Home
Hyundai
Kona
Reviews
2022 Hyundai Kona N Video Review: One Of A Kind
With a potent turbocharged powertrain and impressive driving dynamics, the 2022 Kona N is a hot hatch for the modern day.
Clint Simone 
By: Clint Simone
Aug 1, 2022 at 12:00pm ET
Add Motor1.com as a preferred source in Google
- (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motor1.com%2Freviews%2F601726%2F2022-hyundai-kona-n-video-review%2F&text=2022%20Hyundai%20Kona%20N%20Video%20Review%3A%20One%20Of%20A%20Kind&via=motor1com)
- copy
Share
Comment
Verdict
8.8 / 10
I’m not sure that anyone specifically asked for the 2022 Hyundai Kona N. As enthusiasts, of course, we will gladly drive any new performance car. But a compact crossover that’s styled and tuned to try and win over the hot hatchback crowd… sure, why not?
The Kona N looks like you asked a car designer to turn an everyday SUV into a sports car, which is good because that’s exactly what it is. With extra intakes, bigger wheels, a spoiler, and massive ovular exhausts, this is an exciting thing to look at. Hyundai added some functional bits too, with 19-inch lightweight wheels, sticky Pirelli tires, and larger brakes.
A vehicle’s ratings are relative only to its own segment and not the new-vehicle market as a whole. For more on how Motor1.com rates cars, click here.
Quick Stats 2022 Hyundai Kona N Engine: Turbocharged 1.6-liter I4 Output: 276 Horsepower / 289 Pound-Feet 0-60 MPH: 5.2 Seconds Top Speed: 149 MPH As-Tested Price: $35,445
Powering this pocket rocket is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a robust 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet. It’s paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission – no manual option in this N car – creating a powertrain that is seriously fun on the road. There’s also an NGS button, or “N Grin Shift” overboost function that makes the car even more responsive for short bursts of time.
Driving through some wonderful twisty roads during our video shoot, the Kona N was an absolute blast. It had mannerisms similar to the Volkswagen GTI or the Honda Civic Type R, but with an elevated driving position that felt more grown up. Grip levels were huge, and understeer only came into play when we were absolutely mobbing it into a corner. And with each change in driving mode, the steering got heavier and more in line with a performance car.
shop now
save over $3,400 on average off MSRP* on a new Hyundai Kona
shop now
What do you think?
View
Comments
Only in the interior was the Kona N somewhat of a letdown, with too many hard plastics and not enough fanfare (like in the Elantra N). The light blue accents helped break up the sea of dark black, but otherwise, there wasn’t enough here to set the car apart from its non-N self.
For less than $40,000 this is one of the best performance values on the market today. Hyundai N’s third product is a genuine hoot to drive aggressively, even with its plus-size hot hatch proportions. Hyundai’s decision to make this car is still an odd one, but hopefully people will catch on. The Kona N is the real deal.
Gallery: Hyundai Kona N
Hyundai
- Make: Hyundai
- Model:
- URL: Hyundai
15
2022 Hyundai Kona N
Engine Turbocharged 2.0-Liter I4
Output 276 Horsepower / 289 Pound-Feet
Transmission Eight-Speed Dual-Clutch
Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive
Speed 0-60 MPH 5.2 Seconds
Maximum speed 149 MPH
Efficiency 20 City / 27 Highway / 23 Combined
Weight 3,340 Pounds
Seating Capacity 5
Cargo Volume 19.2 / 45.8 Cubic Feet
Base Price $34,200 + $1,295 Destination
Trim Base Price $35,445
As-Tested Price $35,445
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motor1.com?
Take our 3 minute survey.
- The Motor1.com Team
Share this Story
- (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.motor1.com%2Freviews%2F601726%2F2022-hyundai-kona-n-video-review%2F&text=2022%20Hyundai%20Kona%20N%20Video%20Review%3A%20One%20Of%20A%20Kind&via=motor1com)
- copy
GO TO COMMENTS
(
)
Got a tip for us? Email: tips@motor1.com
View all comments ( )
Popular
Bugatti Restores One-Off Veyron With A Mirror-Like Aluminum Body
BMW Kept This Hatchback A Secret For Decades
Skoda Wants You To 3D Print Pieces Of Your Car At Home
The Gas BMW M3 Isn't Dead: Next-Gen Prototype Roars
latest articles
- The Ford Ranger Is Getting A Bigger V6 For 2027: Report Oct 20 - Rumors -
- BMW Already Has A Deal On The New i3. But It's Not Cheap Oct 20 - Pricing -
- Remember The Ford Flex? This Weird SUV Is Now A Great Used Buy Oct 20 - Why Buy? -
- Mercedes Isn't Sold On Extended-Range EVs: 'Would You Really Switch?' Oct 20 - Interview -
- Cadillac Driver Is Fed Up With Auto Stop. Then She Buys A $9 Item On Amazon To Disable It Oct 20 - Trending -
- Bugatti Restores One-Off Veyron With A Mirror-Like Aluminum Body Oct 20 - Supercars -
- Lexus NX Goes Hybrid Only For 2027 Oct 20 - Official -
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
10 SUVs That Get 30 MPG Without Hybrid Power
The Ford Ranger Is Getting A Bigger V6 For 2027: Report
Hyundai Recalls 94,000 Genesis Models Over Power Seat Fire Risk
BMW Already Has A Deal On The New i3. But It's Not Cheap
Hyundai Dealership Worker Shows Off Palisade. But It Has A 'Car Birthday'—That's Good For Shoppers
Remember The Ford Flex? This Weird SUV Is Now A Great Used Buy
The Best (And Worst) Cities For Owning An EV: Study