The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that stands out with its bold exterior styling and sporty design, and for its driving habits.
For the 2022 model year, the Kona received a makeover. It’s now longer than before, has new unique wheels, and newly designed taillights. The latest Hyundai Kona comes in five different trim levels.
The Kona SE
The SE is the entry-level Hyundai Kona. It starts the lineup with 16-inch wheels and gets its power from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gas engine. Front-wheel drive comes standard, but all-wheel drive is an option if you drive in areas where you might need extra traction. An 8-inch touch screen supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and this base trim has forward collision warning and automatic braking.
The Kona SEL
The additional safety systems are the most significant difference between the SE and the SEL. The SEL adds a blind-spot avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit warning system that alerts passengers when traffic is approaching from the rear before they open a door.
The SEL has extra convenience features too. It adds push-button start and Hyundai’s Blue Link system.
The Kona N Line
The Kona N Line has a lot going for it, including stepping up the power with a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder under the hood. This engine generates 195 horsepower and works with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The N Line dresses up the exterior with upgraded finish for the grille and molding and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, you’ll find a 10.25-inch touch screen, N Line exclusive seat trim, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. If you add the optional Tech Package, your N Line will have a power sunroof, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, and LED exterior lighting.
The Kona Limited
Choose the Limited, and you’ll still get the turbo engine, but this Hyundai Kona upgrades the cabin with leather upholstery and ambient interior lighting. It also comes with rain-sensing windshield wipers and adds rear USB ports. Added safety features include adaptive cruise control, highway driving assist, and a reverse parking distance warning system.
The Kona N
You can’t beat the power of the Kona N. This model uses a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 276 horsepower and upgrades to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Paddle shifters add to the driving experience. Inside, the microsuede upholstery has a sporty feel, which is further emphasized with the aggressively bolstered sport seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The Kona N is the only model to have launch control with an overboost function. Push the button and you’ll get 286 horsepower for just a few seconds, but it’s a thrill. In front of the driver, there’s a digital instrument cluster that looks just like the ones you use in a racing video game.
This breakdown of the Hyundai Kona trims should help you determine which one you need. Make sure to take one out for a test drive soon and get a feel for what this compact SUV can do.
