2022 Hyundai Kona: Whimsical crossover receives N-line trim, updated styling and new comfort functions


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After months of joking and speculating, the 2022 Hyundai Kona has finally arrived. The latest Kona features a major styling update spread across the range, including the quirky Kona Electric. There is also a sportier N Line version, which is equipped with a 195 hp four-cylinder with a turbocharger.

“For 2022, Kona and Kona Electric have been redesigned with new safety and comfort features that will ensure they continue to be high on the SUV buyers list,” said Olabisi Boyle, vice president of product planning and mobility strategy at Hyundai Motor North America.

When the Kona arrived in the US in 2018, we didn’t know what to make of it. But over time, we learned to soften the Kona’s polarizing face. Plus, anyone who started the trend of relocating the headlights and daytime running lights in a modern car deserves a pat in the back (we see you, Nissan and Mitsubishi). Looking very unusual, yes. But at least you can’t blame the Kona for being boring.

2022 Hyundai Kona overview

Exterior design

The 2022 Hyundai Kona has a slightly longer hood with more muscular lines. It also gets bolder plastic trims and fender flares that wrap around the front bumper. At the rear, the new Kona gets redesigned taillights and a new rear bumper similar to the front. All in all, the 2022 Kona has a more rugged and upscale feel than the outgoing model. It’s also 1.6 inches longer than the old Kona, which frees up more legroom and cargo space while maintaining the compact footprint.

Melvyn Bautista, Assistant Product Planning Manager at Hyundai Motor North America, describes the design of the new Kona. Click play to listen.

Interior technology

Inside, the 2022 Kona features a new center console with an available 10.25-inch infotainment display. It now has voice control for the HVAC and multimedia systems. Wireless Ple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while Bluetooth connections for multiple smartphones and Hyundai’s digital key are part of the package. A 10.25-inch digital cluster is now on the list of optional extras.

Engine & powertrain

The new Hyundai Kona is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder Atkinson cycle gas engine that develops 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Torque connected to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Models with higher equipment receive a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder with 195 hp and 195 lb-ft. of the torque, with the latter already arriving from 1,500 rpm. Instead of a CVT, this powerful engine has a sportier and more responsive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Equipment variants & packages

In addition to the N line, the 2022 Hyundai Kona gasoline engine will be offered in three other equipment variants. Here’s a quick look at each:

I KNOW

This entry-level equipment rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and includes an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Ple CarPlay and Android Auto. The safety features include the forward collision avoidance assistant, the lane following assistant and the rear occupant alarm as part of the standard Hyundai SmartSense Package.

CELL

Hyundai calls this the “value-based” model. The SEL includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a push-button start and other standard safety functions. SEL models also have the option of a black two-tone roof and a comfort package that includes automatic climate control, heated front seats, wireless charging and a sunroof.

Limited

At the top of the mountain is the Kona Limited. This equipment variant includes 18-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, a 10.25-inch navigation system and a digital cluster as well as ambient lighting.

2022 Hyundai Kona Limited.2022 Hyundai Kona Limited. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

2022 Hyundai Kona N-Line: Now it’s getting serious

The latest Hyundai Kona N Line is not a full-blown N model. You can think of this as a current BMW M340i instead of a B3-M3 or M4. Regardless, the Kona N Line offers more for the money. It has the same 1.6-liter turbo engine as the top-of-the-line Kona, which produces 195 horsepower and tons of low-end torque. European models get all-wheel drive, but all Kona N Line models get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

365 sports cars you have to drive

In terms of style, the Kona N Line has a body-colored fairing, a sportier front bumper and a new design of the underrun protection plate with integrated aero fins. The front grille has a unique mesh design, while the Hyundai ‘H’ logo is now in the grille. It also gets custom 18-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear diffuser, and dual exhaust tips.

As expected, the interior gets a row of red stitching to highlight the Kona N Line’s sportier intent. You will also find N logos on the seat headrests, gear lever and steering wheel.

2022 Hyundai Kona N Line.2022 Hyundai Kona N Line. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric: A Proven Formula?

We like the Hyundai Kona Electric. We think it looks better than a regular Kona, and the price tag is enough to convince hardcore gasoline lovers to forge the electric route. The new Kona Electric inherits the updated face of the regular Kona, but with body-colored fender flares and a deleted front grille that gives the impression of wearing a face mask. How current.

For 2022, Hyundai will keep the same powertrain as last year Kona Electric. It still has a single permanent magnet electric motor that makes 201 horsepower and 290 lb-ft. of the torque. It also has the same liquid-cooled 64 kWh lithium-ion battery as before.

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric.2022 Hyundai Kona Electric. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

Driving range & loading times

The outgoing Kona Electric offered an EPA estimated range of 258 miles and a combined rating of 120 MPGe. With the same powertrain and battery pack, we expect similar numbers for the 2022 Kona Electric.

The charging specifications are no different from the old Kona Electric. The 2022 model has a standard 7.2 kW level 2 charger that can refill the batteries from 10 percent to full charge in nine hours. However, if you have access to a DC quick charger, you can juice the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 47 minutes.

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric interior.2022 Hyundai Kona Electric interior. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.

Hyundai Kona warranty

Every new Kona is warranted for 10 years / 100,000 miles for the powertrain, five years / 60,000 miles for new vehicles and a seven year warranty against perforation. Complimentary maintenance, including oil changes and tire rotations, lasts for three years or 36,000 miles. The Kona Electric has an additional 10 year / 100,000 mile warranty. If you have any questions about extending your Hyundai warranty, click here comprehensive guide shows you the right direction.

2022 Hyundai Kona prices and availability

Hyundai Kona 2022 range prices will be announced shortly. The Hyundai Kona is an affordable vehicle overall, however, and we don’t expect a huge jump in price for the 2022 model. And depending on factory incentives, you may be able to save a little more. This free and easy search tool* shows you which dealers in your area offer the best price. Expect the new Kona to hit US showrooms this spring.

Alvin Reyes is a columnist for Automoblog and an expert on sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aviation, and accounting in his younger years and is still very fond of his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also enjoys fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

2022 Hyundai Kona Gallery

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Gallery

Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.

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