Limited 4dr All-Wheel Drive
2023 Hyundai Kona

Pros: Great tech; fun to drive; strong safety ratings; riotous Kona N Cons: Less spacious than rivals; no federal tax credit for Electric So you want to read about the 2023 Hyundai Kona, huh? Well, you’re going to need to be more specific than that because it’s basically three different cars … maybe four. Although all share that delightfully Hawaiian name and rock variations of the same funky, subcompact SUV look, each is quite different in terms of their purpose and how they’re powered. For most, a “Hyundai Kona” will be the car you see above: a subcompact SUV with a modest engine, a modest price and a generous amount of equipment and warranty coverage. It boasts distinctive styling, great tech and a surprisingly fun driving experience whether you get the base engine or turbocharged upgrade. It’s also one of the least spacious subcompact SUVs, but that’s not enough to prevent us from recommending it. OK, now things start to fork. As fun as the bread-and-butter Kona can be, the sporty N Line includes that turbocharged upgrade and spices things up further. The Kona N then turns the dial up to 11: It’s basically a hot hatch with big power, big noises and just big fun. It’s a riot. The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric definitely doesn’t make big noises and is certainly less fun, but it delivers excellent electric range for the money (yes, even though it’s much pricier than the other versions). Unfortunately, the loss of federal tax credits means that price isn’t as competitive as it used to be, especially since the Chevrolet Bolt is cheaper and does qualify for the $7,500 credit. Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features What's new for 2023? After a substantial refresh last year, the Kona carries over into 2023 with only feature availability updates. Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning are now standard, along with a rear USB port. The SEL trim gains a standard power driver seat and auto up/down front windows, while the SEL Convenience gains navigation and the bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen. The N Line Technology package has been discontinued. The Kona Electric, meanwhile, now comes standard with an eight-way power driver seat, heated front seats, the auto up/down windows and rear USB port. Its trim levels are also now the SE, SEL and Limited, though they basically correspond with the previous three. What are the Kona interior and in-car technology like? For the money and for this humble segment, the Kona interior is just fine. Plastics are unremarkable and the design is a bit blah, especially since Hyundai no longer offers vibrantly colored trim options or distinctive houndstooth standard upholstery. It’s all very monochromatic now. At least the Kona Electric (above left) spruces things up with a richer standard upholstery, light-colored leather and silver trim, plus a unique rising center console and push-button shifter. The new Kona …
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