2024 and 2025 New SUV Models Redesign, Concept, Changes, Prices and Releases: Read about best SUV models for 2018 and 2019 model year. Here you can find all info about new crossover SUVs.
After the last year’s redesign, we are pretty sure that the 2023 Hyundai Kona will bring no bigger changes. It will represent the second production year of the generation, which clearly means nothing but minor updates. Minor updates would mean things like a couple of new standard features, along with new color options. Other than that, things will remain the same, which is actually a pretty good thing, considering that Kona is among the best models in the class.
This small crossover has so many great things to offer, starting from things like quality interior, composed handling and straightforward interior. Moreover, this small crossover is pretty fun to drive and we particularly like driving dynamics with the optional engine. At the same time, this vehicle is quite efficient and a great daily commuter. However, it isn’t without flaws – the second row isn’t particularly generous with space, while the cargo area isn’t much better either.
As there are no significant changes to come, we presume that the 2023 Hyundai Kona will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2023 Hyundai Kona Design
Design-wise, we expect no changes from the 2023 Hyundai Kona. Simply, this will be the second production year of the new generation. Therefore, the only updates we could see are the minor ones. The overall design will remain the same, though we might see slight aesthetical updates, such as new color options, or maybe even a new appearance package.
While some visual tweaks are possible, the mechanical aspect of the vehicle will certainly remain the same. This refers to the suspension as well, which means that you may count on the same ride quality, which is quite composed. Base models offer a decent level of athleticism but you can also go for the Kona, which brings suspension upgrades and also adds a limited-slip differential.
Interior
The new cabin looks pretty impressive. The dashboard looks great, while we particularly like the build quality, which is at a pretty high level. Also, the materials are really nice and most areas are soft to the touch. Furthermore, there is a pretty decent amount of tech and convenience features that make everything look even more upscale.
The driving position is good, both in terms of ergonomics and outward visibility. Also, the front seats are comfortable and supportive. On the other hand, the second row isn’t that generous with space and hardly accommodates taller passengers.
The same problem is with the cargo area, which is among the smaller in the class. More precisely, there are 19 cubic feet behind the second row, which is about average for the class. On the other hand, the total cargo volume of nearly 46 cubic feet is below class standards.
Features
We don’t expect to see bigger changes in this aspect either. So, all models should come standard with goodies like remote keyless entry, an 8-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and two USB ports. The list of upgrades should include goodies like a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touch screen, satellite radio, HD Radio, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, navigation, and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, additional USB port, proximity keyless entry, and push-button start.
The aspect of safety shouldn’t bring bigger changes either. We expect that all models will come standard with goodies like a rearview camera, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane following assist, driver drowsiness monitoring, rear occupant alert etc. Among available features, expect to find things like blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, highway driving assist, high-beam assist, safe exit warning etc.
2023 Hyundai Kona Engines
Under the hood, the 2023 Hyundai Kona will continue in the same way. Base models will continue with a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated inline-four engine, which puts out around 147 horsepower and comes in pair with a CVT. While this model isn’t particularly fun to drive, it is great in terms of fuel economy, which goes around 30 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
The optional 1.6-liter turbo-four is a way better choice. This engine puts out around 200 horsepower and comes coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Driving dynamics are way better, as well as the overall driving experience.
Finally, there is the Kona N model, which comes coupled with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, which puts out 280 horsepower. With this engine, which comes in pair with 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, Kona needs just five seconds to hit sixty.
2023 Hyundai Kona Release Date and Price
Considering that there are no bigger changes to come, we believe that the 2023 Hyundai Kona will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year. The starting price should go around 22.000 dollars, while the key competitors are models like Mazda CX-30, Toyota C-HR etc.
