Summary
Whether you call it a low-riding SUV or a tall hatchback, the tiny 2023 Hyundai Kona is a vehicle that's both practical and fun to drive, making it one of our favorites. The entry-level engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes just 147 horsepower, but the optional turbocharged engine provides a spicy kick that better matches the Kona's nimble handling. Like other Hyundai models, the Kona comes with plenty of standard features—including driver assistance and infotainment technology—at a reasonable price. More than reasonable, actually. Considering competitors like the Kia Seltos and Volkswagen Taos cost thousands more to start, you might find it easy to justify spending the money on a higher-trim Kona model even if you're on a tight budget. The Kona may not have as much passenger or cargo space as some of its larger competitors, but when it comes to driving pleasure, it's a handsome, funky bundle of joy—no matter whether you think it's a car or an SUV.
The Kona gets more standard driver assistance features in 2023, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Hyundai's safe exit warning system, which watches for approaching cars or bikes to warn the driver and passengers when exiting the vehicle. The N-Line model's optional Technology Package has been removed and its contents have been made standard or no longer available on that trim. For example, the N-Line now gets a sunroof and a larger 10.3-inch infotainment as standard, but the Harman/Kardon stereo and adaptive cruise control are now exclusive to the top-spec Limited trim.
If it were our money, we'd go with the nearly loaded Limited model, as it offers nearly all of the most sought-after equipment without being too expensive. Standard equipment includes a sunroof, automatic climate control, fog lights, leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. Going with the Limited also gives us the same burly turbocharged four-cylinder engine that the N-Line trim has.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Two powertrains are available with the Kona: SE and SEL models come with a 147-hp four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup could use a large cup of caffeine; in our testing, the all-wheel-drive SEL model needed 9.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. Limited and N-Line models are powered by a much more powerful 195 hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic that hit 60 mph in 7.3 seconds in our testing. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic shifts quickly and smoothly once you're moving, but it stumbles at low speeds in parking lots and bumper-to-bumper traffic, engaging and disengaging first gear hesitantly until the driver provides more throttle input. The Kona delivers nimble handling and surprising fun. This doesn't mean a tough ride on a bumpy road; in fact, the suspension offers just the opposite, absorbing bumps and providing passengers with a cabin that is well isolated from road surface imperfections. The steering is perhaps the Kona's biggest dynamic weakness: It's uncommunicative, although it feels heavy, requiring frequent corrections when cruising on the highway.
In this class of fuel-efficient mini-SUVs, Kona's EPA ratings are good but only average among its competitors. Nonetheless, the Kona impressed us during real-world testing, outperforming most of its competitors. The most efficient version is the base model with front-wheel drive, which is rated at 30 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. Turbocharged models are rated up to 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive; Add all-wheel drive and those numbers drop to 27 mpg city and 32 mpg highway. In our testing, the turbo all-wheel-drive model returned 32 mpg in a 75-mph highway fuel economy test; We also managed 33 mpg with the base four-cylinder. For more information on the Kona's fuel economy, visit the EPA website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Hyundai designers succeeded in carrying out the difficult task of bringing the charm of the Kona's exterior design into the cabin while maintaining comfort and convenience. Quality materials, good ergonomics, and comfortable seats feel grown-up and refined but don't lose out on the Kona's funkadelic exterior. The steering wheel is wrapped in fine-grain leather with contrast stitching and offers integrated controls for cruise control and audio settings. Those upgrading from a hatchback or compact sedan will find the Kona's cargo space perfectly acceptable, but buyers downsizing from a larger SUV will likely find it to be a struggle. The Kona narrowly beat the Mazda CX-3 in our test to see how much carry-on luggage it can hold. The Kona managed to accommodate 14 of our carry-on suitcases—two more than the CX-3 but eight fewer than the Honda HR-V.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Perched atop the Kona's dash is a touchscreen infotainment system flanked by simple shortcut buttons that let you switch between common menus with ease. We found the system to be intuitive in operation yet relaxed in response to input. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard, but buyers who want a larger screen can upgrade to a 10.3-inch unit. Driving directions can be projected onto an optional head-up display that emerges from the dashboard and also shows vehicle speed and other information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities are standard, with wireless connectivity for those features available as an option.
Buyers looking for popular driver assistance features will find them in the Kona, which offers automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor as standard equipment. Other advanced features are still optional. For more information about the Kona's crash test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard automatic emergency braking
Standard lane departure warning
Adaptive cruise control is available
