The Hyundai Kona is the perfect small SUV for almost any Minnesota driver. It offers great fuel economy, innovative convenience, and safety features, and the SUV capability that comes with available All Wheel Drive. It’s the large SUV adventure and sophistication you need, in the small SUV size you love.

Although Hyundai classifies the Kona as a “carryover” model for 2023 there are some minor yet interesting changes that drivers might be interested in knowing.

What’s New For the 2023 Hyundai Kona?

Trim Levels

• For 2023 the Kona will no longer be available in the N Line with Tech Package.

Exterior Changes

• The SEL Convenience, N Line, and Limited will come with a power sunroof. (Previously on the SEL Convenience, N Line Tech, and Limited).
• The Limited will come with premium dark gray body cladding. (Previously on the SEL Convenience and Limited).
• Heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators now standard on all trim levels. (Previously SEL and up).

Interior/Convenience Changes

• The SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line, Limited, and N, come with a power driver’s seat. (Previously on the N Line, Limited, and N).
• The SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line, Limited, and N, come with power windows with front auto-down/up. (Previously on the SEL Conv and up).
• The SEL Convenience, N Line, Limited, and N, come with a 10.25” navigation. (Previously on the Limited and N).
• The SEL Convenience, N Line, Limited, and N, come with OTA map updates (Previously not available).
• Rear USB outlet is now standard on all trim levels. (Previously on the Limited, and N).

Safety

• Now standard on all trim levels is Blind-spot Collision-Avoidance Assist. (Previously on SEL and up).
• Now standard on all trim levels is Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. (Previously on SEL and up).
• Now standard on all trim levels is Safe Exit Warning. (Previously on SEL and up).

Convenience

• The Limited comes with Highway Driving Assist. (Previously on the N Line tech and Limited).
• The Limited comes with Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go. (Previously on the N Line tech and Limited)

Kona Exterior

The Kona comes with aggressive and sporty styling making it a popular choice for all drivers. Using distinct lines throughout the body, the Kona really stands apart from other small SUVs on the market.

Depending on the trim level, drivers can enjoy 16″ alloy wheels on the base SE. 17″ wheels on the SEL, and 18″ wheels on the N Line and Limited.

The N Line version comes with more drastic changes, presenting itself as a sportier Kona. The originally contrasting body panels now match the exterior paint color, for a more sleek finish. The front is adorned with more intakes, a unique grille pattern, and a lip. The rear also now features a large central diffusor.

Kona Interior

The interior of the 2023 Hyundai Kona is bright and spacious. It carries the right amount of minimalism while being oriented as driver-centric. The Kona is offered with an optional 10.25-inch instrument panel display, adding a second screen in your immediate view. The center console is topped by an 8-inch screen with an option to upgrade to a 10.25-inch display. Regardless of the screen size, the infotainment system will provide you with the usual navigation, radio, and phone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported.

Adding to the list of new technology is the available Hyundai Digital Key. With the Kona, you can use your phone as your key, allowing you to unlock and start the car. After you’re done, set it down onto the available wireless charger.

With the increase in length, the Kona provides more cargo space and room for backseat passengers. Headroom for front and rear passengers is 39.6 and 37.8 inches respectively. For legroom, there’s 41.5 in the front and 35.2 inches in the rear. Cargo space is an impressive 19.2 cubic feet or 45.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down

How Does The 2023 Hyundai Kona Cost?

The Hyundai Kona starts at $21,990 and is available in four unique trim levels, SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited. Each trim is offered in both FWD and AWD drivetrains.

SE

As the base model, the SE is impressively fully featured. The SE comes with an 8-inch screen with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the base Hyundai Kona trim still comes available with a wide array of safety features.

SEL

The SEL version adds a proximity key with a push-button start, as well as turn signals integrated within the side mirrors. It can also be optioned with the Convenience Package which includes options like the Digitial Key, wireless charging, heated seats, and more.

N Line

The N Line Kona comes with an altered front and rear, adding to its aggressive look. The interior also features rear stitching and seats that are unique to the N Line. The 10.25-inch instrument gauge display is standard in this trim as well as a 10.25″ navigation screen which is new for 2023. Additionally, the N Line features everything found in the Convenience Package at no additional cost.

Limited

The Limited is the top-of-the-line model and comes standard with tons of amazing features. Extra conveniences include leather seats, ambient lighting, USB outlets for the second row, Smart Cruise Control, Auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped) and Cyclist Detection, and more!

Kona Performance

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is offered in two engine options and choice of either FWD or AWD.

The first is a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The 2.0L engine is found in both the SE and SEL models. With the FWD version, the city/highway/combined fuel economy is a very good at 30/35/32. In the AWD, the fuel efficiency drops slightly to 28/33/30.

On both the N Line and Limited trims, a different engine is offered. In those, you will find a 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder making 195 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Instead of an IVT, this engine is connected to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Thankfully, the ability to have more spirited driving doesn’t come at the expense of fuel efficiency. FWD models can expect an MPG of 29/35/32. The AWD-equipped models will have an MPG of 27/32/29.

Safety

The Hyundai Kona takes safety very seriously. The IIHS has bestowed the Kona with its “Top Safety Pick”. Additionally, it earned five stars in overall crash safety from the NHTSA, scoring five stars on all individual tests except one.

A large part of this safety is due in part to Hyundai’s Smartsense suite of features. One of the biggest features found in this suite is the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. This feature will monitor the front of your car and warn you of any possible collisions with cars or even pedestrians. If the alerts aren’t responded to, the car will apply the brakes automatically.

Another feature teetering the line between safety and convenience is Hyundai’s Smart Cruise Control. While traveling at your set speed, the Kona will use radar to monitor the vehicle in front of you and maintain a safe distance behind them. It will also bring the car to a complete stop if the car in front does the same, preventing any mishaps with cruise control.

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection: This system uses the vehicle’s front camera to detect any potential collisions with a vehicle or pedestrian. If the driver has not responded to the alerts, then the car will apply the breaks automatically.

• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): The car will constantly monitor if it is within the lane markings. If it notices drifting, it will send audio and visual alerts to the driver. If the driver has still not responded, then the car will gently nudge itself back into the lane.

• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA): The system will monitor rear cross traffic when backing up. If it notices a possible collision, an alert will be displayed and automatic braking will be applied to avoid a collision.

Test Drive The Hyundai Kona

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is a wonderful small SUV for every location. It brings style and versatility all at a good price. With the recent changes made to the model, you may be filled with some unanswered questions. Contact us to speak to one of our knowledgeable team members. Or stop in and see the Kona for yourself!