Looking for a small crossover that’s fun to drive? Consider adding the 2023 Hyundai KONA to your shopping list. This subcompact SUV is an excellent all-rounder that offers a great blend of performance, comfort, and practicality. Despite its affordable price, it comes with plenty of tech and safety features, making it a fantastic value proposition. Additionally, the crossover is available in gasoline-powered and all-electric versions to cater to different needs and preferences. Let’s take a closer look at the 2023 Hyundai KONA to determine whether it’s the right vehicle for you.
Trim Levels and Prices
For the 2023 model year, the Hyundai KONA comes in five trim levels: the base SE, SEL, the sporty N Line, Limited, and the top-spec N. The SE has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $22,140, while the Limited costs at least $28,950. If you opt for the performance-oriented N, be prepared to fork out $34,950 or more. Available in SE, SEL, and Limited trims, the KONA Electric starts at $33,550.
Power
The power output of the 2023 Hyundai KONA varies depending on which engine you choose. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and pairs with a continuously variable transmission. This setup is more than adequate for everyday driving, but it isn’t especially powerful.
If you want a more engaging driving experience, go for the N Line or Limited, which use a 1.6-liter turbo-four that serves up 195 horsepower. Mated to a dual-clutch seven-speed automatic transmission, this engine propels the small crossover from zero to 60 mph in a mere 7.3 seconds.
The most potent power plant in the lineup is found under the hood of the performance-oriented N. This is a 2.0-liter turbo-four unit that works with a dual-clutch eight-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 276 horsepower, it cuts the KONA’s sprint time to an incredible 5.1 seconds, making it one of the fastest models in its segment.
The KONA Electric is equipped with a 150 kW motor and a 64 kWh battery that combine to generate 201 horsepower. Although it isn’t a high-performance electric vehicle, it’s capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in just 6 seconds.
Handling
Regardless of engine choice, you can count on the new Hyundai KONA to provide a confident and enjoyable driving experience in all kinds of situations. This crossover is ideal for urban commuting, as it’s easy to maneuver in confined spaces such as crowded streets and parking lots. It also soaks up bumps and potholes with ease, giving you a smooth and comfortable ride.
When it’s time to hit the open road, the KONA doesn’t disappoint either. Thanks to its surefooted and agile handling, it demonstrates excellent composure and stability at high speeds and around turns. It also has strong brakes that offer reassuring stopping power.
Fuel Economy
Among the Hyundai KONA’s gas engines, the base four-cylinder unit is the most fuel-efficient, returning an outstanding 30/35 mpg (city/highway). Upgrading to the smaller turbo-four causes the rating to drop slightly to 29/35 mpg, which is impressive for a turbocharged SUV. If you opt for the N, you’ll get only 20/27 mpg.
The KONA Electric is undoubtedly the best choice if you want to save money on fuel. It delivers a whopping 134/106 mpg-equivalent and a driving range of 258 miles on a full charge.
Interior
The interior of the Hyundai KONA punches above its price point. It impresses with its modern and tech-centric design, solid fit and finish, and abundance of quality materials. Up to five people can sit in this Hyundai model. The front seats are extremely comfortable and provide a generous 41.5 inches of legroom, which is enough to accommodate even tall adults. The crossover comes standard with remote keyless entry, but you can get features such as automatic climate control, push-button start, proximity keyless entry, and ambient LED lighting.
Cargo Capacity
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Hyundai KONA is about average in its class. It offers 19.2 cubic feet of storage space with its rear seats upright and a maximum capacity of 45.8 cubic feet if you fold them down. That’s enough to hold more than a dozen carry-on suitcases. Furthermore, the cargo area has a wide opening and a low lift-over height, making it easy to load and unload bulky and heavy items.
Infotainment Features
Another appealing aspect of the 2023 Hyundai KONA is its intuitive infotainment system, which has a straightforward menu and crystal-clear graphics. The entry-level model is fitted with an 8-inch touch-screen display, three USB ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a six-speaker sound system. If you want a better in-vehicle experience, you can get upgrades such as a 10.25-inch touch-screen display with wired smartphone connectivity, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, voice recognition, navigation, a wireless device charger, HD radio, satellite radio, Hyundai’s BlueLink telematics system, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
Driver-Assistance Features
Similar to other new Hyundai vehicles, the KONA boasts a long list of driver-assistance technologies to make driving easier and safer. It comes standard with pedestrian monitoring, blind-spot detection, forward automated emergency braking, forward collision alert, driver-attention monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, lane departure alert, rear cross-traffic warning, a rearview camera, and rear-seat alert. For enhanced protection, you can get optional driver aids such as stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, cyclist monitoring, high-beam assistance, rear parking sensors, and vehicle-exit warning.
Warranty
Do you know that the 2023 Hyundai KONA offers the best warranty in the automotive industry? This crossover comes with a five-year or 60,000-mile limited warranty and a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is the reason why recent KONA models are among the most sought-after used vehicles on the market.
Test-Drive the 2023 Hyundai KONA Today
If you’re planning to purchase a crossover in McKinney, Texas, come to Huffines Hyundai McKinney to check out the 2023 Hyundai KONA. Regardless of your trim and color preferences, our dealership can help you drive home a KONA model that satisfies you in every way. Additionally, we offer competitive prices and awesome discounts to ensure you’ll get the best possible deal. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.