2022 Hyundai Kona Review
Price Range: $15,541 - $26,788





+256
Good
7.9
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The 2022 Kona is a top competitor among subcompact SUVs thanks to a strong optional turbocharged engine, sharp handling, and lots of features for the money. Hyundai's powertrain updates have further improved the driving experience, though it still has some drivability issues. A few shortcomings keep it from being an easy winner, such as a smaller-than-average cargo capacity and a plasticky cabin.
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2022 Hyundai Kona Review
Pros
- Optional turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration
- Nimble handling makes it enjoyable to drive
- Lots of features for your money
- Exciting performance from the Kona N
Cons
- Weak base engine
- Interior is trimmed with a lot of hard plastic panels
What's new
- Standard Kona lineup features a restyled exterior, added power for the turbocharged engine and a sport-themed N Line trim
- New Kona N debuts with 276 horsepower
- Revised trim level lineup and new features
- Part of the first Kona generation introduced for 2018
Overview

The 2022 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that offers a lot for its accessible price. For the 2022 model year, the Kona receives its first major makeover since its 2018 debut. From the outside, it's sharper and sleeker than its predecessors, and a new N Line trim adds a distinctly sporty look. The interior changes are more subtle, with a reworked center stack (where the dashboard meets the center console) and new materials and ambient lighting.
For sale near Everett, WA
620 listings
- $23,598fair price$342 above market
- 29,030 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 27 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- Heartland Toyota (31 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
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Located in Bremerton, WA
CARFAX One-Owner.Heartland Toyota is very proud to offer this wonderful-looking 2022 Hyundai Kona Limited. Lunar White AWDOdometer is 8961 miles below...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (27 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KM8K5CA36NU814296
Stock: TT11261A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-12-2025 - $22,170fair price$690 below market
- 21,911 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 5 Seats, 27 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- Lexus of Seattle (7 mi away)
- Home delivery*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Keyless Entry/Start
- Blind Spot Monitorin...
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Located in Lynnwood, WA
CARFAX One-Owner. Clean CARFAX. AWD 27/32 City/Highway MPGAt Lexus of Seattle, our pledge to guest satisfaction has helped us earn the prestigious E...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
29 Combined MPG (27 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KM8K3CA39NU888060
Stock: NU888060
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-28-2025
For 2022, a larger 8-inch touchscreen comes standard as does wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. Other technology upgrades for the new model year include an available digital instrument panel and a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen and additional connectivity features for the Hyundai Blue Link system. Advanced safety and driver assistant features have also been updated, with the most notable being adaptive cruise control that can bring the Kona to a complete stop, lane keeping assist and rear automatic braking.
Changes to the core lineup are all well and good — after all, those enhancements are what the majority of buyers will enjoy. But what if you want better performance to go along with the sportier look? That's where the new Kona N comes in. Fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that cranks out 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque — it's the same engine Hyundai uses for its Veloster N and new Elantra N — and other upgrades including a sport-tuned suspension and brakes, the 2022 Kona N is impressively fun to drive.
Overall, the Kona is one of the best extra-small SUVs out for 2022. Learn more about its performance, comfort and more by reading our test team's Expert Rating.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2022 Hyundai Kona on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8/10
How does the Kona drive? The Kona is a sporty subcompact SUV with snappy acceleration and playful handling. In Edmunds' testing of a Kona with the turbocharged engine, we measured 0-60 mph in just 7.2 seconds, very quick time for this class of car. Hyundai has also made incremental improvements over the years to the dual-clutch automatic transmission that's paired with the turbocharged engine. It's simply one of the better transmissions in the class. But there is the occasional hesitation when pulling away from a stop.
Around turns, the Kona is surprisingly composed and grippy. The steering doesn't give you much feel for the road, but on the whole this is an enjoyable little SUV to drive. The brakes bring the Kona to stop smoothly in town and provide average emergency-braking power.
Around turns, the Kona is surprisingly composed and grippy. The steering doesn't give you much feel for the road, but on the whole this is an enjoyable little SUV to drive. The brakes bring the Kona to stop smoothly in town and provide average emergency-braking power.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the Kona? The Kona rides a bit stiffer than competitors, and that makes this little Hyundai feel a bit busy over rough pavement. But overall it's a worthwhile trade-off to get the car's tight handling. Road noise is a bit intrusive, but that's not uncommon for the class. Overall, the Kona is pretty quiet.
The Kona's front seats are supportive and have plenty of adjustability, but they lack side bolsters for extra comfort. Our N-Line test car came with grippy cloth upholstery that looked sharp and offered decent breathability over long distances. The back seats are flat and broad but not too upright. The climate control is a simple two-knob system that doesn't require the touchscreen to operate. The seat heaters in our test vehicle worked promptly on cold mornings.
The Kona's front seats are supportive and have plenty of adjustability, but they lack side bolsters for extra comfort. Our N-Line test car came with grippy cloth upholstery that looked sharp and offered decent breathability over long distances. The back seats are flat and broad but not too upright. The climate control is a simple two-knob system that doesn't require the touchscreen to operate. The seat heaters in our test vehicle worked promptly on cold mornings.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? It's hard to ignore the Kona's plasticky feel, but overall the interior is very easy to live with. The buttons are grouped logically and clearly labeled, and Hyundai's infotainment interface has an intuitive menu structure. The relatively narrow roof pillars allow for good forward and side visibility. The backup camera's wide, clear picture fills in the gaps when you're reversing.
There is a suitable amount of space for the driver and front passenger. Rear headroom is decent for the class — more than enough for average-size adults — but legroom is tight, especially behind a tall driver. Fortunately, there is generous space under the front seats for the rear passengers' toes and feet. The relatively short doors can be opened wide even in tighter parking spaces, making for good access.
There is a suitable amount of space for the driver and front passenger. Rear headroom is decent for the class — more than enough for average-size adults — but legroom is tight, especially behind a tall driver. Fortunately, there is generous space under the front seats for the rear passengers' toes and feet. The relatively short doors can be opened wide even in tighter parking spaces, making for good access.
Technology
8.5/10
How’s the tech? The Kona is a feature-rich vehicle, with a lot of standard and available technology that all works well. We also like the N-Line trim's Harman Kardon stereo system that provides plenty of bass response and good sound quality across a lot of musical genres. The navigation system gets the job done with an easy-to-read display and useful turn-by-turn prompts. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard, though there are few USB ports inside. Wireless charging is available.
The Kona's driver assist systems are consistently accurate, not triggering false alarms in our time with the vehicle. We were especially impressed with the optional adaptive cruise control and semi-automated drive mode (Hyundai calls it Highway Driving Assist). It's better at keeping the Kona centered in its lane than many rival systems in SUVs costing twice as much.
The Kona's driver assist systems are consistently accurate, not triggering false alarms in our time with the vehicle. We were especially impressed with the optional adaptive cruise control and semi-automated drive mode (Hyundai calls it Highway Driving Assist). It's better at keeping the Kona centered in its lane than many rival systems in SUVs costing twice as much.
Storage
7/10
How’s the storage? The Kona really only falters in terms of utility when compared directly to class leaders. Thanks to a low liftover height and a wide load floor, the trunk is easy to use. But compared to similar SUVs such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Volkswagen Taos, the Kona comes up short on maximum cargo space.
You'll find lots of water bottle-size pockets in all four doors and a diminutive cellphone tray up front as well as a small center console and glovebox. So while small-item storage is decent, other small SUVs do it better. The car seat anchor points are clearly marked and close to the surface, but they're tucked between firm cushions.
You'll find lots of water bottle-size pockets in all four doors and a diminutive cellphone tray up front as well as a small center console and glovebox. So while small-item storage is decent, other small SUVs do it better. The car seat anchor points are clearly marked and close to the surface, but they're tucked between firm cushions.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The 1.6-liter Kona with all-wheel drive, which is what we tested, gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg in combined driving. That's roughly on par with AWD-equipped competitors, but this engine provides more power than most. On our 115-mile evaluation route, our test Kona averaged a very respectable 31.1 mpg, so drivers should be able to match the EPA estimates in real-world driving. As a bonus, the Kona doesn't require premium gasoline.
Value
8.5/10
Is the Kona a good value? The Kona has a good set of features at an affordable price. Models with the turbocharged engine can get a bit pricey, but you're still getting your money's worth for sure. Everything feels robustly built, but only a few interior surfaces have been treated with soft or padded materials. The alternating surface textures and good fit and finish go a long way toward making the Kona look less bargain-basement, but there's no hiding the neverending plastic. The Mazda CX-30 sets the standard with its upscale interior.
Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is an industry standout, and the five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is also better than the coverage for the other vehicles in this class. Added value comes in the form of three-year/36,000-mile free maintenance.
Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty is an industry standout, and the five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is also better than the coverage for the other vehicles in this class. Added value comes in the form of three-year/36,000-mile free maintenance.
Wildcard
7.5/10
No one will ever accuse the Hyundai Kona of being dull. A recent styling refresh has added some much-needed refinement to its appearance, while the available turbocharged engine and engaging handling make the Kona a fun standout in its class. Easy to use, easy to drive and easy to park, the Kona is a solid option for those looking for a little extra performance without commiting to a larger and more expensive hot hatch. Only an interior full of hard plastics and a smaller-than-average cargo capacity are real demerits of this funky little SUV.
2022 Hyundai Kona trim level differences
The 2022 Hyundai Kona is an extra-small crossover SUV available in five trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, Limited and N. The SE is decently equipped, while the SEL and Limited come with more convenience and luxury-oriented features. For a sportier Kona, look to the N Line or Kona N. Feature highlights for each include:
Which Kona trim does Edmunds recommend?
We think the N Line is the way to go. The SEL with Convenience package provides strong value, but the N Line includes those features plus a turbocharged engine and other upgrades for not much more money. The turbo engine is worth the price of admission on its own.
Compare 2022 Hyundai Kona trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Washington
$179/mo for Kona SE
Kona SE
vs
$225/mo
Avg. Compact SUV
Hyundai Kona Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
A pleasant surprise
5 out of 5 starsGerard, 06/17/2022
2022 Hyundai Kona N 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8AM)
I've been test driving new cars lately, anticipating a purchase in the near future. This week I drove three different Subarus, as well as the newly redesigned Honda HRV and the Hyundai Kona, including the N-Line model and an AWD SEL. I have always been pleased with Subarus and Hondas and have owned two Hondas and two Subarus. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed driving … the Kona. I realize that the cars I drove have significant differences in size and other features, but I have to say that I found the Kona to be solid, stable, quiet (compared to its competitors) and full of value for its price. Both of the models I drove were loaded with a variety of features, including standard safety systems, leather or sport cloth seating, and in the case of the N-Line, a very peppy turbo engine. It was very fun to drive and seemed to be solid and a surprisingly roomy subcompact car. While the Kona is not a luxury car it offers options often seen on much more expensive vehicles. I'm 6 feet tall and it seemed to have plenty of leg room up front, as well as comfortable seats. I did not find the ride to be "rough or bouncy" as some others have stated. I guess you just have to try it to see if it meets your expectations. It exceeded mine and for the price point I found the Kona to be an outstanding value with a great warranty, lots of tech (but not complex) and solid build quality. It did not feel cheap, though Hyundai could do a bit more to make the base Kona contain less hard plastics. The N-Line model and the Limited version have more soft touch materials inside. I strongly suggest that you take a look. It is highly rated by Consumer Reports magazine and the car received a Best Buy award from Kelly Blue Book.
Great Little Car for the money
5 out of 5 starsWife Kona Review, 08/29/2021
2022 Hyundai Kona SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Picked up one of these for the wife. They had a Bluewave with Black Top on the lot and the color combo is stunning.
Alot of tech for the money. Ours is an AWD SEL.
Drives nice and so Far 34 MPG. Looks to be a great little car to get around VT winters which can be pretty harsh up here. Plus since every other car on the road up here is a RAV4 or a SUBARU it is nice to not follow the crowd
Sporty. Fun. Nice!!
5 out of 5 starsKeith M, 07/15/2021
2022 Hyundai Kona SEL 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
Found on dealers lot. It included sun roof and full roof rack. Sorta a SEL plus but at a SEL price. Cool seats, steering wheel, dashboard, radio….three drive modes.
Quiet ride. Tight steering.
I’d buy again!
It’s been 18 months since buying new. Hands free phone charger malfunctioned within 1 months. Waited for part but replaced under warranty.
Gas mileage around town running … errands is nice! Avg 28-30 mpg! Longer drives averaging 65 miles I get 30-34mpg! At 75 mph that’s very good! Steady 55 mph it’s closer to 40 mpg!
With grandkids car seat in back it gets tight! Not much adult leg room in back. Carrying stuff home from Sam’s club or grocery store requires some thought as storage is tight!
I sometimes put in sport mode as acceleration feels slow. It takes awhile to get used to that!
With 8800 miles I still like it! The ride is smooth. Quiet. Nice sound system. Looks and feels sporty. It just take time to adjust to smaller vehicle after years of larger SUVs
It is the most comfortable with 2 people vs 4 which is what I wanted. Once car seat comes out I’ll probably fold down rear seats to make more of a hatchback!
So happy with this purchase
5 out of 5 starsimsydneyok, 10/25/2021
2022 Hyundai Kona SEL 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
I just bought this vehicle so I can't speak to how it holds up over time but for the price, I think this is the absolute best little SUV you can buy. It handles beautifully, sport mode makes driving quite fun, the keyless entry is everything and the mpg is excellent for the body style! I also use apple carplay incessantly and the wireless connection is pretty cool. I absolutely love … this car and I'm excited to see for how long I'll have this car. I bought it in the ocean wave color. I traded in my 2020 Toyota Corolla SE for this car, I absolutely loved that car but I think this Hyundai suits me better. :)
UPDATE: I've been driving my SEL for 6 months now and I really really wish I had purchased one of the models with a higher horsepower engine. Apart from that I still love my car.
2022 Kona Highlights
SUV
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $21,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 32 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $179/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 19.2 cu.ft. |
front wheel drive | |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the Kona models:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time.
- Driver Attention Warning
- Uses sensors to determine if the driver is becoming fatigued, then triggers an alert with a suggestion to stop for a rest.
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Alerts the driver if another vehicle is lurking in or approaching the blind spot. If the turn signal is activated in that direction, a warning is triggered
NHTSA Overall Rating
5 out of 5 starsThe National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverall5 / 5
- Side Barrier RatingOverall5 / 5Driver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront Seat5 / 5Back Seat5 / 5
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of Rollover14.1%
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