Hyundai's designers managed the tough task of bringing the charm of the Kona's exterior design to the cabin while maintaining comfort and convenience. Quality materials, good ergonomics, and comfortable seats feel grown up and refined but not out of step with the Kona's funkadelic outward appearance.
The top two trims employ a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine linked to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Output is 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. Again, front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard and all-wheel drive (AWD) is on the options list.
The lower three trims have a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine making 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The basic setup is that drive goes to the front wheels through a CVT transmission. All-wheel drive is optional.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona comes in SE, SEL, N Line and Limited trim levels. All-wheel drive is available at every trim level. The SE is well equipped with 16-in alloy wheels, hill-start assist, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, driver attention warning, six airbags, power windows/door locks/side mirrors, LED daytime running lights, air conditioning, 60/40 split/fold rear seat, Bluetooth connectivity, three USB ports, an 8-in infotainment touchscreen, audio system with 6 speakers, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, dual-level cargo floor and a cargo cover.
SEL trim level adds 17-in alloy wheels, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, keyless entry/ignition, rear privacy glass, heated outboard mirrors with turn signal indicators, and illuminated vanity mirrors.
Limited trim level has leather seating surfaces, 18-in alloy wheels, LED headlights, automatic climate control, a power sunroof a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless device charging and heated front seats
The N Line is the newest trim on the Kona with sport pedals, a 10.25 configurable instrument gauge cluster, and a leather steering wheel.
The Hyundai Kona rolls into 2023 with minimal changes.
The Hyundai Kona competes with other ultra-compact SUVs and crossovers, such as the Toyota C-HR and the Honda HRV. With a base price comfortably in the 21-29k range (gas only), the Kona offers far more style than is normally offered in the class, while also leading the way in technology with tons of safety and convenience options to offer.
