With its fun-looking design, zippy driving dynamics, and high-value features, the Kona has quickly become one of Hyundai’s most popular vehicles. For 2022, this subcompact SUV has been thoroughly redesigned. It’s available in four trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited.
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What’s new on the 2022 Hyundai Kona
For 2022, the Hyundai Kona shows off extensively refreshed interior and exterior design. It also receives upgraded tech features, and a quieter ride. The debut of the N Line trim brings a sporty new dimension to the Kona lineup, offering boosted power, exclusive N styling, and a more aerodynamic look.
Performance
The 2022 Kona’s SE and SEL trims come equipped with an Intelligent Variable Transmission and a 2.0-liter engine that puts out 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain gets up to 30 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. N Line and Limited trims get a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a 1.6-liter turbo engine that boasts an increased 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain yields up to 29 city mpg and 35 highway mpg. All trims feature Drive Mode Select settings to optimize performance, plus available Active On-Demand AWD for better grip and agility.
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Exterior design
New exterior styling elements for the 2022 Kona include a redesigned hood and grille, reshaped headlight and taillight signatures, fresh wheel designs, and an overall tougher look. Available upgrades include 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, and a power sunroof. The N Line trim stands out with body-color protective cladding, a unique grille design, twin-tip exhaust, and N Line badging.
Interior features
The cabin of the 2022 Kona looks wider and roomier than before, with a new console design and expanded rear legroom. The split-folding rear seats allow for up to 45.8 cubic feet of cargo. Available amenities include a power driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, automatic temperature control, a wireless charger, and second-row USB charging ports. Unique N Line touches include red-stitched sport seats, alloy sport pedals, and an array of gloss black and red accents.
Safety and infotainment tech
The 2022 Hyundai Kona presents an enlarged 8-inch touch screen with Bluetooth hands-free calling and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay tech. An available 10.25-inch screen adds navigation and dynamic voice recognition. You can also opt for an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
All Kona models come with electronic stability and traction control, a rearview camera, and comprehensive air-bag coverage. Available driver-assist features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Driver Attention Warning, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist. Options like Highway Drive Assist and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go make long trips and traffic jams more manageable.
To learn more about the 2022 Kona and other Hyundai models, take a look at our coverage here at The News Wheel.
A longtime editor/writer and recently transplanted Hoosier, Caleb Cook lives in Xenia, Ohio. His favorite activities are reading and listening to music, although he occasionally emerges from the heap of books and vinyl records in his basement to stand blinking in the sunlight. Once fully acclimated to the outside world again, he can be observed hanging out with his wife, attempting a new recipe in the kitchen, attending movies, walking the dog, or wandering into a local brewery to inquire about what’s on tap. See more articles by Caleb.