2022 Hyundai Kona N - DM Review

We love the Hyundai Kona N so much, that we tried to buy it! Unfortunately we couldn't, but you should! This hot compact packs quite the punch, and causes all the fizz.
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Real-world highway fuel-economy test coming soon!
Sound-system test coming soon!
Infotainment demo coming soon!
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Music and graphics by Skyler Benn.
This video was filmed with in-ear, binaural microphones, so if you listen with headphones, it will sound like you're sitting in the driver's seat!
#hyundai #kona #konan

[@jfazzuoli3813]

My Kona N is now 1 year old. This is one of those rare cars that checked all the boxes for me. Here they are: 1. Good sounding exhaust out the box. 2. Amazing DCT 3. Bags of power 4. Ground clearance to get me to trail heads (for Mt Biking) 5. No stupid center exhaust allowing for a trailer hitch to carry my bikes (Boo Type R!) 5. Put it in Eco and I get 30+ MPG. Hammering it in N mode yields 26mpg ish. 6. Powerful brakes 7. Although the interior is "cheap", Hyundai pulls it off without looking or feeling so. 8. Multiple drive modes are welcome. Albeit, the softest suspension setting is still a little stiff...........so far at 23k miles no issues. Despite the stiff suspension, this car has no rattles and has a feeling of solidity to it. This has been a great car that I look forward to driving everyday. How fun is this car? Well, my other car is an ND2 Miata, trust me , the Kona N is a great machine.

[@tedadamgreen]

Oh man … I am torn between the Kona N and ND2 RF as my next car and I currently own a base 2019 Veloster and enjoy it by nearing 200k miles. My wife has a 2019 Kona Turbo FWD but otherwise loaded and I like it a lot too. Can you tell me the comparison of your two as I drive a lot and mostly they are long stretches of days doing 1-4 hour road trips mainly on interstates and not much in city driving. Often through Atlanta Georgia with heavy traffic, but also long stretches of low traffic four lane rural highways The RF ND2 would be my first “convertible two door” but I have no need for more than that but I am getting older and the getting in and out are a concern as well as visibility for they congested traffic Also the Kona N is faster as well as higher and more “utility” Thanks so much !

[@oraclemiata845]

My garage has a Kona N and an NA.

[@apexcobra.official]

After looking at new(or newish) cars in the under 40k price range for 3 years, this was the first one that actually piqued my interest enough to go look at. Did 3 test drives in two different Kona Ns, ended up buying one in Sonic Blue. Absolutely phenomenal vehicle for the price point, plenty of practicality, tons and tons of fun. Literally enjoy driving it significantly more than my last car, which was AWD and made ~560hp and over 600lb/ft of torque. Hyundai did a great job of making a car that does what you need it to do, but also gave it that raw, enthusiastic driving feel that simple makes you want to drive. Definitely the best car in its segment unless you really lean towards the VW GTI spectrum of things. Having driven both, while the GTI is more refined and luxurious, the Kona N is just flat out more fun, unique, and has loads more character.

[@ecolon217]

Thanks for your insight! I’ve yet to test drive one, but how firm would you say the ride is? Especially for a longer commute

[@SriSri-fo2je]

Is there a mode with softer suspension for toddlers in car seat? At least as good as say model 3?

[@khronin]

I have one--put it eco mode and it is a great daily driver--it is a small suv so the wheelwells are huge and you can put tires on it to soften the ride--I get 22 daily driving and 32 MPG on the HWY--going 75 to 90 mph--also--I hit 157 MPH on a toll road before i ran out of road--so there are very few cars that can get 30 MPG and also hit 155 plus MPH--its pretty much a perfect vehicle--easy to drive--excllent brakes--tranny---sound system----the stock pirellis give a semi rough ride but I plan on replacing them when I need new tires--its set up from the factory to be able to track and keep the warranty--the pirellis ride tight --but put it in eco mode and it softens everything out--btw--its quarter mile--handling etc--ties an acura tlx-type S and beats a Type r civic

[@tauriusmagnamus3281]

The fact you guys had so much fun showed. I think that's all that matters for "drivers car" enthusiasts.

[@draven7944]

I got the Kona N over the Elantra N because of the seats. The Kona N's seats were more comfortable for my body type. I have enjoyed it the whole time I have had the car.

[@cindysue5474]

The same here also yes the seats are nice.The major problem with this car and its a safety issue you get no spare tire in north America Im still trying because some countries get a spare I bought a spare the day I bought this car well it don't fit the N model front or back well I found that out stuck between Phoenix and Tucson and AAA came to change out the tire. So I bought a wheel and tire now it don't fit in the trunk where the spare is supposed to be.So your rolling the dice also AAA will not plug a flat tire because of a liability.

[@zayteer1657]

Did you get it on finance?

[@XQoozMii]

@@zayteer1657 if you get a car on finance, you can’t afford it.

[@ronforeman2556]

@@cindysue5474 Getting stuck between Phoenix and Tucson is no fun. If/when I solve the spare wheel/tire issue on MY Kona N, I'll let you know.

[@sasagrcevic475]

@@cindysue5474 Get spare tire asap, jumper cables, some liquids (engine oil and water for cooling) and all that jazz for the car. You can put luggage in the back if needed. Worse shit ever is being stuck in middle of nowhere with flat tire for example. Better to put that all in the trunk that to do on some long road unprepared. In city its different story ofc.

[@TheUnreadableUser]

I love how the second the welcome chime plays both charlie and chris pause everything they're doing and saying just to point it out. I'd like more welcome chime appreciation

[@ericharrison619]

I was just watching other reviews on this and was wishing for a proper "Daily" review...Thanks!

[@WiHL]

Been waiting for this since the Hyundai Palisade Live Drive - Thanks guys!

[@davidy932]

First time I watched this channel. You guys are a lot of fun. Love the Topher references as I am a fan of his work!

[@Chewygsxr]

My neighbor has one of these and she let me drive it, I was very impressed with it, the dual-clutch transmission is really nice and fast, it did get hot hitting 225 degrees I have a 14 Fiesta ST on a Cobb stage two Tune with stickie Michelin Pilot Sport tires, my steering is much quicker than the Kona and my gas mileage is way better, I have 100,990 miles on it and getting ready to get my 7 set of tires that's how hard I drive it, my friends can't believe I'm still on my stock clutch, no major problems whatsoever, it's a keeper. Many road trips and at 80 mph it gets 31.5 mpg, not to mention my 3" MBPR exhaust sounds amazing. Great video guys. The Fiesta Flash.

[@CapELarry]

I bet this rides much better in a state with functional infrastructure.

[@RE-wf2hz]

You guys were great!

[@officialyasir]

Such a fun review! I definitely need to go test drive this! I need a fun car, I’m dying inside 😂

[@DailyMotor]

Hahaha yeah, this would be a great compliment to the truck!

[@TheUnreadableUser]

also, 15:14 they do! it's buried in menus, but you CAN customize it.

[@CaliforniaKonaN]

Great review! Been lovin' mine so far, glad Hyundai made the KN before going all EV with their next N cars.

[@hellodlo]

very cool car and great dm review

[@SectionF4]

You can switch the regular (light) gauges to whatever you want. I switched mine to the Eco gauges.

[@mogradme8535]

I think this powertrain in a Kia Soul or Hyundai Venue would be hysterical.

[@brianreardon7700]

There have been a few rumors that there could be a venue N up next! 286hp in that tiny little thing would be fun!!!

[@j.six3]

I'm not a fan of labels, hatchback, CUV, Sub-compact.. Let's just call it the Kona N.. lol..

[@goldengod97]

That wasn’t even torque steer, more like torque u-turn lol I want one so badly

[@ronbleazard]

I just bought this car to go along with my 2022 Mitsubishi outlander plug-in hybrid. This is my fun car, the Mitsubishi is my high gas mileage around town luxury car. It’s hard to not want to get in this car and just drive around for fun!

[@SriSri-fo2je]

Is there a mode on kona n that makes suspension soft enough for family driving including few months old child?

[@chrisvalleqatsi]

You can customise the gauge display.

[@1209MArky]

You guys should hear it with a resonator delete

[@oraclemiata845]

I adore this stupid thing… Take delivery of my Sonic Blue next week.

[@1209MArky]

Performance blue isn’t available in the US btw

[@ronforeman2556]

The US-spec 2022 Kona N is available in "Sonic Blue," a rather pastel color with a very small percentage of the Elantra N's "Performance Blue" color. My Sonic Blue" Kona N looks really variable at different time of day and night.

[@Dave-cf4vd]

You said its in the top 4 of your favorite driving cars... what cars would those be?

[@wbwayne8887]

I have a complaint. Around the DCT bezel, there are blank buttons. Nothing says low rent like blank buttons, especially on an N model. Otherwise, no complaints. I still think the EN would be my pick, with the 6spd manual.

[@Tlxmiami305]

Passenger holding on to his life lmao

[@SriSri-fo2je]

Is there a mode for softer suspension? Can it be used with toddlers in car sears? Or even in softer suspension mode it is too harsh for toddlers for a few month old child? Thanks

[@Kyumilli]

yeah you can put it into normal mode i think. its more tolerable. I test drove this car last weekend.

[@Sonic_1000]

I love mine, haha

[@vgasar]

There is a lot to like, but I’m hesitant because the gas mileage seems pretty low for such a small car.

[@punemax]

Got me a black one for 31k

[@wackit6756]

Kudos to Hyundai for building something fun and fast, but for around the same H.P. I think I’d rather have a MINI Cooper 2 door JCW. It’s a lower sporty car, and has more useable back seats than the Kona, and more personality.

[@BoopSnoot]

Suspension looks really stiff on camera.

[@cindysue5474]

In N mode it is.

[@ronforeman2556]

The stiff suspension setting is stiff. The normal suspension setting is not so much. The software enables you to select and pre-set each of the car's various parameters. If you want the car to knock out your fillings, it'll do that. In Normal mode, it rides and handles just fine and I still blow the doors off every other car on the road.

[@BoopSnoot]

@DarkMode Is the N-line smooth? I was worried it seems to have pretty small sidewalls and perhaps a sportier suspension too. My favorite is the Crosstrek, but I wish it had 200hp.

[@KonaNthusiast]

Man the wheels are horrible to clean! Glad you pointed that out

[@hyungkim2126]

DCT? I don't thing so

[@mogradme8535]

My problem is that this is so close to everything I'm looking for, it's just a little short on nearly every aspect. Love an auto for a daily commuter, but it's just a little small for me if I'm committing to an SUV, it doesn't have AWD like I'd expect from a small SUV, it doesn't have the appeal that a Type R has for a FWD sporty-vehicle (though I know we're looking at 8k less, so not exactly apples to apples). It's kind of in a gray-zone that makes it very niche. But Hyundai's auto transmission is definitely going to be appealing for many young people in the hot hatch market.

[@ronforeman2556]

Drive one, but dial back the suspension to the most compliant setting first and give it a go in Normal Mode first.

[@DailyMotor]

Maybe GR Corolla then?

[@mogradme8535]

@DailyMotor Wound up with a Black FL5 Type R with the carbon fiber wing and forged wheels for a total on $6k over msrp (so I slightly overpaid for accessories)

[@lowrivera]

All these “car guys” and no one ever uses the parking brake! Why not?! The weight of the car is always going to ruin the parking pawl and thus the transmission in time.

[@williamlong2682]

The Kona N should be AWD. Ban me Charlie, you won’t.

[@DailyMotor]

Bruh. Don’t try me.

[@DailyMotor]

👎

[@oraclemiata845]

Banned…

[@XQoozMii]

Stop being so self-Important. No one cares.

[@ingenunis5003]

Performance car- too loud for me.

[@jfresh2054]

TURN THE AIR OFF

[@207522]

I'll never understand why people bother to review Hyundais, Kias and other cheap crappy cars like this. I mean, if you're buying one of these things it's probably because you can't afford a decent car. I've been in the car business my whole life and have had so many problems with these damn things and heard so many horror stories, when I sell one of these I almost feel bad for the customer. My mechanic is always making jokes about these little Korean cars too. He had a customer with a newer Hyundai that has replaced her engine twice under warranty and it's only 7 years old! I really can't understand why so many people still buy this junk. KZbinrs review them and pretend like they're nice cheap little cars. I mean, ya no $h!t! Of course it's nice now! It's a brand new car with zero miles on it!! Lol There's a good reason you don't see too many 15 year old Hyundais and Kias driving around.

[@ronforeman2556]

My wife's ride is a 2019 KIA Sorento SXL. We've put a bit north of 40,000 miles on it from new, had it serviced at regular intervals, and the only problem we've encountered was a bum starter, which was replaced under warranty. That's it. We bought our 2022 Hyundai Kona N in May of this year and its been better than advertised. I don't think Albert Biermann would have left BMW's M Division to join Hyundai/Kia if the latter companies were not serious about developing and manufacturing world-class automobiles. He was given a free hand, and Hyundai's N cars are fine exemplars of what Hyundai/Kia are capable of producing. The wet dual clutch transmission that Hyundai developed in-house, for example, is an engineering marvel that ought to win Hyundai some kind of industry award recognizing major advancements in automotive technology.

[@ronbleazard]

10 years ago my drivers Ed company bought Keias for student drivers, they were nice when new but fell apart after 10,000 miles, so I see why you think the way you do. However, these Korean cars are much improved in 2022, In fact Hyundai and Kia are giving the Japanese cars a run for their money.

[@teehenessy3020]

Or ... You're just wrong. It happens.

[@teehenessy3020]

BMWS, AUDIS, MERCEDES BREAK DOWN MORE THAN ANY OTHER CARS.. Doesn't matter how much money you have, it doesn't buy RELIABILITY. And if you actually looked at the car Industry, there aren't many reliable cars brands. They all have their problems Mr "expert" lmao

[@Sanztrack]

I drug my veloster turbo through hell and back. I think I have a picture somewhere of it next to a sign on a dirt road that says "4x4 only" lol. I put 150,000 miles in the car in a little under 5 years and never once did I have to take it to a mechanic. Most reliable car Ive had besides my 1982 300d. Ive put 10k on my Kona N so far and I love it. Yea theres a lot of plastic, but its a pretty good car for the price. Guess Ill be eating my words in 5 years time if what your saying is true

[@HGANGHONY]

There is nothing impressive about four banger exhaust note, no matter how you pipe it.

[@apexcobra.official]

I disagree. I've owned cammed V8s, turbocharged straight 6 and V6 cars, and now one of these. With a resonator delete it sounds just as good as any of those in its own right. Surely not as muscular or aggressive sounding as a LS car with headers and all that, but it has a great and overall intoxicating exhaust note, especially while under load. Doesn't leave me wanting for the sound of any of my other vehicles, anyway.