2023 Hyundai Kona Review

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is, without a doubt, one of the safest and most reliable vehicles on the market. With an outstanding warranty and fuel efficiency, you truly get your money’s worth out of this vehicle.

This year’s model comes with more standard features than the 2022 Kona, including but not limited to, a blind-spot monitoring for the base model. Additionally, the famous and sporty Hyundai N-Line trim is now added as an option for the Kona.

Phoenix, AZ drivers will appreciate the dual ventilated seats offered for specific Kona models. Hyundai’s navigation screens also provide weather and navigation updates which may prove helpful during AZ monsoon seasons.

As far as passenger and cargo storage goes, this vehicle has 94.1 cubic feet of wiggle room for the standard models. The Kona Electric has slightly less at 92.4 cubic feet. With all models, the rear cargo space has 19.2 cubic feet of storage. When the seats are folded down, it expands to 45.8 cubic feet, alongside an underfloor cargo tray.

Finally, all Kona models have gear shifts that are controlled by Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission. This has been proven to improve handling and torque vectoring through selective wheel braking. Additionally, the 2023 Kona has Downhill Braking Control, Hill Assist Control, and of course, 4-Wheel Anti-lock Brakes as standard.

Hyundai is known for its affordability and great value, and the Kona is no different. This vehicle is specifically tailored to keep your fuel costs as low as possible. For the Kona Electric, it is estimated that this vehicle will only cost you approximately $600 a year for charging.

In any Hyundai review, we must mention its outstanding warranty. All Hyundai vehicles come with a 5-year Limited Warranty as well as a 10-year Powertrain Warranty. This coverage is affectionately known as “America’s Best Warranty”. You won’t find this kind of fantastic coverage on rivals such as the Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek.

As far as drivetrains go, keep in mind all trim levels and models start with Front Wheel Drive. However, they can be purchased with All Wheel Drive for an extra $1,500. Additionally, the 2023 Kona is still very affordable, keeping the customer’s budget in mind.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, otherwise known as the IIHS, gave the 2022 Kona superior ratings across the board. The IIHS congratulated the Kona for the warning pedestrian detection and an emergency autobrake.

Watching for trouble, the 2023 Kona added a Blind Spot system with Avoidance Assist for all models. Rear Cross Traffic Alert is another standard feature, which now has an Assisting Autobrake.

For parents with children, the Kona has a rear occupant alert and safe exit warning equipped. Additionally, there are LATCH attachments for easy installment of toddler and baby car seats.

Hyundai is known for their wide variety of trim levels, fitting the lifestyle and budget of any driver. For gas-powered vehicles, there are four trims to choose from.

The base Kona trim, and the least expensive, is the SE. Although it has a budget-friendly price, these cabins have solar windows, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, and remote entry.

For the dashboard, the SE trim has an 8-inch display that offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This trim offers dual USB outlets and a tilt-telescopic steering wheel with radio controls.

The passenger row has a complimentary center armrest with cupholders. As a new addition for the 2023 model, the backseat now has USB chargers for smart devices.

Next, this engine is a strong four-cylinder unit that provides 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. For Front Wheel Drive vehicles, the Fuel Economy has an exceptional 30 miles per gallon in city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2023 Kona has a combined rate of 32 miles per gallon.

The next trim is the Kona SEL. This model shares the same powertrain as the Kona SE.

Kona SEL drives will appreciate push button start and an 8-way power-adjustable chair. Other SEL Trim advantages include a Proximity Key and Bluelink to use your smartphone as a key fob. The Kona SEL’s audio display system includes HD radio and satellite radio connectivity.

The SEL’s exterior is packed with amenities, including a clever shark-fin antenna, privacy glass and luggage rails. Additionally, the Kona SEL is the only gas-powered trim level to offer a contrast tone roof. That’s a sporty choice that is quite popular with shoppers.

Keep in mind that with Earnhardt pricing, you don’t have to wait for a Hyundai Kona sale to get the trim level you want.

2023 Kona N-Line trim levels boast a powerful Gamma engine rated at 195 for both horsepower and pound-feet of torque. This turbocharged engine gets 35 mpg on the highway and Front Wheel Drive is standard.

For trim-specific elements, the Kona N-Line has 18-inch alloy wheels, adding a true sporty vibe. This vehicle is comparable to the Honda Civic SI and is a fun option for a recreational track day.

The interior is even sportier than the exterior with special N-Line Cloth and leather-trimmed steering wheel. Kona N-Line drivers will appreciate a power reclining chair, sport pedals, and a stylish sunroof. N-Line’s screens include digital instruments and a touch audio display.

Kona Limited trims have a borderline luxury cabin with lush leather covering the seats. With soft door panels, ambient-lit footwells and cup holders, the Kona Limited is perfect for a busy driver in need of a plush and safe ride.

The exterior is one of the best dressed Kona models. The foggy nighttime is tamed by the Limited’s LED headlights, LED tail lights, and High Beam Assist. Additional safety features include a Reverse Distance Warning and Rain-Sensing Wipers.

A Forward Collision System with Cyclist Detection is standard equipment in the Limited. Smart Cruise Control is installed in this trim level, which senses vehicles ahead while adjusting speed for you in cruise control.

Hyundai vehicles are naturals in the electric vehicle market. In fact, the 2023 Kona Electric is one of the most affordable and safe EV models on sale today. Plus, it offers three electric trim levels to choose from: the SE, SEL, and Limited.

For all Kona Electric vehicles, the smart powertrain produces 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of load-moving torque. The driving range for this vehicle is 258 miles. On a trip, a Level 3 charger can achieve 80 percent in a quick 40 minutes.

The Kona Electric’s driving range is excellent in comparison with Tesla’s 267-mile range. The only difference is that with a Tesla, you’d pay nearly $15,000 more than the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric.

These electric SE, SEL and Limited trims add automatic temperature controls compared to the gas-powered models. This is a big win for AZ drivers, who will need this during the sweltering summers.

All electric models come with a shark-fin radio antenna, grille shutters, and a cargo net. Of course, this EV offers a contrast color roof or has the option of a sunroof.

With Tesla as a rival, Hyundai’s Electric Kona models choose to go high-tech. Hyundai has added 10.25-inch dual screens to the driver’s cockpit. This includes the digital instrument cluster and Hyundai Digital Key.

Like the regular Kona, the Electric Limited trim has all the dash technology, safety features and special amenities as the gas-powered Kona Limited. Plus, the Kona Electric Limited has the exciting new Harman Kardon music system.

Potential car buyers will find the perfect compact SUV from the Hyundai Kona lineup. Check out our online inventory listings and head to your nearest Earnhardt Dealership for a test drive.