2022 Hyundai Kona Review: Turbo Fun, But Worth It?

content: 2022 Hyundai Kona: Turbo Thrills Meet Practical Limits

After testing three generations of the Hyundai Kona since its 2018 debut, I’ve concluded it’s the sports car of subcompact SUVs—but that athleticism comes with compromises. The 2022 refresh brings a bolder face, improved tech, and notable fuel economy gains, yet fails to address core space and interior quality issues. If you prioritize driving dynamics over practicality, this review unpacks exactly what the Kona delivers.

Hyundai cites EPA data showing significant efficiency improvements: Front-wheel-drive models now achieve up to 32 MPG combined (2.0L) or 30 MPG combined (1.6L Turbo), gains of 2-3 MPG over 2021. But as we’ll explore, these numbers still trail rivals like the Honda HR-V.

What’s New: Styling, Tech, and Trims

Hyundai redesigned the Kona’s front fascia for 2022, relocating the badge to the grille and adding tiered LED headlights. The N Line trim (tested here) features body-color fenders, 18-inch wheels, and dual exhaust tips—distinct from the high-performance Kona N’s 276-hp engine. Crucially, the wheelbase remains unchanged; the 2-inch length increase stems solely from revised bumpers.

Standard safety tech now includes lane centering, though adaptive cruise requires upgrading to the Limited trim. The base touchscreen grows to 8 inches, but wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto remains unavailable—a puzzling omission competitors like the Kia Soul offer. Industry data from J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Tech Experience Study shows connectivity gaps can significantly impact owner satisfaction, a red flag for tech-focused buyers.

Driving Experience: Strengths and Shortfalls

The 1.6L turbo engine’s 195 horsepower transforms the Kona. Unlike the sluggish 2.0L base engine with CVT, the turbo pairs with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for rapid acceleration. During testing, I noted strong mid-range power ideal for highway passing—a rarity in subcompacts. However, traction control aggressively intervenes during hard launches, causing wheel slip that undermines confidence.

Handling shines brightest: The quick steering and taut chassis deliver class-leading agility. But the trade-off is a harsh, flinty ride, especially in front-drive models with their torsion-beam rear suspension. All-wheel-drive versions (featuring multi-link rear suspension) offer marginally better composure. Hyundai added acoustic windshield lamination and door insulation for 2022, yet road noise remains pronounced versus the Honda HR-V.

Fuel efficiency highlights Hyundai’s engineering progress. The turbo achieves 35 MPG highway—just 1 MPG less than the base engine—making it the smart choice for power seekers. Still, both engines trail the HR-V’s 34 MPG combined rating.

Interior Quality and Practicality Challenges

Step inside, and the Kona’s weaknesses crystallize. Despite a $27,290 price tag for our N Line test car, hard plastics dominate the cabin. The design feels dated compared to Hyundai’s own Elantra or Kona Electric, which share similar pricing. Cargo space is critically limited at 19 cubic feet (behind rear seats)—4-6 cubic feet less than the HR-V or Kia Soul.

Rear legroom saw minimal gains for 2022, remaining tight for adults. The N Line adds perks like a 10-inch digital cluster, heated seats, and wireless charging, but the standard fabric feels coarse. Ergonomics excel, with intuitive controls and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Yet as S&P Global Mobility’s 2022 Automotive Benchmarking Report notes, interior materials heavily influence purchase decisions in this segment—a hurdle for the Kona.

Value Verdict and Alternatives

Pricing starts at $21,300 for the base SE but climbs steeply: The N Line hits $27,290, while the Limited tops $32,000. For context, a similarly priced Hyundai Sonata or Elantra offers more space, premium materials, and better efficiency. Key competitors outperform the Kona in specific areas:

• Honda HR-V: Superior cargo space and ride comfort
• Kia Soul: More rear-seat room and user-friendly tech
• Hyundai Kona Electric: Modern interior and lower running costs

The Kona makes sense only if you prioritize driving fun over all else. Its turbo engine and agile handling are unmatched among subcompact SUVs, but the cramped interior and questionable value are hard to overlook.

Action Plan: Is the Kona Right For You?

1. Measure your parking space: If garage size demands a sub-165-inch vehicle, test the Kona.
2. Prioritize your needs: Choose the turbo engine for performance, or rivals for comfort.
3. Calculate total costs: Use FuelEconomy.gov to compare 5-year fuel expenses—the Kona’s efficiency gains may not offset its premium price.

For deeper research, I recommend Consumer Reports’ reliability data (Kona scores mid-pack) and CarGurus’ price analysis tool to find dealer discounts.

Conclusion: Fun but Flawed

The 2022 Kona delivers thrilling driving dynamics uncommon in its class, but cramped quarters and mediocre interior quality undermine its value. Unless parking constraints mandate a tiny footprint, Hyundai’s own sedans or larger SUVs often make smarter buys.

If you’ve test-driven the Kona, what decided you for or against it—the turbo power or the ride harshness? Share your experience below!