Review: 2022 Hyundai Kona N - Fun Machine

The Kona N is a one-of-a-kind hot crossover and in this video I review it on the street, track and autocross course to see what it's like. With 276 hp and a very sporty setup, the Kona N really has no competitors. Add to that an adjustable exhaust that sounds great, lots of high-tech performance toys, and lively handling, and you basically have an unmatched combination. The only real downsides are the lack of all-wheel-drive and less confident handling than the Elantra N, but aside from these two things, the Kona N is fantastic. We don't know pricing yet, but Hyundai's usual strong value proposition will most likely sweeten the deal on the Kona N, as does its 10 year/ 100,000 mile powertrain warranty. What do you think about the 2022 Kona N? Thanks to Hyundai for providing the 2022 Hyundai Kona N for me to review!
Time stamps:
0:00 Intro
0:11 Exterior
2:01 Interior
4:48 Start-up and revs
5:28 First acceleration
6:10 Initial impressions
7:46 Differences from Elantra N
10:10 Transmission thoughts
11:15 Handling
12:29 Launch control
13:44 NGS mode acceleration
14:32 Other thoughts
18:02 Track and autocross impressions
19:20 Final thoughts
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[@oz88og40]

Kona N and Elantra N are my favorite models of the Hyundai N performance line up,I know there's a lot of people complaining that it lacks the all wheel drive system and to me it does not need it I think it's fine the way it is the guys at Hyundai N performance division knows exactly what they are doing how to build a affordable performance car.

[@vroomgc]

Good points!

[@oz88og40]

@@vroomgc just my own opinion

[@gorgonismztruth1551]

Elantra N is my next car fact

[@seanbrewer1232]

Not a video I was expecting to pop up in my feed at 9:00 p.m. (Pacific) while I'm at work. What a pleasant surprise, thank you Matt for helping me be unproductive!

[@carloscaro860]

2:07 (eastern) let’s rally a.m

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Haha yeah you can thank Hyundai for the goofy embargo time, but thank you for watching it!

[@shaknoori2868]

thats freaking awesome, I love how Hyundai is actually trying and making fun stuff

[@buildmorefarms1007]

It's discontinued

[@LPDarkSoulsHD]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but if they offered the Kona N in a manual, I'd buy it over a Type R. Not even joking. This thing is sick and it doesn't give a SHIT what you think!

[@outsidethebox6986]

The practicality of the kona over the elantra for me is that I can lift the gate and sit in the back if I'm camping, at beach, park or at a drive inn movie.

[@MDKN22]

Hyundai said the Kona N didn't get AWD because they couldn't get the handling tuned to what they were targeting, as well as it increased weight.

[@Highlander1432]

FWD can be great Superior to RWD for inclement weather But also handling performance easier to control for novice drivers like myself

[@MDKN22]

@@Highlander1432 that is true, AWD would have been an awesome thing to have in un-ideal conditions, but it is ultimately their decision. All I can hope for is that if they make a Tucson N, they make it AWD. They'd have my money right there 😂

[@Highlander1432]

@@MDKN22 Yeah man I doubt they'll make a performance Tucson The platform really limits any kind of real performance I imagine

[@americanjoe9767]

I lived in northwest all my life, people who wants 4wheel drive all the time are just over reacting all the time!!! We get 1to 2 snow day of the year and people act like it’s end of the world for 2 days!!! Front wheel drive, drives fine even in snow!!! It’s less on gas than 4wheel drive and maintenance!!! I’ll take front wheel drive with LSD(limited slip differential) any day of the week over 4wheel drive!!!

[@vroomgc]

I like the comment and agree with most of what you have said although I have an awd Golf R right now and do appreciate the grip it gives. However that being said I'm not against fwd either and feel for most of the year it makes 0 difference. This car does appeal to me because its similar (not quite as fast) to my R except a tad higher up :).

[@jamesnicol3831]

yes and with proper seasonal tires fwd is all good

[@ronbleazard]

@@jamesnicol3831 Mine does great with snow tires in 3 inches of snow.

[@ordinarygamer1353]

I didn’t know these were even coming out. This is pretty sweet !!

[@dickiemcvitie1752]

Definitely get rid of those Pirelli tires!! I have the i30N Fastback in the UK and I couldn't wait to get rid of them. I replaced them with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S's and they are sooooo much better in every way and virtually no axel tramp under heavy acceleration, especially in the wet. We have the Kona N here in the UK, but no news if the Elantra N is coming and boy, I hope it does. I get mid 30 mpg's from my i30N as it has pretty much the same power plant with 275 bhp, so I'd imagine roughly the same figures for the Kona N.

[@AP-wu1rv]

I like how they look pretty unique and badass😍

[@Vijaypall_96]

Ooo I've been waiting for this car ! I think its perfect for where I live. B and A roads, muddy and wet in the UK. Ugh looks soo goodddd

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review, looks like a really fun vehicle, kudos to Hyundai for making these!

[@luthersullivan5141]

I love Matt's excitement for this car. I'm sold on Hyundai N Line cars

[@TaijiArban]

You mean N cars or N Line cars? Cause N Line is basically a sport trim.

[@luthersullivan5141]

@@TaijiArban N

[@Highlander1432]

N line is the fake one

[@ronbleazard]

I have had my Kona N for about a month and it really is a fun car. I drove the ELANTRA also, I chose the Kona N because I like SUVs. Good review I like the way you emphasize the fun part because that is why I bought this car.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Any problems so far?

[@khronin]

ive had one for 2years and zero problems @@buildmorefarms1007

[@hunterdonnelly7422]

I feel like they should’ve made this AWD. Would’ve helped to differentiate it from the Elantra and veloster N.

[@JMB1891]

It doesn’t need AWD, just adds extra weight.

[@hunterdonnelly7422]

@@JMB1891 well it does to me. Not buying a DD anymore without awd/4wd. This isn’t a sports car it’s a fast DD like a wrx.

[@lukeh2440]

I initially didn’t think it needed to be awd. Then I saw it in on the gravel and thought how much fun it would off the tarmac rally style

[@kiwan5425]

@@hunterdonnelly7422 Go test drive first and type. You can't compare this to WRX at all.

[@jonah9165]

Seems like this car might be geared towards a slightly younger market and at an 8-10 grand premium it might hurt this target audience ?

[@stavroslask1292]

I’ll take the Kona N over the Elantra N in NYC. Elantra is like an old Cadillac. HUGE!!!!

[@luthersullivan5141]

This dropped a bit and with 245 sport tires i am guessing the handling improves immensely

[@cindysue5474]

Yeah a good inch and a half drop different sway bars maybe a strut bar in the back that should help.

[@edwardzdankiewicz9068]

that would be the golf GTI. I don't understand why normal hatchbacks are not more popular in the US. People will buy hatchbacks and station wagons but only if called something with sport and utility in the name.

[@CapFlipGaming]

​@@edwardzdankiewicz9068 my Subaru Impreza hatchback is the best car I've ever had. 7 cars and it was amazing. The convenience and daily driver makes it really shine 365.

[@GenXtra65]

Excellent well balanced presentation

[@yzth3ory630]

Sadly this is the only N (sold in the U.S.) that I would purchase since for some ridiculous and unknown reasons Hyundai refuses to give us the i30 N/i30 Fastback N 😭😭😭

[@jeffreywhite7412]

They are next year this year it was a competition what one was better and they couldn’t get the i30 to were they wanted it in time so next year keep a look out

[@Geforcepat]

Good stuff Matt. One of the only suv's I'd consider buying at the moment. (That isn't the lambo urus of course) and Alfa's Gulia's suv version of course.

[@ordinarygamer1353]

If it had awd I’d buy it in a heartbeat

[@vroomgc]

@@ordinarygamer1353 But then it wouldn't be fun would it :)

[@Dorich55]

Just got my Kona N and my road Bike fits in the back! Take front wheel off and put back seat down. No problem. Don’t think that will work in the Elantra N. Also my wife like the Kona better because it’s easier for her to get in and out off.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Any problems so far?

[@gorgonismztruth1551]

A 30hp tune will be nuts on these

[@mgm5316]

Good review 👍 👏

[@ImFAULKn]

I need one now

[@trewebster5884]

If it could tow that would be a dope tow rig for the motorcycles 🏍💨

[@BN99239]

Hey Matt, does hitting the NGS button also change all the driving dynamics to the sportiest setting as well? It would be nice if I'm just in comfort and want to pass someone without having to change drive mode, click NGS, then floor it.

[@vroomgc]

Thats what the N button is for. Hit it and floor it

[@BN99239]

@@vroomgc So hitting the N button while in comfort is the same as hitting the N button while in Sport?

[@vroomgc]

@@BN99239 Doesnt matter what mode or mood you're in. It will take you to N mode... Oh ya :)

[@mdkflip7231]

Considering one as my next car. Would love this thing to be on the new platform and have AWD. Feel like if I go this route will need two sets of tires

[@markzuckerbergette6185]

Wow this is a good looking SUV

[@matthewb1973]

How's the exhaust sound level with it set to Normal (or whatever the quietest setting is)? I just want to be a good neighbor (I leave for work very early in the morning), and my wife is definitely not into the loud exhaust thing.

[@kyle_throws_tools]

I’m still holding out for the Accent N

[@EN_autoblog]

Thanks Matt.

[@TaijiArban]

Idk, I like that they did the N model for the Kona but I really love the elantra N because that is just what I need instead of a small crossover or or a quirky hatchback. Plus the elantra has more pops and crackles lol

[@SychicGamer]

This thing with a manual and awd woulda been the hardest car of 2021 😩

[@ian2372]

No manual but definitely needed awd.

[@seanz1297]

That would be the WRX killer.

[@closg9309]

YES MANUAL!!!!!

[@Mr.Thermistor7228]

@@closg9309 the dct is a really hard choice to turn down and i am a full on through and through manual driver only every car ive owned has been manual. this dct is really insane

[@792bnz]

I ran one of those today. quick car

[@drewschmanke6238]

Doing the spider man finger guns on the thumb nail hahah nice

[@shaolin224]

I noticed there is alot of exterior noise. Assuming all windows are closed, I wondering if it's the tires, road, or just the insulation? Looks fun though

[@gorgonismztruth1551]

Elantra N is my next car..

[@cindysue5474]

A good inch and a half drop all the way around maybe different sway bars rear strut bar pedal commander thats a good start.

[@ephraimperez1111]

Happy Thanksgiving 😄

[@clabenz401]

Is it really THAT loud inside the cabin? And I don't mean the fancy exhaust. It sounds like there is a LOT of road noise coming through almost no isolation.

[@DarkWireWave]

Without AWD, it seems like they really neutered the potential of this car. I get keeping the price down…but I’m pretty sure there would have been a much larger market of buyers willing to pay $2-3k more for an AWD version. Kinda seems like Hyundai has a lot of overlap between the veloster, elantra, and kona N cars. Having AWD could have been a different option that gives buyers something the other N cars didn’t already. Missed opportunity to be sure. - great review though!

[@Snooz.n]

Literally no one will pay 40k for a kona.

[@boygonewhoopdataZZ]

@@Snooz.n Unless they put it in WRC then it would have "Rally Heritage" and sell like hot cakes lmao.

[@JustinKelly]

The Veloster is likely going away next year.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I agree, an AWD version would have made a lot of sense, I'm guessing it was a cost thing (pricing or development), but I'm still glad it exists. Thanks for watching!

[@TheAdventureAuto]

@@Snooz.n I bet more people would pay 40k for an AWD Kona than 37k for a FWD Kona. I think that was his point.

[@falcon64z8]

I like the look more of the Kona N than the Elantra N, but if I had the Kona I would lower it with some coilovers and drive it like that.

[@AP-wu1rv]

Facts I'd probably get bags

[@stevethomas760]

The top of my wish list is a manual Kona N.

[@vroomgc]

Write to Santa, you might get the same response

[@stevethomas760]

@@vroomgc unfortunately I agree. Santa has left the building

[@manuelrendon8083]

Happy owner of a tunned GTI but i have to admit, this Kona N is impressive.

[@gcmfskg]

It's the same HP as the Mazda Speed3 and those we're fun. Go Hyundai!

[@vroomgc]

Ya and this has a working lsd so it would even be better than that torque steering speed3 :)

[@digitaldoc100]

Love the 2.0T engine, and the newer 8 spd DCT seems to be an improvement over the 7 spd, dry clutch version. However, live in the Northeast, have to commute in the snow, and need an AWD version. So close, yet still a miss for my needs.

[@hunterdonnelly7422]

Seriously, should’ve made an AWD version! Don’t they see the success of the wrx ? Keep the Elantra and veloster N FWD and make the Kona N awd. They’re way to similar.

[@christopheralonge7758]

Great...... an unreliable Korean turbo

[@jeffreywhite7412]

@@christopheralonge7758 it has surprisingly been really reliable on the n versions

[@Cryptodegen2A]

Like VW turbos never fail prematurely. Id take my chances with this over a vw.

[@Cryptodegen2A]

Been driving high hp modded vettes and other rwd cars yr round for years in WI. Having a second set of wheels and snow tires make a huge difference in snow/ice. I've never felt the need for awd in 39 yrs of driving.

[@henrikkoukku2896]

2022 Hyundai Kona N with wet DCT transmission.👍🏼😉 SUV💪🏻😎Performance power!.

[@ASmattman]

This is a hot hatch, nothing SUV/CUV/Crossover about it. Still fast though!

[@henrikkoukku2896]

@@ASmattman -Ok.

[@aroundomaha]

Hyundai has a brand of fun sort of like Dodge/Stellantis but cheaper and more practical as a daily.

[@rickschmukler9479]

It’s funny and showing my age but the Kona n reminds me of the Dodge Caliber srt

[@MirageTactics]

Seems a lot like the Puma ST other markets get.

[@jamesnicol3831]

fabulous car diminished by dealer duplicity

[@King_Ithra]

Why is no one talking about the tire lift on turns, shouldn't we be worried about that?

[@Dirtbikesforlife16]

Wondering if you’d be interested in doing a video on a big turbo 400 hp focus st

[@boyousef544]

How would this compare to Yaris gr !!

[@pherron7471]

It doesn't.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I've never driven one so hard for me to say, but the higher ride height of this basically guarantees that the GR Yaris will have much better handling.

[@RyGuyTheAVGuy]

LOL what

[@buttahwrld17]

This car looks fast

[@mr.2cents.846]

If this car had 100HP more and AWD and stickshift, it would be a real riot.

[@khronin]

Thats what the AMG GLA 45 is and is 62k plus.

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

With all the recent recalls, I’m very hesitant to purchase that for that price, I’ll wait on a reliable Toyota Corolla GR (with a Stick shift )

[@LearnAboutFlow]

Can't argue with that, and the Corolla will (theoretically) be lighter than the Kona and the Elantra.

[@christopheralonge7758]

Wise choice

[@naveedc7]

It’s a shame this doesn’t have a awd option.

[@RodDawg158]

How about a review on the Model S Plaid?

[@Badonicus]

Whats a honday?

[@stephenhendricks103]

The Kona N is an impressive vehicle. But it is NOT a crossover, much less an SUV. It's a hatchback and a "hot" one at that. I understand Hyundai's marketing strategy in calling it a subcompact SUV given Americans' obsession with the category and their reluctance to consider hatchbacks. But if the Kona N is a crossover or SUV (take your pick) then the VW GTI and Golf R are SUVs, as well. And that stretches the definition of the category to a ridiculous degree.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I can understand why you might have this opinion, but chief engineer Albert Biermann doesn't agree with you. He told us in the press briefing that they deliberately didn't lower the Kona N because they already have a hot hatch with the Veloster (and the hatches in Europe) and he wanted to keep the ground clearance. In the mind of the engineers that designed this vehicle, it's a crossover. As a result, it has a couple inches of ground clearance over stuff like the GTI.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@MattMaranMotoring Mr. Biermann is a great designer and engineer but he seems almost as adept at "marketing-speak." With slightly over than an inch more ground clearance than a GTI (6.7" vs 5.4") and less than half an inch more than a Camry, lacking the ubiquitous protective cladding of almost all SUVs, and the absence of a variety of features found on other SUVs for even light off-roading, calling the Kona N an SUV or even a CUV stretches the definition beyond any useful meaning. That doesn't make it a bad vehicle. Far from it. Frankly, as the owner of a GTI, I'm impressed. But putting it in the same category as subcompact CUVs such as the KIA Seltos or the VVW Taos is ridiculous. It's a hot hatch on (very short) stilts. Called an SUV/CUV purely for marketing purposes.

[@ASmattman]

@@MattMaranMotoring This doesn't have the ground clearance or the drivetrain to be a crossover, much less a full-blown SUV. It lacks the all-terrain capabilities that define the Crossover segment, in addition to the towing capacity and added space (cargo and/or seating) found in SUVs. Think about it - what about this car distinguishes it from the hatchback segment? The ~1" of "extra" ride height, which still amounts to less clearance than a Nissan Versa sedan? It's a FWD hot hatch pretending to be more rugged than it actually is. Which is totally cool, btw, all except for the pretending it's something it isn't. Now, double the ground clearance difference (7.5+ inches) and add AWD/4WD, then it would at least fit into the Crossover segment. Still wouldn't be an SUV though.

[@JustinKelly]

Price is $35,425 including destination.

[@Highlander1432]

Needs to be less than 30k Wtf has happened to car prices ?!

[@davidmccarthy6061]

Ah, the Kona model that isn't for compliance.

[@peterhong526]

Why not just give us the i30N to North America? Marketing this as an "SUV/crossover" to SUV-crazy Americans, when it actually has much less interior space than the i30N...

[@LukeO-1234]

Beth's next car? Lol

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Haha no, we need more space than this and like having AWD.

[@PunkGuitar26]

The minute I heard it wasn't going to be AWD I lost interest.

[@glennpuckeridge6244]

FWD aided with modern electronics has great traction . AWD adds weight, cost and complexity. FWD is actually a good choice.

[@ssamcobalt4956]

Needs a manual transmission

[@MrPotato16]

Needs awd

[@Highlander1432]

Price is still too high

[@DizzyCGA]

We have forgotten about the Forester XT. C'mon subaru, stop being so lame

[@robbodwell8767]

No AWD?! No sale.

[@InvestBetter.]

Not really seeing the point of this vehicle You won't buy the Veloster N. You won't buy the Elantra N, but you'll buy this? It has a tiny back seat (I've been in it) It has a tiny cargo area, no AWD, no stick.... What is the point? It is shaped like a crossover, but its too small to do crossover things well

[@vroomgc]

So based on your comment, whats the point to all crossovers and smaller suv's ? Nobody buys an suv and gets a stick either.

[@InvestBetter.]

@@vroomgc Exactly. Stop agreeing with me.

[@420hansol]

nice car, but who would buy this over Elantra N????

[@Dezznut69]

hi

[@TheAdventureAuto]

Hyundai had the front end of the Kona nailed, and now updated it to look really strange. The 2022's look horrible.

[@MrBobbyBrown2006]

No manual, no thanks. Hyundai cares more about $ than they do building culture. Not saying that is the wrong decision, but it's a short term play. Building culture is a long term play and can pay off down the road. Putting a manual in this forces every enthusiast to take it seriously, and some will make the switch to this and then hype builds online and it snowballs from there, growing the brand culture. Right now this vehicle will exist for a few years and then be discontinued and it will essentially be forgotten about. The TRUE enthusiast market cannot take this seriously at the moment.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

What other SUVs offer a manual at all, outside of Wrangler and Bronco? If you want manual, go Veloster or Elantra.

[@LearnAboutFlow]

And remember folks, the TRUE enthusiast NEVER considers a Lamborghini or Ferrari since, you know, they only come in automatics these days. SMH.

[@krsipydt]

Sorry to say it but a little hideous in the looks department. It has that Pontiac Aztek vibe going ☹.

[@tedtedness184]

Hyundai has FAILED, it NEEDS AWD and it is way to high for no reason. It's roll center is way out of wack, it is a street racer NOT and off road car. And every review calls this problem out. AND no, you non AWD knowing people can't convince me the 2WD eLSD is good enough. NO, it is not. It is an axle tramp nightmare like all FWD high HP cars. And every review calls this out. This car was meant to be AWD. The weight is a BS excuse because to get a Kona balanced you need to add 100+ lbs in the rear in AWD form as the Kona was designed with too much weight cantilevered over the front wheels. In AWD form the Kona AWD N would steal 1/4 of the sales from the Golf R and would pull a chunk from the WRX and some from BMW and Audi, as many who buy those cars used, would now buy a new Kona N AWD. BUT NOT in 2WD form, it is a stinker in this under performing 2WD form to grab "next level buyers." Let alone more females who have money and always buy specialty AWD cars for safety as long as it has an automatic trans as it would have, those buyers are not buying a 2WD Kona N Hyundai failed on this one. So all you people who NEVER drove a properly setup AWD sports car can chime in with very weak arguments. Remember, a tire can only grip 100% if it has to put down 100% power input and 100% steering input you are not going anywhere fast. In AWD form and a non OEM alignment an AWD will dance through the corners, this 2WD car will not. Sales have been lost by a large number, because of this stupid choice of FWD only. What a shame. Oh yea, Hyundai, why does North America get the heavy UGLY cast rims and Europe gets the nice light weight forged rims?