The BEST Value Hot Hatch! // 2023 Hyundai Kona N Family Review

The 2023 Hyundai Kona N continues to be a better hot hatch value than almost anything else on the market, such as the Honda Civic Type R, Toyota GR Corolla, and Acura Integra Type S. While the Hyundai Kona N is slightly smaller than something like an Acura Integra Type S, it makes up for it by being $20k cheaper than the Type S and at least $10k cheaper than the Civic Type R and GR Corolla. Like the Honda Civic Type R and Integra Type S, the Kona N is FWD only, which is a bit of a bummer, but considering how good it drives I don't think most people will be disappointed. In this review of the Hyundai Kona N, Megan takes her first hot hatch out for a vigorous drive and even kind of admits that the Hyundai Kona N might be the perfect vehicle for an enthusiast dad like me. If you like this review of the Kona N, check out my previous Kona N review below, which was just as glowing, and my warning on why you probably shouldn't buy the Hyundai Kona N Line because it has potentially awful transmission issues. Let me know what you think in the comments!
2022 Hyundai Kona N Review (just as awesome!)
• This is a BONKERS Litt...
2022 Hyundai Kona N Line Review (awful transmission)
• The Hyundai Kona N Lin...
#hyundai
#hyundaikona
#hyundaikonan

[@ronforeman2556]

Buy this car! My wife and I absolutely LOVE our 2022 Sonic Blue KONA N. It's really several cars rolled into one because it enables the driver to customize a range of settings for the suspension and steering stiffness, throttle response, transmission shift points, limited slip differential engagement, electronic stability control, and exhaust racket. All of these parameters are maxed out in pre-programmed "N Mode," which is why EVERY REVIEWER complains about how STIFF the car rides in that setting but, with a push of a button, you can choose a more compliant suspension setting a la the pre-set for the car's default "Normal Mode." Truth is that the Kona N, even in "Normal Mode," is a blast to drive. It's quick, nimble, and intuitive stealth fighter. The eight-speed wet dual clutch transmission is akin to those found in German sports cars costing more twice as much. I'd strongly encourage enthusiasts to grab a Kona N while they can. Hyundai will cease production of the Kona N after just two years, which will make the car something of a classic in years to come. 💥

[@amazingskyland]

You have a great video. I've been driving a Kona N since June 2022 and I'm very happy with it. The Kona N is a lot of fun. As a summer vehicle, I still drive a 2016 Subaru WRX STi. I love both vehicles. The Kona N is very rarely seen on the street with us. You can see much more I30N. Greetings from Switzerland

[@jax1079]

Thank you so much! And glad to hear you enjoy the Kona N. Thanks for watching from the other side of the world! We appreciate it.

[@VanethReaper]

This just put a huge smile on my face. My friends and family are much like wife here, they dont totally get it but they kinda do. I am pretty much the singular car guy in the family and just drove my 2023 Kona N off the lot the other night, they were all baffled to see it roll up as i made the rounds, saying "thats not a very you car, wtf is going on?!" until i took them for a ride..... and instantly they understand. its a WHOLE lot of car for the money, sure there are some sacrifices in the space and ride comfort department but thats a given for a performance focused vehicle.

[@jax1079]

Glad you liked it! We just try to provide a more "real world" perspective with car reviews. We've all got friends and families to account for (and wives). Can't pretend like that's not part of the car buying and owning experience, ya know? Thanks for watching!

[@VanethReaper]

@@jax1079 the dynamic between you two is just fantastic, reminds me a lot of how it is between my family and I, they dont totally get my interest in the performance car segment. I love that you called it a hot hatch to, lets be honest thats really what it is! it was a joy to watch the back and forth between you two throughout

[@jax1079]

@@VanethReaper Thanks for the kind words!

[@bookerwooten4393]

One of your best videos!!! Just love your wife screaming in the background! It's. really helpful to hear a different perspective. Keep up the outstanding work!

[@jax1079]

Thanks so much! I had to initiate her into the hot hatch fold. That being said, I might have ruined her for them… 🤣

[@tedadamgreen]

Great video all the way around!

[@jax1079]

Thanks so much!

[@ianthusiast]

I have a red Kona N and I love it!

[@jax1079]

It’s pretty great

[@diydrivenGA]

As I package, I love this car. I'm a current GTI owner in Georgia and this would be on my short list to replace it (along with the Mazda CX-30) since my garage layout can support the length of 2 midsize SUV and I'm parking in the driveway (lol). After driving a lowered vehicle for years, these two cars are perfect for my daily driving with some spirited driving in the mountains or backroads (georgia is great for that) but the reliability/ service department experience I've had with the brand in the past along with the recent open recall on the DCT transmission will keep me on the fence for awhile and I don't think they'll sell enough of these to fix my perception. While they have a warranty, the massive engine recalls they have had has effected the brand operationally. This results in dealers messing around locally to make up for $ lost on warranty work, to corners cut by techs to either catch up or save time, to the process of getting work approved putting alot of the responsibility on the owner keeping receipts for all work done, and looking for ways to put it on the customer to pay. Sorry for the rant but is a car I really wanted to get, and with the market the way it is (new and used) I may have to overpay for a toyota hot hatch, the Rav4 prime, not the tiny Corolla GR, lol

[@jax1079]

Hahaha! No worries! Rant away! Although I fear you'll have just as much trouble with the markups on the RAV4 Prime as you will the GR Corolla. I absolutely LOVE the RAV4 Prime... but I think at this point Megan is holding out for a Land Cruiser, haha!

[@henripaszkiewicz7965]

Mazda 3 Turbo user here. At our house my Wife drives Nissan Titan Pro 4 X and I drive the Mazda 3. She loves the Mazda 3. That being said she had a 2002 Lexus IS 300. Does the Kona N feel like a in line 6 rear wheel drive? The Mazda 3 Turbo does feel like an in line 6 rear wheel drive.

[@jax1079]

I agree. The Mazda 3 turbo does a better approximation of a premium vehicle for the price, but that’s not what the Kona N is doing. It’s a FAR more raw and raucous car that wants to thrash more than the Mazda. I think that’s why Megan would prefer the Mazda in a two car household but because I’m an A hole, I’d prefer the Kona N 😂

[@henripaszkiewicz7965]

@@jax1079 I love the feel of an Inline six with rear wheel drive feel. Mid 2000s BMW 3 or Lexus IS 300. Mazda 3 Turbo does that . First thing I thought when I drove it. When she drove the Mazda she brought up her old IS 300. I guess the AWD coupled with low end torque does that......

[@oraclemiata845]

@@henripaszkiewicz7965 I’ll have what you’re smoking.

[@bookerwooten4393]

Elantra N next PLEASE! :)

[@jax1079]

Working on it… 😉👍🏻

[@user-us9jo6xu7z]

It would have made more sense do a video about the Elantra N instead of a Kona N which is discontinued and are no longer made.

[@oraclemiata845]

@@user-us9jo6xu7z KONAN is legend. It’s spirit will always live on. Especially on a short technical track where it abuses the EN.

[@hezekiaahe.2492]

Seen those 2 cars race several times , Mazda got out first and the Kona quickly overtook it and left it far behind.

[@jax1079]

Makes sense

[@williamjoseph1300]

Considering getting this or a grown up hybrid SUV……

[@jax1079]

Rage against the dying of the light

[@SssandNBtwnMytoes]

Whats fire gauges

[@jax1079]

Since Hyundai/Kia/Genesis models have gauges and needles that turn into light sabers in sport mode. It’s a fun little gimmick.

[@vanceforrest4085]

Love your reviews, good job Meg hammering it through the twisties at 34 mph 🫣. Jax I was all in as another hot hatch to look at besides my fav so far the VW Golf R…awd eight speed auto…but then you said FW drive only, yup I’m up north. Have you reviewed the Golf R, what would be your best suggestion for a look at I should spend some time on? Keep up the good work I watch all of your stuff 👍🏻

[@jax1079]

VW doesn't think I'm cool enough for loans yet. Hopefully soon. I'd probably go with the GR Corolla if I needed awd in a hot hatch, but I've only previewed it. I don't have a full review on it yet.

[@oraclemiata845]

Get some snow tires. You don’t need awd.