’s a lot going on with the Kona’s exterior design — shapes and lines going this way and that, without any apparent theme to unite them all. Nevertheless, some of our editors rank it among the best-looking subcompact SUVs.

The SE model starts out with 16-inch alloy wheels. These are replaced by 17-inch rims on the SEL, going up to 19-inch alloys of exclusive design on the N. The SEL offers the option of a black roof, as long as there isn’t a sunroof.

1. All-wheel drive
This is optional in most 2023 Kona variants, providing optimum grip and traction in the wet and dry. It also means that Hyundai fits a multi-link rear suspension, improving the ride quality into the bargain.

2. Hyundai Bluelink
A free 3-year subscription to these connected services includes automatic collision notification, roadside assistance, remote start/climate settings, stolen vehicle location/slowdown, and panic notification. Offered in the SEL trim and up.

3. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Cable-free smartphone integration is standard in the two lower trims with the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. Irritatingly, it’s not available with the 10.25-inch display in the higher trims. But wired Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is still included.

4. SEL Convenience package
Worth spending $2,400 for extras that include an upgraded infotainment system with wireless charging, heated front seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a hidden storage compartment in the cargo area.

5. Digital driver information display
A 10.25-inch instrument cluster goes into both the sporty-looking Kona N Line and the actually sporty Kona N. It can be configured to show various types of information.

6. Kona N
The only Kona to come with the combination of front-wheel drive and a multi-link rear suspension, this one’s tuned for agility. The N is the most powerful Kona, and a fantastic little driving machine.

SE and SEL versions of the 2023 Kona subcompact SUV have a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This connects to an automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard, all-wheel drive (AWD) is optional.

A perkier turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine propels the N Line and Limited trim with 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Once again, front-wheel drive can be replaced by an optional all-wheel drive system. But there’s a different transmission in these vehicles, a 7-speed automated unit. It’s known technically as a dual-clutch setup — quicker-shifting and more efficient than a traditional automatic — but the driver only has to deal with the usual two pedals.

Front-wheel drive is the sole configuration for the sportiest Kona, the N. This machine employs a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine developing 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque. An overboost function adds 10 horsepower temporarily.

An 8-speed dual-clutch automated transmission is fitted here, along with shift paddles mounted beneath the steering wheel.

The Kona N requires premium gasoline, the rest are okay with regular. All Hyundai powertrains carry a warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

2.0-liter 4-cylinder (SE, 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 4-cylinder (N Line, Limited)
195 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
195 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/35 mpg (FWD), 27/32 mpg (AWD)

2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (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