We’re lucky enough to have a week with the 2022 Hyundai Kona N and it’s been quite an interesting ride so far. We say that because the Kona is the smallest SUV the South Korean automaker has to offer, so it’s odd that they made a performance trim out of it. Anyway, we dig it and think it’s good at marrying performance with practicality. Here are five reasons why.
1. The 2022 Hyundai Kona N has a knobby turbocharged engine
RELATED: How Fast Is the 2022 Hyundai Kona N?
That’s right, we said gnarly. However, it is true that under the hood of the 2022 Hyundai Kona N is a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 276 hp and 289 lb-ft of torque. This powerful powerplant is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission that shifts quickly and sends power to the front wheels via an electronic limited-slip differential.
Hyundai says this combination will propel the Kona N from 0-60mph in just 5.1 seconds, which is crazy. That’s as fast as an entry-level Porsche Taycan, on top of many other sports cars. Indeed gnarly.
2. The Hyundai Kona N is practical
Did we say the Hyundai Kona N is an SUV? Well it is, albeit a small one. However, it still sleeps five adults relatively comfortably. The rear seating area isn’t huge, but offers enough space for both adults and children. Plus, the rear cargo area has enough room for some luggage, and if you need more space, you can fold the rear seats to reveal 45.8 cubic feet of cargo volume.
3. The Kona N’s fuel economy is decent
With all that performance, you can’t expect the Kona N to hit 40mpg. In fact, it doesn’t even technically get 30mpg. According to the EPA, the 2022 Kona N can get up to 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. It’s not a bad thing, but if you have a heavy right foot then you can expect to get less of it.
4. The Hyundai Kona N has the convenience features you need
Do you like comfort features like heated seats, a large infotainment system and a banging sound system? Well the Hyundai Kona N has you covered as these features come standard. The Kona N comes with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Harman Kardon premium audio system and heated front seats.
There is also a mobile phone charging station, automatic air conditioning and Apple Carplay / Android Auto connectivity. So it’s safe to say that the Kona N has everything you need.
5. The Kona N is a good price for what you get
With an MSRP of $34,200 (before the finish), the Hyundai Kona N isn’t the cheapest SUV out there. In fact, it’s about $6,000 more than the top-spec Kona Limited, so you’re definitely paying for the car’s performance. However, when you compare it to other pocket rockets like the Volkswagen GTI, Honda Civic Type R or even the Hyundai Veloster N, we think the Kona N’s price point is good for the performance you’re getting.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N combines practicality and performance
Ultimately, it’s still a little odd that Hyundai decided to develop a performance trim for its smallest SUV, but we’re glad it did. We will spend more time on it and report our findings. So stay tuned!
RELATED: The 2022 Hyundai Kona N can’t be captured
#reasons #Hyundai #Kona #combines #practicality #performance
Be the first to comment