2022 Hyundai Kona AWD compact SUV in Cyber Silver
In 2018, the all-new Hyundai Kona compact SUV joined a growing number of offerings in the segment. The very nimble, well powered and nicely featured sporty SUV offered a range of affordable trim levels just perfect for younger and/or entry level drivers, new families and even empty nesters.
We tested Kona in 2018 (AWD) and 2020 (FWD) finding it to be an engaging drive with lots of appeal across a broad spectrum of buyers. Good price – good value and lots of fun to drive.
As we noted in 2018 and again in 2020, a pretty darn good compact SUV with still a nice starting price that gets ever better in 2022 as you move up the trim line to the well-featured top model in AWD – all for under $30,000.
As Tested – 2022 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD
Last week, Hyundai sent us a 2022 Kona AWD for another evaluation.
This time, our Kona was the top-of-the-line 2022 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD. It was in Cyber Silver (actually grayer than silver and very distinctive). The interior was a Gray on Gray.
The MSRP is $29,959 complete. No packages available and no port installed accessories added.
As before, we found Kona to be perfect for the up-and-coming young couple or empty nesting mature folks. Style, features, performance and price – all there.
Powertrain
The Kona Limited is powered by their Gamma 1.6L turbocharged engine delivering 195 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Notably the peak torque on this powerplant starts at just 1,500 rpm and runs to 4,500 rpm giving it nice pop off the line
The turbo is mated to a 7-speed EcoShift dual clutch transmission which delivers the power to the road quickly and efficiently.
With Drive Mode Select, the driver can opt to use the SPORT Mode which enhances acceleration and gives quicker downshifts when braking. Nicely done – giving a sportier feel to the drive experience. Though we typically love SPORT modes, the Kona NORMAL Mode was still quite satisfactory. A SMART mode is also available.
The powertrain is well suited for this vehicle in all types of driving and across all manner of drivers.
For the record, fuel economy ratings for the Lona Limited AWD are 28/32/30 mpg city/highway combined.
Mechanical
Underneath the Kona Limited is nicely balanced for around town and highway driving. The AWD version (compared to FWD) delivered a stronger sense of ‘planted’ on the road while driving through the hills and country roads of Central Texas.
Riding 6.7-inches off the ground, our AWD Kona was equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels and 235/45 R18 tires. The suspension features MacPherson Strut with coil springs and gas filled shocks up front and a Multi-Link w/stabilizer bar rear suspension.
Steering is motor-driven rack and pinion. Braking is 4-wheel/channel/sensor ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution. Front brakes are 305mm ventilated disc front and 284mm solid disk rear.
Exterior
The 2022 Kona is 1.6-inches longer allowing for a boldly stretched hood that drops sharply over the grille with a wide distinctive shape. Exterior elements of note in addition to the grille include boldly styled fenders and body cladding side and rear, Power Tilt/Slde Sunroof, LED Headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lights and LED Rear Taillights, Fog Lights and Dual Power Heated Side Mirrors with turn indicators.
Other features include two-speed variable intermittent – rain sensing – windshield wipers, rear spoiler and roof rails.
Interior
On the inside, Kona is roomy in the front with sport type leather trimmed seating, good sight lines and all controls well placed for ease of use.
The second row is not quite so roomy with a slightly low roof entry and short legroom for taller persons. As we have noted with many smaller SUVs, we would suggest two adults (not 3) in the second row as the ‘comfortable’ capacity.
Seating is comfortable front and rear and the 19.2 cubic feet of storage behind the second row is very reasonable. Fold the rear seats down and you have 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Convenience Features
Kona Limited features a full array of convenience features including the likes of Remote Keyless Entry, Proximity Key Push Button Start, Automatic Headlamp Control, heated front seats with leather seating surfaces, 8-way Power Driver Seat, Front Passenger seat slide and recline feature, 60/40 split fold down rear seats and Dual Level Cargo Floor – with storage tray – behind the second row.
Technology and Infotainment
Our 2022Kona Limited featured plenty of technology and infotainment.
Technology on our Limited included a 10.25-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, wireless charging and remote keyless remote/proximity entry with push button start and Blue Link Connected Car System.
The infotainment on our Kona Limited was anchored by a 10.25-inch color touchscreen with Navigation and Traffic Flow embedded. The Harman Karon Premium Audio system featured 8-speakers w/Clari-Fi system.
Other features included AM/FM/MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM/HD Radio, USB and MP3 auxiliary jacks, 12volt power outlet and Android Auto plus Apple CarPlay capability.
Safety
Included on the Kona Limited are Smart Cruise Control w/Stop&Go, Forward Collision-Avoidance with Pedestrian/Cycle Detection, Lane Change and Keeping Assist, High Beam Assist and Drive Attention Warning (aka driver ‘nod-off’ warning).
Also included are Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, Blind Spot and Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Rearview Camera w/Dynamic Guideline Assist and Parking Distance Alert.
Other features included individual Tire Pressure Monitoring, High Beam Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control and Brake Assist along with Hill Start Assist.
Warranty
Hyundai continues to stand out with the most comprehensive warranty in the U.S. with its Hyundai Assurance program. It provides a 5-year/60,000-mile, fully transferable, new vehicle limited warranty plus their 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Learn more HERE
Kona Lineup
For 2022, the Hyundai Kona comes in four trim levels starting at MSRP $21,150 for the base SE. Other trims are the SEL, Limited and new N-Line. All come standard as FWD with AWD available. Two powertrains are offered – 2.0L inline 4-cylinder mated to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (SE and SEL) and the 1.6L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder mated to the 7-speed EcoShift DCT transmission (Limited and N-Line). Learn more HERE.
KONA EV
Kona is also available as a fully electric vehicle (EV). The 2022 Kona EV comes in two trim levels – SEL (MSRP $34,000) and Limited (MSRP $42,500). Note the Federal Tax credit of up to $7,500 still applies.
We have driven the Kona EV and find it – with its 258-mile range – to be an excellent choice for those wanting a ‘green’ vehicle.
Kona EV is currently only sold in CA, CO, CT, ME, MA, MD, NJ, NY, OR, RI, VT & WA.
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KEY DATA: 2022 Kona Limited AWD
- Model Kona
- Trim Level Limited
- Class Compact SUV
- Seating Five
- MSRP $28,450
- As Tested $29,950
- Engine 1.6L GDI DOHC Turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Horsepower 195 @ 6000 rpm
- Torque 195 lb.-ft. @ 1,500 to 4,500 rpm
- Transmission 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch Automatic w/Paddle Shifters
- Drive Modes SMART, NORMAL, SPORT
- Drive System AWD – Active On-Demand
- Wheel size 18-inch Alloy
- Tire Size 235/40R18 All-Season
- Suspension McPherson Strut front / Independent Multi-Link Rear
- Steering Motor-Driven Power Assisted Rack & Pinion
- Brakes Power Assisted Ventilated Front Disc / Solid Disc Rear
- Fuel Capacity 13.2 gallons
- Fuel Economy 27/32/29 mpg city/highway/combined
- Range 422 miles (highway)
