~ A DriveWays Review ~
by Frank A. Aukofer

With the experience of cars like the Volkswagen GTI, enthusiasts are familiar with the category of so-called hot hatches. Now they have an enticing new companion: the 2022/2023 Hyundai Kona N, which likely will be dubbed a hot cross, though not a bun.

The N is Hyundai’s high performance designation, available on various models. It mimics similar designations elsewhere, including Mercedes-Benz AMG, Cadillac V and BMW M models. At Hyundai, the N treatment has been used on the Elantra sedan, the discontinued Veloster hot hatch, and now the Kona crossover sport utility vehicle, which also is available as a hybrid, fully electric or economy gasoline engine crossover SUV.

Though informally described as a subcompact, the Kona N is classified as a small crossover by the EPA, which also certifies its city/highway/combined fuel consumption at 20/27/23 miles to the gallon, with premium fuel recommended.

The Kona’s guts—and it has plenty—consist of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a maximum 286 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. That’s if the driver uses all of the N’s adrenaline shots.

In normal usage, the engine makes 276 horsepower. But pressing the red button on the steering wheel instantly boosts the engine revolutions for 20 seconds to maximum power. The button is labeled NGS, for N Grin Shift. The sensation is similar to, though not as severe, as engaging the Boost button on the performance version of the electric Genesis GV60, from Hyundai’s luxury brand. That one feels like being shot out of a cannon.

On the Kona N, the red button results in a zero-to-60 miles an hour acceleration time of about five seconds—not the quickest around but certainly unexpected in a small crossover with nearly seven inches of ground clearance. Standard N equipment includes launch control to minimize wheel spin off the line.

The Kona N also comes with two other performance-enhancing drive modes activated by other steering wheel buttons. They are labeled N1 and N2 and allow the driver to customize the selectable drive modes: Normal, Sport, Eco and Snow.

Like its putative predecessor, the Veloster N, the new Kona N comes only with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is not available. Power gets to the pavement via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that can be shifted manually with steering-wheel mounted paddles. Dual-clutch automatics enable snap shifts in milliseconds.

With a four-wheel independent suspension system, gas-filled shock absorbers, electronic limited-slip differential, stability control and automatic transmission rev-matching, the Kona N attacks twisting highways with the manners of a sports sedan. The steering is direct, with good feedback and turn-in response. Cornering, enhanced by a front limited-slip differential, is flat with little lean.

The Kona N also tracks true in straight-line cruising at higher Interstate speeds, though the experience commands attention. With a shortage of sound-deadening materials, likely owing to its performance orientation, the Kona N presents a mélange of wind, road and engine noise. Unless the surface is smooth, fresh asphalt, the din nearly overcomes conversation and audio listening. Of course, to some dedicated enthusiasts, the tumult is part of the thrill.

The ride on rough surfaces is reasonably comfortable despite the noise that makes its way into the cabin. Inside, the front sport seats and other upholstery are crafted of a breathable comfortable black cloth, preferable in this view to leather.

Though just 13 feet 10 inches long, the Kona N has 94 cubic feet of space for five passengers and 19 cubic feet for cargo behind the back seat, which would qualify it as a midsize car.

Comprehensive safety equipment is infused into the Kona N, including: forward collision avoidance, lane keeping and lane following assist, rear occupant alert, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert and collision avoidance, safe exit warning, front and side air bags with rollover sensors, and tire-pressure monitoring.

In addition, the tested Kona N came with 19-inch alloy wheels, a navigation system accessed through a 10.25-inch center touch screen, SXM satellite radio, Harman Kardon premium audio, Android Auto and Apple Car Play, wireless device charging, automatic climate control, heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, heated front seats with power driver seat, LED exterior lights, roof rails and a rear wing-type spoiler.

All of that was included in the Kona N’s base price of $35,495. The only option was the Lunar White exterior paint, listed at $400.

Specifications

  • Model: 2023 Hyundai Kona N four-door crossover sport utility vehicle
  • Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder, turbocharged; 286 hp, 289 lb-ft torque.
  • Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch automatic with manual shift mode and front-wheel drive.
  • Overall length: 13 feet 10 inches.
  • Height: 5 feet 2 inches.
  • Ground clearance: 6.8 inches.
  • EPA/SAE passenger/cargo volume: 94/19 cubic feet.
  • Weight: 3,340 pounds.
  • EPA city/highway/combined fuel consumption: 20/27/23 mpg. Premium gasoline recommended.
  • Base 2022 price, including destination charge: $35,495.
  • Price as tested: $35,895.

Disclaimer: The manufacturer provided the vehicle used to conduct this test drive and review. Photos ©Hyundai