The popular subcompact SUV has just been redesigned. Considering all the novelties we’ve seen, it’s pretty much for sure that the 2023 Hyundai Kona, which will represent the second production year of the generation, will continue in the same way. The overall layout will certainly remain the same. Still, there is always a chance for minor updates, such as new color opitons, new standard features and similar things.
All in all, you may count on a crossover that has a lot of great things to offer. We like how it handles and drives in general. Furthermore, the optional turbocharged engines are really peppy. The interior quality is great by the segment standards, though we would expect a little bit more space in the second row. Another great thing about this crossover is the infotainment system, which is fast and pretty easy to use.
As there are no significant changes to come, we presume that the 2023 Hyundai Kona will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2023 Hyundai Kona Design
The 2022 model year brought a lot of novelties. It received a complete redesign, which included pretty comprehensive changes. The new model looks better, though we have to say that styling changes are surprisingly evolutionary, especially if we consider Hyundai’s usual practice on this matter. Therefore, it’s hard to believe that the 2023 Hyundai Kona could bring any bigger changes, though there is always a chance for new color options.
More importantly, the recent redesign has brought big mechanical changes. The new platform provides a lower center of gravity and brings a completely new suspension setup. As a result, the ride is far more engaging and for the first time, the Kona is actually a pretty fun car to drive.
Interior
The recent redesign has also brought big changes on the inside. There is a completely new cabin design, starting from the dashboard that looks way more attractive than before. The overall build quality is better, while we can also notice the use of finer and more premium materials. Finally, there is notably more tech and convenience features, which also make a big impact of the cabin’s appeal.
The front seats are comfortable, massive and supportive. Also, they can be adjusted in many ways, so finding a perfect driving position is a pretty easy process. The visibility is decent in all directions. On the other hand, the second row isn’t that great. It feels tight, even by the standard of this segment.
The cargo area offers around 19.2 cubic feet behind the second row, while the total capacity goes around 46.8 cubic feet, which is typical for the segment.
Features
We don’t believe that the 2023 Hyundai Kona could bring too many changes in this aspect. Moreover, most of the things should remain the same. So, base models should come standard with goodies like remote keyless entry, an 8-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and two USB ports. Among upgrades, expect to find things like a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touch screen, satellite radio, HD Radio, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, navigation, an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, an additional USB port, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start.
The same thing is with safety features. Base models will come standard with goodies like a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane following assist etc. The list of upgrades will include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, highway driving assist, high-beam assist etc.
2023 Hyundai Kona Engines
The 2023 Hyundai Kona is about to carry on with three gasoline engines on the offer. Base models will continue with a 2.0-liter inline-four, which puts out around 147 horsepower and comes in pair with CVT. It is a great choice for daily commuting, especially if we consider pretty good fuel economy. It goes around 30 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
For more ambitious drivers, Hyundai offers a version with a peppy 1.6-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 195 horsepower and comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Besides strong performance, this engine also offers pretty good fuel economy that goes around 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Finally, there is the Kona N, a high-performance version of the crossover, which comes with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, which features a max output of 280 horsepower. Also, this engine comes in pair with 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
2023 Hyundai Kona Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Hyundai Kona will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 22.000 dollars. Key competitors are models like Chevrolet TrailBlazer, Nissan Kicks etc.