2022 Hyundai Kona

　　

2022 Hyundai Kona Review

byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　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.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Hyundai Kona SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$119/mo  for Kona SE

　　Kona SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $21,300 MSRPSE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $22,800 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) - $23,100 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $24,600 MSRPN Line 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $25,850 MSRPN Line 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $27,350 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $28,600 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 7AM) - $30,100 MSRPN 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM) - $34,200 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　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.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Kona drive? The Kona is a sporty subcompact SUV with snappy acceleration and playful handling. In zzdcar' testing of a Kona with the turbocharged engine, we measured 0-60 mph in just 7.2 seconds, very quick time for this class of car. Hyundai has also made incremental improvements over the years to the dual-clutch automatic transmission that's paired with the turbocharged engine. It's simply one of the better transmissions in the class. But there is the occasional hesitation when pulling away from a stop.

　　Around turns, the Kona is surprisingly composed and grippy. The steering doesn't give you much feel for the road, but on the whole this is an enjoyable little SUV to drive. The brakes bring the Kona to stop smoothly in town and provide average emergency-braking power.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Kona? The Kona rides a bit stiffer than competitors, and that makes this little Hyundai feel a bit busy over rough pavement. But overall it's a worthwhile trade-off to get the car's tight handling. Road noise is a bit intrusive, but that's not uncommon for the class. Overall, the Kona is pretty quiet.

　　The Kona's front seats are supportive and have plenty of adjustability, but they lack side bolsters for extra comfort. Our N-Line test car came with grippy cloth upholstery that looked sharp and offered decent breathability over long distances. The back seats are flat and broad but not too upright. The climate control is a simple two-knob system that doesn't require the touchscreen to operate. The seat heaters in our test vehicle worked promptly on cold mornings.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below