Latest News
Volvo: Safety Beyond the Star Ratings
The 2022 Hyundai Kona gets a new trim, new looks and more. We break down the latest on this exciting subcompact crossover.
Making the Best Better
The Hyundai Kona is already at or near the top of its subcompact crossover segment. Excellent quality, style, and value have had it leading its class since its debut two years ago. For 2022, the Kona is getting a mid-generation refresh that includes the addition of a new N Line version, thus joining the ranks of the Elantra, Sonata, and Veloster. Hyundai released information on the European version of the Kona last month. And while the US tweaked version remains under wraps, it’s unlikely to deviate too far from its Euro cousin, probably just minus the diesel option.
2022 Hyundai Kona – hyundainews.com | Shop Hyundai Kona on Carsforsale.com
The Kona has never been short on personality, and this update doubles down on that quirkiness with updates to the front end. The wide mouth grille gets a new look, now topped with an aerodynamic upper lip. The raised eyebrow running lights remain. New faux skid plates have been added to the front and rear. The bodylines have been smoothed over, reducing the boxy quality of the original Kona. The Kona also grows in length by 1.6-inches.
Hyundai will also add five new color options for the Kona, including Drive In Jeju, Ignite Flame, Surfy Blue, Cyber Grey and Misty Jungle. All of these, along with the five existing colors, can now be optioned with a new two-tone black roof.
Get N Line
The Kona’s refreshed face is a welcomed improvement, but the real story for 2022 is the new N Line version. The current 175hp 1.6L turbo option gets an upgrade with the retuned 1.6L T-GDI “Smartstream” engine, which ups the output to 195hp. No word yet on a legit performance version of the Kona N Line, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it’s in the works for the near future.
The N Line also distinguishes itself cosmetically as it ditches exterior plastic cladding for body matching cladding, new rocker panels, small and subtle new air intakes, and an exclusive 18-inch wheel design. The skid plates also get traded out for an aero lower lip up front and a diffuser subbed in on the rear, along with a one-side double muffler.
The interior of the N Line also gets some added flourishes with red piping, metal pedals, N logos on the seats and gear selector, as well as options for leather, suede, or black cloth seats.
The Value Inside
It’s not just the N Line Kona that gets new goodies inside. Upgrades to the Kona’s interior include a new standard 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen complete with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The already enlarged screen can be upgraded further still with an optional 10.2-inch version. You can also trade out the traditional analog gauge cluster for a new 10.2-inch digital display.
Additional new amenities include heated rear seats, Last Mile Navigation and Live Parking features, and Hyundai’s suite of safety and driver assistance features known collectively as “SmartSense”. These include a new blind spot collision avoidance system, lane follow assist, a lane centering function, rear cross traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control with a stop-go function. The Kona also offers a rear seat alert and a safe exit warning system.
Making the Practical “Fun”
2022 Hyundai Kona N Line – hyundainews.com | Shop Hyundai Kona on Carsforsale.com
It appears that Hyundai is hard at work making sure the Kia Soul isn’t the only subcompact crossover in the Hyundai family with an excess of personality. The addition of the hot hatch-esque N Line version only adds to the excitement. The updated Kona will make its debut in Europe by the end of the year, with the hybrid powertrain to follow in early 2021. We expect the US version of the 2022 Hyundai Kona to follow soon thereafter.
