The 2022 Hyundai Kona N Is A Trend Setting Small Performance SUV

The subcompact mainstream SUV segment has been fill of stylish, affordable, and boring entries for years, until now. For 2022, the #HyundaiKonaN is the first-ever high performance version of the #HyundaiKona. Just like the Veloster and Elantra, the 2022 #KonaN has the same 276 HP 2.0L T-GDI 4-cylinder with power flowing to the FWD with a standard 8-speed DCT. It goes on sale at the end of the year and we expect pricing to be around $35,000.
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[@dlg5485]

You have to respect Hyundai for making their own rules. The reason they've been so successful is their willingness to offer models that other brands are too risk averse to offer.

[@xuimod]

No adaptive cruise control for Kona N is a really really stupid decision tho.

[@Sauce.714]

@@xuimod People ain't buying a Kona N for adaptive cruise control

[@gigi9467]

@@Sauce.714 why are they buying it? For performance? Lol

[@lamborjhini]

@@xuimod yo that's pretty fkn shit tbh just for that I wouldn't buy it lmao

[@parkerstephens1355]

I'd get one just for the looks

[@ANathan123]

It definitely looks better than the normal kona

[@junkiexl86]

And thats not saying much lol

[@jmula9372]

No duh it costs more 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@samiam9059]

that says a lot?

[@BoopSnoot]

No competitor though? Its basically a GTI.

[@keithlynch3086]

I can’t wait till my daughter turns 16 and gets my Elantra GT N-Line so I can buy the Kona N. Absolutely love my N-Line zero issues @ 52,000 miles

[@czcpassionfruit2755]

W parent

[@sachemrock]

Wow, this is a real treat for high performance enthusiasts on a budget.

[@gigi9467]

You budget is pretty high insuggest a type r has better driving dynamics more Reliable and depreciates a whole Lot less.

[@ExceLvG]

@@gigi9467 new Type R’s by me are 55k (CAD) so thats a littttttle bit more than the veloster, and presumably the elantra and kona.

[@gigi9467]

@@ExceLvG (CAD)???

[@ExceLvG]

@@gigi9467 Canadian, Ontario pricing

[@gigi9467]

@@ExceLvG oh damn, u need to get out of there man! Lol

[@stephenhendricks103]

Calling the Kona N an SUV and then pointing out how little it shares with every other subcompact crossover on the market is rather silly. The Kona N is obviously a direct rival of the VW GTI. It's a hot hatch. Period. And an impressive one, at that.

[@jmula9372]

This is a CUV if anything no hatch 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@yamildiaz2588]

It can even pass as a compact crossover but is true this is not a SUV

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@jmula9372 How do you think one accesses the cargo space with "no hatch"? 😁

[@Slowwagonftl]

So what’s the Veloster N? Also I agree. Most crossovers are just tall hatchbacks

[@yamildiaz2588]

@@Slowwagonftl I think the Veloster is just a hatchback with 4 doors instead of 5. There's also a liftback like the Stinger

[@davids1816]

As someone who had a couple GTIs in his younger years I have to say this is a pretty great little car. I think by far this is the most compelling N because it's the nicest looking and by far the most useful since it is a little wagon and should be easier to park. I'd consider it if I still could get away with that kind of car.

[@tylerdurden9132]

Lol, I have a 2020 elantra GT, wife has a Kona some year. Elantra hatch has more room.

[@roccotaco87]

It actually has less room than the Elantra N

[@davids1816]

@@roccotaco87 This is bad math though. There MIGHT be more legroom in the Elantra. Hyundai play some games with rating leg room total so I'll hold my judgement, but interior volume also includes the useless space under windshield and back window. So while the Elantra is possibly going to have a small legroom advantage, the passengers will sit lower to the floor so they'll need that space. They will have less headroom. They find getting into and out of the car more difficult because of the shape of the doors and roofline, and the car is less versatile because it has a small opening for the trunk instead of a hatch that severely limits what you can carry. So yeah, there's more functional room in it. It's still say test the GTI first though.

[@anhiirr]

the elantra n is also like 5k cheaper and they offer a 6 spd manual to those that are interested in a pure manual experience. IMO theyre 2 different cars other than powertrain. But ill be looking at the elantra N bc ill have more cost aspects towards options as well as a tune. Looking at the elantra n 6 spd and gr86 currently but the elantra as far as FF has my attention over what hondas offering.

[@7.62x39-b]

Hyundai is making amazing vehicles recently. Nice work in the N division.

[@noway234]

Mike Mike

[@alexandergallegos3843]

Im a Porter at Hyundai and I have to admit. If you see the black colored version of this car. It's something you cannot stop staring at 🖤

[@NicholasTranscends]

✨ Sofyan wearing a Subaru jacket at a Hyundai event! Love it! ✨

[@himynameisaaron86]

Hyundai has a brilliant corporate model, make cars that customers ask for! Lack of a 6spd is disappointing though. Love, love, love the exterior design especially the busy rear end and those wheels are amazing. Interior is a bit of a let down due to all the plastic bits otherwise this looks like a winner.

[@ThisIsDooDoo]

Oo

[@tedtedness184]

NO THEY DON"T !!! SO SO SO many want an AWD Kona N. Hyundai is clueless on what they "could of had here. They failed at it miserably.

[@RockhockeyGames]

@@tedtedness184 that would mean redesigning the 8spd and a lot more complications like the presenter said, part of their plan is to keep these preformance models cheap hense the crap interior

[@tedtedness184]

@@RockhockeyGames BS, excuse. They already have an 8 speed wet with a transfer case. It is only a easy small casting away if not. All the guts in the 2.5 AWD will fit in a 2.0 casting. We still do not know if the 8speed bell housing bolts to a 2.0. Very easy and still cheap to do. A 2018 AWD Kona rear diff can handle over 800hp 1,000/ftlbs Tq by the manufactures website. It's a $1,400 option to make it AWD.

[@jeffreywhite7412]

Yeah but when you get the manual in the veloster and the Elantra , you don’t get the over boost

[@retrothruster2539]

I sold my Veloster N a few months ago for silly money and had every intention on replacing it with the Kona N, well as time went by, I started studying the new Santa Cruz mini pick-up, I've ended up with the Sanata Cruz and I'm not disappointed with it at all but I still dream of the Kona N, maybe I can talk the wife into one:)

[@sunnyvalentino]

C'mon, this is a hot hatch like a GTI. How is this an SUV, lol. I like it.

[@CSLFiero]

if sofyan's eyes are above the roofline, that's not an SUV. that's a hatchback

[@o0260o]

When I was car shopping the Kona didn't feel as spacious as my old Fiesta.

[@robertburton8055]

It’s most direct competition is the GTI IMO… if it was AWD I’d be waaaaay more interested

[@AFJDM]

I'm surprised they didn't even offer an option...Hyundai could've charged $2500 more for AWD and probably made a decent profit on all the AWD versions that would sell.

[@MelloHubb]

If they offered awd I would have a deposit down asap... I can't go back to fwd. I do not miss the torque steer and skipping front tires on launches.

[@buzztrucker]

@@AFJDM market research and then for them to fit it and engineer it into it probably didn't make sense for them and maybe they are just trying out how well it does with front-wheel drive as far as sales before they introduce an all-wheel drive model.

[@brianfloster2609]

Totally agree. This is a hot hatch - it's not an SUV. For me in the segment it's GTI>Veloster N>Kona N

[@tedtedness184]

@@AFJDM Normally AWD is $1,400

[@wbwayne8887]

Kona N price just released. They all come fully loaded. $35,425 $400 more than the Veloster N with the DCT.

[@vroomgc]

Thanks for sharing

[@johnnymason3265]

This looks like a winner to me! I would love to have this Kona N as a great weekend car/crossover! I'm sure it would make a great daily driver as well!

[@drumflip1253]

I own one and love it.

[@wesidk5662]

I don't care about contrast or a full leather interior. The things you interact with are comfortable, it looks good, and it isn't all going to get messed up after a few miles. It seems reliable and a great value

[@JGman32]

Was bummed out that Hyundai didn't show any of their N cars in the L.A Auto Show this year. Thank you for the video!

[@Snooz.n]

They were all there. I sat in all three

[@JDMHaze]

im bummed this isnt AWD , it could've slayed subarus

[@Snooz.n]

@@JDMHaze I can guarantee you this will make an sti jealous

[@1209MArky]

It was all there, they weren’t at the Hyundai booth they had an N booth lol.

[@memsnb5357]

You definitely missed it. Hyundai had an N line up right near the entrance separate from the rest of their cars.

[@Q_Alix]

I have a hyundai kona 2022 SEL. It came with sunroof and roof rack. ❤ AWD 33 MPG! GREAT VIDEO!

[@mxpx148]

Was waiting for the release of this forever only to be disappointed that it was FWD only. With 130 mi/day commute in the NE with a job I have to get to unless I’m dying, the lack of AWD took it off the list. Hopefully Hyundai brings AWD in the future. Great review 👍🏻

[@blarghman332]

I’ve never had AWD in the NE, snow tires dude!

[@mxpx148]

@@blarghman332 I have driven multiple winters with FWD and snows, and a couple with RWD and snows. Unfortunately, if I hop on the interstate and it’s a complete mess, I don’t have the choice to turn around. I’m an electrician at a plant…1 of 2 on my rotation, meaning if we were both to call out, the plant doesn’t run. Would rather have the AWD/4WD to help get me through it.

[@blarghman332]

@@mxpx148 right on, that’s fair man I wasn’t trying to be an asshole. Hey that’s cool man, I’m an HVAC technician, what do you guys do at the plant?

[@christophcollier]

Come on…snow tires my man… this has an E-lsd - it will put in the work with snow tires.

[@mxpx148]

@@blarghman332 Aluminum cans, and we only closet 3-4 days/yr lol.

[@raabclark2045]

We gotta stop calling these types of cars “SUVs”. Small in size, no AWD, and no towing capacity does not equal SUV. This is a hatchback. Most hatchbacks are just taller and beefier these days.

[@g.r.2985]

Was my thought exactly and if you had a drink every time Sofyan said SUV, you’d be pretty drunk! #KonaNnotSUV

[@vr6gls]

They call it an “SUV” because Americans are hatchback phobic. The average American is very image conscious and believe SUV’s have more “prestige”. It’s all a marketing ploy. 🙄

[@g.r.2985]

@@vr6gls yeah, got that feeling too, like Sofyan was being paid by the marketing department to say SUV in his review (the higher the count, the higher the bonus, 💴!)

[@cindysue5474]

I call it a compact utility vehicle.

[@g.r.2985]

@@cindysue5474 Compact : yes, Utility : no

[@thub7637]

You don’t see many vehicles that we mere mortals can afford that can make someone be that excited and having that much fun.

[@RokBenni]

Love what Hyundai is doing with their line up....very impressive stuff

[@dave210yt]

Hyundai has been killing it lately!

[@freniq]

I have to give you props for your utterly seamless single take presentation - respect!

[@jacdariper]

I really like the styling, handling and ride quality of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 as it's interior design is more futuristic than all tested but I just traded my 2021 Hyundai Sonata N - Line yesterday for the 2022 Kona N until the electrics vehicle are mandatory and Hyundai releases the Ioniq 5 N with the longer range batteries already in work!

[@daniellee7178]

I'm surprised it looks pretty damn good!

[@carlosandleon]

Remove yourself from snobbish purist thinking and appreciate crossovers more. They're cool cars.

[@Carfan678]

@@carlosandleon I don’t hate crossovers but at the same time a lot of ppl that don’t need them buy them. I see and know single ppl that are 22 and never have anyone in the backseat and never have cargo so it’s like why drive a Kia Sportage when u can get a k5 and be fine, for example

[@carlosandleon]

@@Carfan678 Bro the K5 and sportage are about the same size Dimension wise. Sportage is just taller. And why get a K5 when you can get a scooter? A motorcycle? Public transport. Truth is we shouldn't be looking at crossovers as "SUVs" they are just this generations cars. Look at the 1920s, 1930s. You can say all cars back then were crossovers. Decent rideheight for potholes, spacious, practical. I mean back in the day cars were going lower and lower. Look at crossovers now. They're not even that high off the ground but they do have the usable rideheight for city streets. No more bashing your bumper against the curb. Problem with sedans is they have a boot when a Hatch makes more sense. and that's what crossovers have. People always say crossovers aren't necessarily more practical than "normal" cars. But truth is they actually kinda are. And look less goofy than wagons (i love wagons myself ngl. But they look too goofy, trust me in Germany it's wagon galore and it's really just misshapen old people cars, i don't get the hype)

[@carlosandleon]

@@Carfan678 The real solution is to get people off cars.

[@stevethomas760]

@@carlosandleon Nothing quite like riding a mule into town. Well then you have methane issues. Whoa, just strike a match and you have "over boost" for passing

[@mr_boom105]

the over-the-shoulder view when you first got in was a great shot. please more of that. It's nice to see what you look at first when you get in.

[@canadatroop]

As a couple who owns a 22 VN DCT and a 23 KN and track both, it’s an amazing line right out of the box and track ready. The VN has better cornering because of its weight obviously but with changing to lightweight rims and simply upgrading the brake fluid you can go lap after lap without having to take cool downs

[@jeffreyspencer4005]

Loved the back tire lift on your second run!! :-)

[@andresmattos7541]

Amazing for the money

[@BlackstarSI]

I absolutely love this car. Wait until the aftermarket scene hits for this and 💯💯 can’t wait to see it.

[@chuckvaldez4149]

As a new owner of a 2022 sonata limited, Hyundai is making some amazing cars, the limited has option I didn't have in my 65k Mercedes, Absolutely love Hyundai.

[@backnu]

Such fun cars it seems ! So refreshing from the boring competition! I also love the tech! Some people get bent out of shape because there's too many options in their opinion. I say there are boring alternatives if they want to purchase them from other makers. I also love the exhaust! Just enough cracks and pops without it being annoyingly over-the-top.

[@gabdominguezz355]

I'm currently in the market looking for a new hybrid type vehicles and OMG I'm in love love love with this vehicle wow!!! how impressive !! Hyundai you my nigggas now😉😆😆🧡🧡🧡🔥

[@jonnyaesthetic]

Awesome intro guys! Shoutout to the videographer!

[@stevenwilhite4026]

That horsepower in such a small vehicle is incredible! Can’t wait to see one in person

[@VaunShiz]

Huh? The same power is in the Veloster N which is alot lighter...

[@stevenwilhite4026]

@@VaunShiz I don’t care about the weight difference, I like the styling of the Kona better. I have to like walking out to it everyday. Styling preferences are in the eye of the beholder

[@Enjoi8D]

If they made AWD available as an addon option like the other Kona models I would 100% purchase. Im sure that would require a complete transmission redesign which for a small production trim level would not be cost effective unless they could incorporate it into other Hyundai/Kia platforms like the K5, Stinger ect Living in Northern Canada AWD is a blessing!

[@mervunit]

I'd rather pay 10k less for it. Just get a subaru crosstrek with 100hp less and a CVT if snow driving is a concern. This isn't a car for the snow.

[@roccotaco87]

@@mervunit The DCT on my kona doesn’t have any issues in the snow, off-road is where it struggles which they shouldn’t be used as off road vehicles due to the lack of ground clearance and suspension anyway.

[@ASmattman]

@@mervunit $10K more for AWD add-on? I feel like most manufacturers can offer the option for $1,500 - $2,500 more.

[@Enjoi8D]

@@mervunit if they wanted 10k more for AWD I would just order a Genesis GV60 Performance!

[@Enjoi8D]

@@ASmattman I Believe AWD option on Hyundai models is aprox $2000 CAD addon. Which is not bad at all. AWD Kona N would be a nice contender to the Golf R. I have drove the Veloster N and recently Kona N. Both are great platforms and lots of fun, the WDCT is lightning fast!

[@G.Uppercut123]

Might be my first Korean ✌🏽

[@mikevaldes9831]

sunroof is not offered on the Kona N according to alex

[@objectivelyspeaking5226]

It should be awd. They cut enough corners on the interior to justify it.

[@1209MArky]

It doesn’t need awd. I’ve never seen people crying that the type R needs AWD.

[@objectivelyspeaking5226]

@@1209MArky This isn’t the Type R. It’s better and it needs awd.

[@1209MArky]

@@objectivelyspeaking5226 there’s no reason for this to need AWD lol.

[@objectivelyspeaking5226]

@@1209MArky Says who? Some nobody on the internet.

[@1209MArky]

@@objectivelyspeaking5226 says literally everyone that’s driven and reviewed it?

[@atmartens]

Looks cool. Love that Hyundai is even doing this.

[@noah22261]

To anyone commenting about AWD, Hyundai just added the awd option to the build and price, only a $1500 add on

[@Xenogenesis_]

Where did you hear this? Are you talking about the n line ?

[@noah22261]

@@Xenogenesis_ sorry I’m an idiot only for n line slow version

[@erikferrante8535]

I just traded in my 2019 veloster Ultimate for this yesterday. It's better sound deadening than the veloster and suspension feels softer on bumps than the veloster also. Felt bad squeezing grandma in the veloster so more room more power. Totally happy so far.

[@lglg6950]

Being speedy and agile is fun when driving! Friend had a Fiat Abrath, horrible car but that thing was so light and speedy it was fun to drive.

[@JustinKelly]

Really too bad we get this instead of the I30 N. The interior materials and interior volume are worse and smaller respectively than the Elantra GT we formerly got. It's a nice package overall but I am interested to hear final pricing. Also don't believe there are any options for the Kona N outside of color.

[@nickk4635]

I have a 2022 Limited Kona that is fully loaded out. I am very happy with my purchase, even when I paid a premium for the car. The options you get are amazing, no one can match the comfort features such as the premium entertainment system and the white leather is amazing. I personally like the plastic parts as those are the most likely to get scratched up so it doesnt hurt as much to see a scratch. And there IS a sunroof, I got it and love it. I also got AWD and while not the same.as Audi's quattro it does a decent job. In short, anything else with this nice options and actually somewhat roomy than what I expected from a compact, I drove with all 3 seats with passengers and everyone was comfortable. All of this would be at least 10k more expensive with any other brand like audi or Mazda.

[@jcarcobaltss]

Nice review. I feel like the Kona N was what the Nissan Juke was supposed to be but never made it.

[@nickvendetta7906]

My OCD! Why would they black everything out, including the front emblem, but then leave the back chrome?!

[@anothersiguy]

I love how ballsy Hyundai is. That MPG though, how they manage to get the same rating as a Pilot with a 3.5 V6

[@MJT-DA]

People clearly don't understand that giving a car a turbo doesn't give it better gas mileage. You get the same amount of power as a larger engine in a smaller package however you still need to add the same amount of fuel to make the same amount of power... compression stroke in most 4 cycle engines is 300 psi and combustion is 1000 psi. When you add a turbo it doubles it to 600 psi and combustion is 2000 psi Force = Pressure x Area. The area of the piston stays the same but the Pressure increases creating a larger force according to Pascal law. But increasing the CC to get the same about of product you need the same amount of reactants of Air and octane to create the same combustion reaction as the lower pressure stroke.. staying away from boost makes the engine act as a 4 cylinder but getting into it literally doubles the cylinder count.

[@dpok69]

Stay out of boost for maximum mpg.

[@OrionInception]

Wow I'm not going to lie...this is a dope SUV. Might have to add this to the list. Nice job.

[@RLTtizME]

I think "dope" was officially phased out several years ago.

[@OrionInception]

@@RLTtizME by who? You? I think there's more things to worry about than some word....and that's dope. ✌

[@RLTtizME]

@@OrionInception That's dumb. 👈🤣🤣🤣🤡🤡🤡

[@carscoffeeandcannabis-634]

I never even heard of this car, and before even watching the review, strictly from looks and ethos, I love this. As a new dad who can't have a dedicated sportscar or even a super firm hot hatch, this is awesome. Looks super cool, and way better than similarly processed "Hot-crossovers" like the Edge ST. It almost looks like a baby Urus. Only thing it's missing is a manual transmission option

[@geometrist_]

Idk how you havent heard of it. Theyre everywhere :D

[@Fafardski]

We're in the exact same boat man! I've been eyeing out the kona for quite some time, even a 1.6 ultimate or limited with a couple mods and a tune sounds like a blast.

[@isaac198428]

I don’t understand why auto reviewers talk about ‘hard plastic’ on the top of the dashboard. WHO TOUCHES THAT? I’ve had the same vehicle for the past 6 yrs and have never felt the need to touch the dashboard or rest my hand there so it could be glass, leather, plastic etc and wouldn’t bother me on its feel. lol *Please stop dwelling on such irrelevant things. Arm rest is understandable but not the top of the dash material. ~ Normal people

[@Allendude51]

This is literally a hatchback. Who are they fooling calling this an “suv”?

[@CSLFiero]

I saw this statement in another review, I'm guessing hyundai has "asked nicely" (aka promised future press ops) if ppl would please say it's the only performance subcompact suv.

[@stevethomas760]

A taller slightly higher hatchback.

[@tedtedness184]

@@stevethomas760 It is all in the sub-frames.

[@jeffpedderson8413]

Shout out to Ted Teddness as I was going to buy a Kona N but because it does NOT have AWD I bought a Subaru WRX instead. Good luck to you in the winter snow.

[@vroomgc]

Lol .. Ever heard of snow tires.. Its has a lsd and traction control what are you afraid of ?

[@jeffwarren1547]

Shame they didn't put a manual in this. Would have made it so unique... nice car either way

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

You know 1000% well that less than 2% would buy it with the manual. This comment is sooo unnecessary lol.

[@dwade3202]

And awd. Manual + awd and this is the sickest cuv on the market

[@stevethomas760]

@@ayushmalpeddi2793 Put me in the 2%. I have two manuals, WRX & NSX now so I'm not blowing smoke. Helps that I have a F150 that's an automatic

[@ayushmalpeddi2793]

@@stevethomas760 Don't get me wrong, even I think a manual FWD or AWD subcompact CUV would be awesome with so much power, but it just won't sell. At least we get their incredible DCT. People have compared their wet DCT to Porsches PDK (obviously still not as good) so its gotta be pretty damn god for a mainstream application.

[@stevethomas760]

@@ayushmalpeddi2793 I think it would sell (to me anyway), just not enough to justify it for the other 98%. They are in the business to make a profit

[@Olvera_emi]

I’ve been so eager to watch this review 😭 Thank you! I absolutely love this car but the gas mileage in this age is a killer for me 🥲 boost its mpg please

[@g.r.2985]

Agreed!

[@carsonbrummell4715]

@@g.r.2985 do you want a sports car or an eco box... stop asking for stupid contradictory features from cars. like fuel economy from the most sport focused trim or more standard features from an entry level vehicle it makes no sense

[@g.r.2985]

@@carsonbrummell4715 funny, the GTI has been quite fun for years with relatively good fuel-economy, but yeah when you see everything as black or white you wouldn’t be able to understand this

[@carsonbrummell4715]

@@g.r.2985 i was replying to the other comment my bad but he literally says gas mileage... and you agreed

[@MJT-DA]

@@g.r.2985 as long as you stay out of boost you'll get decent gas mileage. 20mpg isn't that bad compared to some other cuvs/suvs

[@MJT-DA]

Man I'm proud of where hyundai has gone. All i want now is that same 2.0T engine in a tucson since it already has awd and a dct that's a 7 speed dry clutch. A 8 speed wet clutch would be amazing!

[@jbm0866]

Hot hatch full stop...not SUV. I mean seriously, what about this makes an SUV versus something like a GTI/Golf R...maybe a half inch of ride height? Semantics aside, I really like this thing for what it is, and a hot hatch is it.

[@jeffhart6207]

Excellent review. Your laughing driving it, showed me all I needed to know.

[@acx2035]

How is this not just a hatch back

[@acidnut]

21:56 Rear passenger wheel in the air

[@atomikmaster1]

Great review as always. This is a sweet looking SUV... Hyundai doing what others only dream of. Thanks for the video 👍🏿

[@aayonce4]

Wow quicker than my Stelvio from 0-60 not fair!

[@ibrahimbashir6634]

Hyundai literally makes the most mind blowingly beautiful rims !! 💜❤💙

[@benjaminlibertarianscorpio]

The Kona N is pretty cool

[@CCourter16]

Mazda CX30 Turbo and Mini Countryman S really the only other competitors in this hot small suv segment around $40K. I wish the US got the T Roc R from VW to make things more interesting.

[@ASmattman]

This doesn't have the ground clearance (7.5+ inches) or the drivetrain (AWD, 4WD) to be considered an SUV/CUV. It lacks the all-terrain capabilities that define the segment. It's a hot hatch, and a cool one, but the plastic cladding doesn't make it any more of a SUV than adding vinyl decals makes a car faster - you know what I mean?

[@1993zachdh]

I’m surprised that this offers less leg room than the Elantra which is already a compact sedan. Really puts this into perspective as to how small this is. What consumer are they targeting this at do you think? Why would someone pick this over the Elantra that has a better headunit, more room, lighter etc

[@justinnegron4843]

Thats my question. If it had AWD then it could sell but idk why anybody would want this over the Elantra N

[@greybush919]

because the Elantra's butt ugly maybe? I'd own this over the Elantra, but as others have said no AWD, I would have liked more ground clearance too. Still looking for a good replacement for my FXT.

[@greybush919]

I did forget you can get the Elantra in manual so now I'm not sure which I'd pick. still think that Elantra's ugly tho

[@danr154]

Elantra is ugly and thjs has a hatch. Now if we got the i30 N then yea this would be utterly pointless.

[@michaele.7003]

Besides the rear end that looks like two cars stacked on top of each other due the tail lights this checks everything for me.

[@PCGGC]

If this had AWD I would immediately trade in my 2020 Veloster N. For now I'll just keep it another year or two lol Not really missing the bigger turbo with an intake and performance downpipe installed (around 300hp output) and it sounds so incredible. Hyundai is making great daily driver performance cars

[@Joeylikecoffee]

I look forward to your reviews :)

[@AllOutNoobHater]

Could you ask Hyundai this question and tell me what their response is, please? Why do they insist on showing that the Kona N has heated and cooled seats with a heated steering wheel on the North American site, but we ONLY get heated seats? Why do these other countries get features that we DON’T get? These other countries experience winter far long than us, but they get a sunroof and cooled seats and a heated steering wheel. This Kona N is using the exact same seats as every other market that offers the other options. You even pointed out the empty buttons, so please ask Hyundai why they insist on showing us false materials on their website and then not giving them to us?

[@vroomgc]

Its a pre production car. Chill out and see what comes when it becomes available

[@AllOutNoobHater]

@@vroomgc or, better yet, get the details now. The thing is supposed to release this fall. So no, I won’t chill out. We are constantly getting the shit end of the stick with these N models while other markets have tons of customization options.

[@vroomgc]

@@AllOutNoobHater Ok so when it gets release you'll get your cozy seats , you'll see.

[@KA-zh2rq]

I’m pretty sure he has better things to do than take orders from some random person online during the holidays. The answer to your question is extremely simple and Hyundai is not the first nor the last who will do this. The pictures they use on their site are for the overseas model and they have a disclaimer telling you this and that some features shown may not be offered. It’s literally that simple and every non American car company does this before the North American version is made, configured, pictured and then released to the North American press. Once the car is ready to go on sale, they then update the website. (This actually applies to most countries except for the home country of the company OR wherever the car was debuted and shown if it was intended for a specific market). The reason that they are probably not offering all the features is because to be quite frank, the North American consumer is VERY boring (which is why the RAV4 and Camry are so popular and we don’t get the bright colors cars get in other markets but instead get 5-8 grey scale colours and usually a red or blue). This is a very niche vehicle that already costs over 30k before taxes in a segment where some vehicles are 18k and up and it doesn’t have a direct competitor (the golfs compete with the veloster). The only recent previous one would’ve been the Juke Nismo that failed in this market. Then there’s also the matter of the chip shortage which has been affecting features offered in cars for months now and considering that they are releasing this car in the fall in North America, there really is no need to waste chips on a feature like cooled seats. People might want it, but aren’t going to use it for months, so it means that they can allocate chips for other cars that sell a lot more than this will and add the feature later on if the data they collect shows that that really impacts sales, because the 4 of you that make an uproar online about it right now and claim that you won’t buy the car for that reason (when you really had no intention of buying it anyway), don’t represent the people who will actually go test drive it or show real interest. Currently, they already can’t make enough cars to satisfy demand and people have had to order cars and wait for days or months just to pay msrp or more, so truth be told, car companies don’t really need your sale right now because they already have orders for cars that haven’t been made yet. So yes, you need to chill out because it’s not rocket science and he doesn’t work for you.

[@clifhellner1493]

He actually poses a good question and it’s something I’ve wondered for a while, as well. Your explanation is pretty good. But he’s right, Hyundai seems to skimp on the American market. There is no Kona hybrid in America, there is over seas. The Kona N Line has more features overseas, than it does in America. The Kona N overseas, will be available in more colors than in America. I also wouldn’t be surprised if there were a few more things added (ventilated seats as an example) overseas, while not being offered in America. I’m sure there are reasons for this (as you explained), but it does seem Hyundai, skimps on the American market.

[@carlkwasnjuk9518]

Hoping VW makes a high performance version of the it's new Taos possibly using the GTI engine with the DSG and 4Motion.

[@paul5683]

They might. But they won't bring it into the US. Bastards!

[@josejsrjsr]

They should offer awd as a option like they do with the regular kona , ill pay the awd extra, wife got a blue N-line tec package and i love it

[@ksorsomeplace]

Best decision Hyundai made was to not offer AWD. Not needed for a Kona that's biased towards fun to drive! Nice to be able to avoid the higher cost as well as most dealers would only order/stock the AWD.

[@henrikkoukku2896]

2023-2024 the Hyundai Kona N Performance package facelift update model should already be equipped with (active cylinder flush system) and (9-10) speed (wet DCT) transmission!. And also in the door panels/dashboard-colored stitching on the dashboard!.

[@lucasokeefe7935]

Engineering Department: "Which grille design should we attempt to emulate on this hatchback?" Marketing Department: "All of them. And shh, it's not a hatchback. It's a subcompact SUV."

[@devongee1776]

Hyundai, this thing is actually clean af. Well done and congrats on blazing the trail. Hope you guys have AWD for these smaller vehicles with the wet dual clutch in development! But other than that, I think this thing is SWEET

[@danr154]

Yea its alright. I classify it as a hatchback. Nice to have painted wheel wells instead of ugly "tuff" plastic. I still think a sportback sedan is my preferred choice but this hatchback thing is ok.

[@khronin]

I just got one and it is fantastic.To me as a DD it is a freaking bargain for the performance level.I could have had anything under 60k to buy outright and simply got one of these after trading my turbo CX-30 premium Plus on one.I do not need anything more then this.Its cheap--nice--fast--and fuel efficient--interior is subpar and plastic but the karmon audio radio is awesome.For under 40k it is fantastic--and performance--it trounces almost any sports car under 40k--Im in the beak in period and can tell you this thing can fly--oh and it matches the speed of many cars over 50k.

[@thatdude3298]

I’m currently leasing the sonata N line with the same exact engine and transmission. Although my car has more torque and hp. Let me tell you, these cars RIP. Hyundai seriously knows what they are doing. And that wet dual clutch is to die for. Once my lease is up I’m going full N. Hopefully they release a full N Sonata in the next 3 years!

[@newjdm]

Looks amazing in red.

[@gooeykev]

I have a 2023 Hyundai Kona N with the racing red exterior, tbh I kinda feel like this is more of a hot hatch than a CUV. If I had to compare it to any other car I’d probably say it rivals a GTI and kinda sits in between GTI and Golf R in terms of engine performance.

[@carlkwasnjuk9518]

Hyundai has come a LOOOOONG way since the Excel from the late 1980's. They were like a tin can.

[@phillyspitta8147]

My mom had a first gen sonata brand new v6 never ran at all right and I remember seat bolsters snapped off first Few weeks

[@joskjj3625]

@@phillyspitta8147 well that’s a first generation Hyundai off course it was going to break,newer Hyundais are far better than most Japanese automakers like Honda and Nissan

[@VaunShiz]

Every car manufacturer has come a long way since the 80s why do people think only Hyundai changed ? Lmao

[@joskjj3625]

@@VaunShiz not really, Nissan and Mitsubishi were once great in the 80s but looks at them now

[@joskjj3625]

@@VaunShiz because Hyundai is newer than most automakers in the us and when Hyundai came to the us in the 80s they were way behind of the competition

[@ecolon217]

As a company, if you’re going to market a vehicle as an “SUV”, it needs to have AWD as an option. I’m just saying lol

[@kagoatleonard4019]

Whats with people wanting AWD on an SUV?? Seriously its not a pickup truck its a family vehicle. FWD is fine

[@ecolon217]

@@kagoatleonard4019 it’s fine if they want to miss out on sales lol

[@darthnatas953]

Your reviews are excellent sir. Thank you.

[@P4SDetails]

Not a huge fan of how the screen looks like an afterthought on the dash, but the specs on the car overall aren’t horrible for what it is.

[@joeanunez]

I’ll take the Mazda CX-30 as my top choice in this class.

[@danr154]

Yea id agree if they had a trim that painted the horrible looking plastic cladding around the wheel wells. Really cheapens the look of it.

[@oz88og40]

Kona N is a awesome looking small compact SUV and yes most people said that it should have AWD system because it can get off the line and handling, but to me it's fine the way it is Hyundai hired the right person to help them build these vehicles.

[@bretto9616]

It is a great little SUV but they totally lost me when they decided not to include AWD. We need a sporty SUV with AWD that can tackle gravel roads/wooded trails and snow that doesn't have a CVT or 180hp. Those options are severely limited. Obviously this is a track inspired SUV but they were so close to giving us the beginnings of a rally inspired vehicle as well.

[@Lemming1970]

Lifted a rear wheel, I'm sold. :-)

[@gipsyavenger9829]

The internet is great and the internet sucks. So many differing opinions. Some say the K-N handles better than the Elantra some say it doesn't. One common thread is the excitement everyone seems to have when they are driving this thing. I want to drive it sooooo badly !!!!

[@MC4D.]

I've always felt that Hyundai would go this direction with a performance crossover. I wonder if the Tuscan will be next lol. Also, the Kona N is like a modern day Caliber SRT4 lol

[@MJT-DA]

Facts!!

[@wikedwun]

That’s one nice lookin Hyuandai

[@garrettbarbosa3080]

If it came with the manual I would buy it over the gti, so I will most likely get the new wrx or a gti or golf r but what they are doing is awsome and they are changing the car industry. You gotta love it.

[@haze1123]

I actually dig it.

[@thrillhousecycling7260]

21:56 leg up! Unreal! In a crossover!

[@dscharlesworth1]

The Kona is a popular vehicle in my little hometown, it will be interesting to see if the Kona N catches on... that is if the local Hyundai dealership can actually get some vehicles to sell.

[@devinbaker8707]

You keep talking about how crazy it is to be doing that in an SUV as if the performance SUV segment isn't the hottest segment in the industry right now. This video feels like it was made 10 years ago.

[@ASmattman]

Plus it's not an SUV. This doesn't have the ground clearance (7.5+ inches) or the drivetrain (AWD, 4WD) to be considered an SUV/CUV. It lacks the all-terrain capabilities that define the segment. It's a hot hatch, and a cool one, but the plastic cladding doesn't make it any more of a SUV than adding vinyl decals makes a car faster.

[@NA-du5vm]

This thing looks more sporty than the 2022 G80 Sport. I'm digging it.

[@stevethomas760]

A home run for me if Hyundai offered the Kona N with a manual. I absolutely would be at the dealer tomorrow if it did

[@andrez1142]

I love my 22 Kona EV. Great cars