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Since it was launched, Kona has always been in a group of those subcompact crossovers that offer much more than you would normally expect at this price range. The recent redesign raised the pole even more, with improvements in various aspects. This small SUV is better than ever and that’s a clear indicator that the 2023 Hyundai Kona, which will represent the second production year of the current generation, will come without more important changes.
We expect to see the same layout, which has a lot of things to offer. This SUV is easy to drive and comes with some pretty capable engine options. At the same time, some versions offer impressive fuel economy. Furthermore, the interior quality is at a pretty high level, while the infotainment system is intuitive and pretty easy to use. On the other hand, the biggest complaints go to the lack of rear-seat legroom and small cargo area.
Since there are no significant changes to come, we expect that the 2023 Hyundai Kona will arrive sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2023 Hyundai Kona Design
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Hyundai Kona will come only a year after the complete redesign. Therefore, it’s easy to predict that no bigger changes will come. The next year’s model will continue with the new design, which brings new aesthetics and upgraded mechanics. As a result, the new Kona looks very modern and attractive, while the driving experience is pretty good. The car is easy to drive and acts pretty well in corners. At the same time, the ride is quite comfortable.
The new generation also brought a high-performance version called Kona N, which will also carry on without bigger changes. Compared to the rest of the lineup, this version comes with a plethora of exclusive features, starting from a more powerful engine, an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, paddle shifters, a sport exhaust, and a sport-tuned suspension, styling upgrades, a limited-slip differential etc.
Interior
The new Kona meets the highest standard in the subcompact SUV segment. Although there is some amount of hard plastics around the cabin, many areas are covered with soft-touch materials as well. The dashboard looks very modern, while we also like the ergonomics very much. Even the base models come equipped fairly well, which also contributes to the overall cabin quality.
The front seats are well-shaped and supportive, with lots of space for taller passengers. On the other hand, we can’t say the same for the second row, which offers less room than rivals like Honda HR-V or Subaru Crosstrek. The same can be said for the cargo area, which offers 19.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the second-row seats and 48.5 cubic feet of the total cargo volume.
Features
This aspect shouldn’t bring bigger novelties, even though there is a chance to see a couple of new things on the list of standard equipment. So, base models should come with goodies like remote keyless entry, an 8-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and two USB ports. The list of upgrades will include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touch screen, satellite radio, HD Radio, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, navigation, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, an additional USB port, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start.
The same is with safety features. Base models should come with goodies like a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane following assist, driver drowsiness monitoring etc. Also, count on upgrades like 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 will continue with three familiar engine options on the offer. Base models will continue with a 2.0-liter inline-four, which puts out 147 horsepower. The engine comes in pair with a CVT gearbox and as you may presume, it isn’t particularly fast. On the other hand, it is very efficient, as it returns around 30 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
The optional 1.6-liter turbo-four is probably the best choice in the range. It features around 200 horsepower and pretty strong acceleration and overall performance. At the same time, you may count on a pretty impressive fuel economy that goes around 29 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway. The engine comes in pair with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and besides front-wheel drive, you can also get a model with all-wheel drive.
Finally, there is the high-performance Kona N, which comes with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, which is good for about 280 horsepower, which is enough to move this small SUV from zero to sixty in just five seconds. Also, this engine comes in pair with 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
2023 Hyundai Kona Release Date and Price
We expect to see 2023 Hyundai Kona on sale sometime in the last quarter of the year, with a starting price of around 22.000 dollars.
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