Hyundai Kona N 2022 Review

The 2022 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that offers a lot for its accessible price. For the 2022 model year, the Kona receives its first major makeover since its 2018 debut. From the outside, it's sharper and sleeker than its predecessors, and a new N Line trim adds a distinctly sporty look. The interior changes are more subtle, with a reworked center stack (where the dashboard meets the center console) and new materials and ambient lighting.

For 2022, a larger 8-inch touchscreen comes standard as does wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Other technology upgrades for the new model year include an available digital instrument panel and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen and additional connectivity features for the Hyundai Blue Link system. Advanced safety and driver assistant features have also been updated, with the most notable being adaptive cruise control that can bring the Kona to a complete stop, lane keeping assist and rear automatic braking.

Changes to the core lineup are all well and good — after all, those enhancements are what the majority of buyers will enjoy. But what if you want better performance to go along with the sportier look? That's where the new Kona N comes in. Fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque — it's the same engine Hyundai uses for its Veloster N and new Elantra N — and other upgrades including a sport-tuned suspension and brakes, the 2022 Kona N is impressively fun to drive.

Overall, the Kona is one of the best extra-small SUVs out for 2022. Learn more about its performance, comfort and more by reading our test team's Expert Rating.

Which Kona does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Hyundai Kona is an extra-small crossover SUV available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, Limited and N. The SE is decently equipped, while the SEL and Limited come with more convenience and luxury-oriented features. For a sportier Kona, look to the N Line or Kona N. Feature highlights for each include:

The SE and SEL models are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 horsepower, 132 lb-ft of torque) that is paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (or CVT). The N Line and Limited use a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine (195 hp, 195 lb-ft) mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The new Kona N is the only model driven by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (276 hp and 289 lb-ft, can temporarily boost to 286 hp) and an eight-speed dual-clutch. Front-wheel drive is standard, with all-wheel drive optional for all models except the Kona N.

SE The entry-level Kona SE starts you off with:

• 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (147 horsepower, 132 lb-ft)
• Continuously variable automatic transmission
• Standard front-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive
• 16-inch alloy wheels
• Height-adjustable driver's seat
• 8-inch touchscreen
• Six-speaker audio system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration

Every Kona also comes with:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane departure mitigation (warns you of a lane departure when a turn signal isn't used and can automatically steer to maintain lane position)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)

SEL The SEL adds a few safety and convenience features, including:

• 17-inch wheels
• Remote engine start
• Heated mirrors
• Roof rails
• Tinted rear windows
• Keyless entry and ignition
• HD and satellite radio
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while in reverse)

Unlike the SE, the SEL offers an equipment package for buyers who want more features:

• Convenience package
• Sunroof
• Automatic climate control
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Wireless charging pad

N Line The N Line is the sport-themed trim. It starts with SEL content and adds:

• Turbocharged 1.6-liter engine (195 hp, 195 lb-ft)
• Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
• Contents of Convenience package (minus sunroof)
• Unique 18-inch wheels
• Restyled bumpers and grille
• 10.25-inch digital instrument panel
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Upgraded cloth upholstery

The Kona N Line is also available with an options package.

• Tech package
• LED headlights and taillights
• Sunroof
• Eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• 10.25-inch touchscreen
• Navigation system
• Wired-only Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Hyundai and the car in front)

Limited The Limited also builds off the SEL, and like the N Line, it includes the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine and dual-clutch automatic. Also on deck are:

• Convenience package
• Tech package
• 18-inch wheels
• Automatic wipers
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Upgraded interior plastic trim
• Power-adjustable driver's seat with adjustable lumbar support
• Leather upholstery
• Rear USB ports
• Adaptive cruise control (can also react to traffic signs and set speed)
• Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking)

N While the N Line has sporting pretensions, the Kona N is the true performance trim in the Kona lineup. It starts with Limited content and adds:

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine (276 hp and 289 lb-ft, can temporarily boost to 286 hp)
• Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
• Front-wheel drive only
• Tech package, minus the sunroof and adaptive cruise control
• 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires
• Upgraded brakes
• Variable sport exhaust
• Electronic limited-slip differential (helps maximize available traction during hard acceleration)
• Aerodynamic body kit
• Larger rear spoiler
• Selectable driving modes
• Upgraded interior plastic trim
• Adjustable lumbar support for driver's seat
• Leather upholstery with suede inserts
• Sport seats with extra bolstering
• Blue interior accents