2022 Hyundai Kona

Pros: Powerful turbocharged engine is available; spacious interior for a subcompact SUV; lengthy list of available features

Cons: Hard plastic prevalent in the interior; steering response is uneven; base engine is somewhat poky; Kona Electric isn’t sold in all 50 states

CG Says: The 2022 Hyundai Kona undergoes a significant freshening that includes sleeker exterior styling, a redesigned dashboard with larger standard and optional infotainment touchscreens. Newly available features include a digital gauge panel, heated rear seats, and rear automatic braking. The Ultimate trim level has been dropped and a sporty N-Line added, as well a high-performance Kona N version. The subcompact Hyundai Kona slots below the compact Hyundai Tucson in both size and price. The SE and SEL models have 147-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder newly paired with a continuously variable transmission, while Limited and N-Line models get a 195-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Already one of the most powerful engines in the class, the turbo 1.6 gets a 20-hp bump for 2022. All gas-powered Konas except the N offer a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Kona N comes only with front-wheel drive; it has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 276 hp and an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as well as performance suspension and sporty styling elements inside and out. The Kona Electric gets a freshening along the same lines as its gas-engine kin; it has a 201-hp electric motor with an estimated driving range of 258 miles and is only available in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. The Kona Electric is front-wheel drive only.

Available Kona features include blind-spot alert, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, wireless cell-phone charging, and a head-up instrument display. The refresh for 2022 brings a number of welcome enhancements that bolster this already likable vehicle’s standing in its class. The Kona offers a comprehensive list of standard and available features—many of which are unusual for the class. The Kona Electric’s driving range is competitive, and the new-for-2022 Kona N delivers a snarky high-performance driving character—at a significant price premium. Any Kona offers respectable passenger and cargo room for its size, and in any of its forms it’s one of the most compelling vehicles in its segment.