Hyundai has introduced the facelifted Kona and Kona Electric in the United States. Set to arrive at dealerships this spring, the 2022 Kona features an all-new front fascia with a wider grille that is flanked by restyled headlights. The crossover has also been equipped with new LED daytime running lights and a more rugged front bumper with a faux skid plate. The styling changes continue out back as the model has a new rear bumper and updated lighting units. They’re joined by an assortment of restyled alloy wheels.
Interior changes are less dramatic, but
the 2022 Kona adopts a larger 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Android
Auto and Apple CarPlay. The model can also be equipped with a new 10.25-inch
digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with GPS
navigation. Drivers will also find a revised center console, faux-aluminum
accents and new ambient lighting for the cup holders and foot wells. Furthermore,
engineers worked to minimize noise, vibration and harshness by adding an
acoustic windshield and additional insulation.
The Kona continues to offer an assortment
of driver assistance systems, but Highway Drive Assist is new for 2022. It
keeps the crossover centered in its lane and at a set distance from the vehicle
ahead. The system can also adjust the Kona’s speed to match posted speed limits
on the highway. While the 2022 Kona still has a 2601 mm wheelbase,
the model has grown by up to 51 mm in length. More importantly, rear
seat passengers now have 894 mm of legroom. That’s a small
improvement of 15 mm, but it’s certainly welcome.
Another change for 2022 is the addition of
the all-new Kona N Line. It features a sportier front fascia with larger air
intakes and unique mesh inserts. The model also trades the front skid plate for
a small spoiler. The changes don’t stop there as the N Line features body color
cladding and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. The model also has a more aggressive
rear end with a diffuser and a dual exhaust system. Interior changes are minor,
but the Kona N Line has a black cabin with red contrast stitching. Drivers will
also find alloy pedals and N badging on the seats, steering wheel and shifter.
Power is provided by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 hp and 179 Nm of torque. It’s connected to a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission, which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system. Customers who upgrade to the Kona N Line or Kona Limited are rewarded with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. The four-cylinder churns out an estimated 195 hp and 264 Nm of torque. It’s connected to a retuned seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which promises to provide outstanding efficiency as well as quick and seamless shifts. Drivers looking for something more eco-friendly can opt for the 2022 Kona Electric. It features many of the same updates as the standard model, but it eschews its predecessor’s dimpled ‘grille’ for a plain front end. Motivation is provided by a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which powers an electric motor that develops 201 hp and 395 Nm of torque. This setup enables the model to travel approximately 415 km on a single charge.
The Kona Electric’s Level 2 on-board
charging system supports a charging capacity of 7.2 kW and this enables the
battery to go from 10-100% in approximately nine hours and 15 minutes.
Thankfully, a DC fast charger can take the battery from 10-80% in roughly 47
minutes. There’s no word on pricing at this point, but expect to learn more in
the coming weeks.
