2023 Hyundai Kona FWD vs AWD | More difference than you think!

In this video, I show you all the differences between the 2023 Hyundai Kona FWD and the Kona AWD. These differences pertain more to the SE/SEL trims of the Kona but some, such as suspension, also pertain to the N-Line and Limited trims. AWD remains a $1,500 option on all trims. Which one would you prefer? Let me know in the comments below!
Full list of differences:
1. Suspension (All trims)
1. FWD - Coupled Torsion Beam Rear Axle
2. AWD - Multilink Independent Rear Suspension
2. Brakes
1. FWD Front - 11.0", Rear - 10.3”
2. AWD Front - 12.0” (Standard on all N-Line, Limited), Rear - 11.2” (Standard on all N-Line, Limited)
3. Drive Modes (All trims)
1. FWD/AWD
1. Normal
2. Sport
3. Smart
4. Button on Interior for Center Differential Lock
5. Weight
1. FWD about 165 lbs less (Give or take 5-10 lbs in all trims)
#hyundai #kona #suv

[@crow_2k11beatsbydre8]

If your an salesperson and know the differences between an rear suspension torsion beam vs multi link, most salesperson dont. You deserve a pay raise.......

[@aprilknight9240]

I absolutely adore my Kona Limited AWD. Super fun to drive, with a nice aggressive and sporty look in red paint.

[@hannahbetts3578]

Hey I’m looking at the 2022 limited awd! How long have you had it? Any issues? I’m glad you love yours!

[@cliffordsam8260]

I bought my 2023 SEL when it first dropped in the dealer before the end of 2022. The interior colors and infotainment features are exactly shown in the video. My exterior two-tone red and black is rarely seen in many regional dealer lots or on the road. Upgraded the stock tires to 18" Bridgestones and it handles more nimble and quicker in and out of busy traffic than expected. A killer purchase decision...no regrets.

[@robertogarciajr.8618]

SEL is that the Convenience pkge? wit Sunroof?

[@cliffordsam8260]

@robertogarciajr.8618 Thanks for asking...Unfortunately no. The Convenience Pkg features are well worth the additional extra, of which the exterior and interior colors I chose wasn't available at that time of supply chain delays and I didn't want an indefinite wait among the surrounding dealers. Then mostly all-electric models were on the lots.

[@robertogarciajr.8618]

@@cliffordsam8260 ohhh i see, makes sense.. im leaning towards the kona, im hoping i can get a deal on one.. thx for your response🙂

[@ladybirdehrmantraut1245]

Im in the market for a car. I watched a lot of your videos , so i thank you!!! I tested the kona 23 sel and hrv 23 highest trim. While the hrv interior is beautiful, i hated the drive. It felt like driving a tank and just not for me. Driving the kona was great for me and fits my needs.

[@umbrawitchx1943]

Love how it has a button because when I had a 2019 Honda crv they did not have it and was only awd through the system. I wasn’t even sure when it was going awd or not 😭 but am definitely waiting for the 2024 Kona! Coming out later this year. My dream car

[@CarsMadeSimple]

They should be available in just a few months!

[@bobe.3719]

I've driven a 2013 Elantra with torsion beam suspension since new. On a trip I took on a regular basis several years back, I would need to make a turn at an intersection with an extremely bumpy surface and found the ride to be uncontrolled with the car shaking side-to-side. At that time, I also had occasion to drive a Ford Focus with multi-link suspension through the same intersection. I was stunned at how much more controlled and stable the ride was. If I was in the market for a Kona, and I am, I would most definitely consider the AWD if only for the multi-link rear suspension.

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Yeah the older Torsion beam cars weren't the best. Hyundai revised the shock position/tuning to improve this. These new Torsion beam cars are better than the older ones for sure.

[@markemery7741]

Change the spare tire to a 145/90/16 that is very close to the right size verses the 2.5” smaller factory spare. Still fits inside the trunk fine. AWD model.

[@joany11swatch14]

I purchased the AWD and love it

[@darshsuresh4451]

Great explanation

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jrock-xs9vp]

Great review

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Thank you!

[@seanpeacock5595]

AWD = twice as many parts to screw up. We have a FWD Soul + Nokian winter tires = unstoppable 😊

[@Bruce991]

Where do you live? How does it do on the highway with fresh 3 inches of snow?

[@mikeholman4284]

Bought FWD 2023 Kona Limited. Wouldn't have an AWD here in Florida. Worse mileage, more to go wrong. No need to replace all 4 tires if one goes bad.

[@wolfshanze5980]

Something you didn't address at all (one way or the other), that I just recently heard from a mechanic channel and never heard of before, but would like more opinions on... If you have a tire that sustained damage requiring it to be replaced, on a traditional FWD car, you replace two tires so that it's balanced left/right... but, I was told if you have to replace one tire on an AWD car, you need to REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES, because the AWD computers need all four tires at the same wear to function properly. Now I'm not saying this is 100% fact, it's what I just recently heard from one source... what are your thoughts about this? Also, if it is true, the difference between having to change two tires vs four tires would be a significant consideration in my book (if its true). Thoughts?

[@ddhsd]

My first reaction was WHAT? Then I looked it up and you are correct with some caveats. One the owners manual will tell you if all 4 tires should be replaced. AWD system's operate differently on SUVs Toyota has a very different system than Hyundai for instance. So AWD vehicle's allow some tolerance's "Here are some examples of manufacturer’s recommendations. One owners manual states that the “rolling radius of all 4 tires must remain the same”, or within 4/32-inch of each other in remaining tread depth. Another recommends that tires should be within 30% of each other. And yet another states; on AWD vehicles, all four tires need to be within ¼ inch of tire circumference or about 2/32-inch of each other in remaining tread depth." So yeah you drive off the lot with your new AWD Kona and a week later have to replace a tire you would just replace one. If you have to replace a tire after a year of wear say 15,000 miles replacing all 4 makes sense to keep the AWD system in sync with all 4 wheels. This is just the same principle at work in AWD as replacing 2 tires at a time in a FWD or RWD car. Tires should be balanced and wear evenly we all know that and this is part of the added lifetime cost of AWD. Im shopping for a Tuscon or Kona myself and have been on the fence if I should bother with AWD since I plan NO offroading ever. (If A Tucson AWD model was only one available I wouldnt turn it down.)

[@wolfshanze5980]

@ddhsd well, in some cases with the Tucson, you don't have the luxury of choosing between FWD and AWD... for example, for a very small price difference you can get the far-more-efficient and far-more-powerful Hybrid Tucson over the lower mileage, lower HP gas-only Tucson... the Hybrid Tucson is a smart buy. But the Hybrid Tucson only comes in AWD! Lolz 😆

[@CarsMadeSimple]

DeWayne's answer is very close to my opinion. Every AWD system is going to differ such as Subaru's is all time whereas Hyundai's is not. I would agree that tire wear and tire age would play a factor into whether you need to replace all four tires in a situation where one is not repairable. If they are within a very small amount (2-4/32nd's) of another I would feel comfortable replacing one. Another option is if they are worn a fair amount is to replace the tire with a similar age/tread depth used one. I have bought used tires many times with great luck. It would be a great solution for a couple years if the tires are over 50% used anyway.

[@ddhsd]

@@wolfshanze5980 yes I know UGH

[@wolfshanze5980]

@@ddhsd Curses and Cranberries!

[@bevstreicher3458]

Bought and Kona

[@jaybriggs2184]

Hi thank you looking at the Kona nline probably. Trying to decide between all-wheel or front-wheel drive.

[@jaybriggs2184]

Thanks for the video it was helpful.

[@CarsMadeSimple]

Both will be great options. Just a matter of the suspension differences and AWD.

[@mustafaintro9491]

Thanks My questions this button turn of the awd and it back fwd ?

[@robertogarciajr.8618]

im a bit confused as far as the Trim levels go for the '23 Kona.. SE, SEL, SEL PLUS, N & LIMITED? SEL is a.k.a. the Convenience package? Bcuz the Conv. trim is the one im leaning towards, but not sure if its sel or the plus? thx.!

[@CarsMadeSimple]

The trim walk goes SE, SEL, SEL Convenience, N-Line, Limited for 2022/23. This is also true for 2024+ in the next generation.

[@robertogarciajr.8618]

​@@CarsMadeSimplethnk u ;)

[@inoglax]

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