2022 Hyundai Kona N in Phantom Black
2022 Hyundai Kona N
Class: Subcompact Crossover
Miles pushed: 243
Gas Used: 11.0 gallons
CG Report Card
Room and ComfortB-
Energy and PerformanceA
Match and FinishB
Gas EconomyB-
ValueB+
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the whole mannequin lineup.
Large & Tall Consolation
Large GuyB+
Tall GuyB+
Large & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs276-horsepower 2.0-liter
Engine TypeTurbocharged 4
Transmission 8-speed automated
Drive WheelsFront-wheel drive
Actual-world gas financial system: 20.3 mpg
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas financial system: 20/27/23 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)
Gas kind: Premium fuel
Base worth: $34,200 (not together with $1225 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: None
Worth as examined: $35,445
Fast Hits
The good: Nice steering really feel, athletic demeanor, a number of enjoyable to drive
The nice: Purposeful package deal, relative simple on the fuel, affordable worth given the efficiency
The not so good: Extraordinarily agency experience, by no means feels relaxed, fatiguing on lengthy freeway drives
John Biel:
Evidently Hyundai’s resolution for packing a number of efficiency right into a subcompact SUV that it may nonetheless promote for $35,445 (with supply) to begin is to carry the road on luxurious. The Kona N comes with a meaty leather-wrapped N steering wheel and seats with microfiber inserts that assist to offer passengers just a little higher likelihood at staying in place throughout lateral hijinks. There’s brilliant pedal trim, too. Nevertheless, nearly all of the cabin isn’t any much less low-buck plain than tamer Konas which are in themselves good offers.
2022 Hyundai Kona N
The Kona N is able to fly with its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. There’s truly nothing menacing concerning the powerteam in “Consolation” mode; it’s pretty docile round city. Choosing “Sport” noticeably adjustments the aural panorama and perks up launches. The crimson “N Grin Shift” button on the steering wheel is presupposed to unlock an additional 10 horsepower—to 286—for 20 seconds. It didn’t precisely make this driver grin ear to ear when he pushed it however the tachometer made it clear the check automobile was working in the next (and louder) rpm vary than earlier than. Indicated gas mileage on the finish of a 61-mile stint was 22.5 mpg. That’s 0.5 mpg shy of the EPA’s combined-mileage estimate for the Kona N, and never dangerous contemplating 69 p.c of this reviewer’s miles have been in city-type driving,
Experience is agency, even in Consolation mode, and near arduous in Sport. There’s added firmness to the properly weighted steering when choosing Sport, too. The front-wheel-drive N appears to take pleasure in being pushed by means of fast corners, which it may do with out a lot lean. Braking from the enlarged 4-wheel discs is great.
Check Drive Gallery: 2022 Audi RS3
2022 Hyundai Kona N
As in any Kona, passengers take pleasure in shocking roominess—there’s professional house for 4 “average-size” adults. Storage for his or her private gadgets comes from a good-sized glove field, small-capacity console field, a internet pouch on the again of the entrance passenger seat, modest map pockets in all 4 doorways, and cup holders within the console and the pull-down rear armrest. Normal-issue Hyundai infotainment and climate-control programs are simple to make use of. Fold the 60/40-split second-row seats and 19.2 cubic toes of cargo space grows to 45.8 cubic toes.
Tom Appel:
Again once I was in my mid twenties, I lived about quarter-hour from my job. My commute included a fast freeway dash that demanded driver consideration, and loads of engagement, as I used to be at all times operating late. Often very late. I point out this as a result of my loyal and responsive Volkswagen Scirocco was at all times being pushed arduous. Trying again, it appears potential I subconsciously needed to run late, giving me pretext for driving like a man who was—properly—operating late for work.
2022 Hyundai Kona N
I’m outdated now, and undecided I’d take pleasure in each day fiery sprints to the workplace. Extra possible, I’d simply permit myself just a little extra time and make amends for one of many half dozen podcasts I attempt to sustain with.
The Kona N jogged my memory of my mighty ’85 Scirocco. Not as a result of the Scirocco was quick—it wasn’t—however as a result of the Kona is partaking in all the suitable methods, although it calls for loads in return, and I’m now not keen to make such compromises.
You possibly can learn much more about what the Kona N is all about right here, however let me recap my time within the automobile. Sure there’s loads of energy, and sure there’s loads of lateral grip, however the two issues that basically make an aggressive commute extra enjoyable are steering really feel and efficient, firm-feeling brakes, and the Kona N has each in spades.
2022 Detroit Auto Present: 2024 Ford Mustang
2022 Hyundai Kona N
My major concern with this small crossover is with experience high quality—and “high quality” could also be a misnomer right here. Even in Consolation, the mildest of the Kona’s obtainable drive modes, the automobiles kilos over highway imperfections and registers each floor irregularity. Twenty-something me would have described the crude experience as “highway really feel,” now I simply discover it fatiguing.
Moreover, the exhaust be aware is on the intense facet, and loads of highway noise filters into the cabin. However once more, these are affordable compromises made within the title of enjoyable–no less than to the suitable driver. I totally loved my time within the Kona N, and was additionally glad to swap into one other automobile when my flip ended. My commute is simply too lengthy, and I bought just a little too center aged.
However man, in case you’re nonetheless within the temper for an aggressive dash to the workplace—or Greatest Purchase, or Starbucks—the Kona N will reward you with loads of edgy snark. Simply don’t get too outdated when you personal the ‘N, as a result of there’s no drive mode for cranky.
Check Drive: 2022 Toyota GR86
2022 Hyundai Kona N
Hearken to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2022 Hyundai Kona N Gallery
Click on under for enlarged photos.
Monitor Day: 2022 Hyundai Elantra N and Kona N
Automotive Stuff Podcast
