2022 Hyundai Kona for Sale
Looking for a compact SUV that doesn't break the bank but still brings plenty of fun to the road? The 2022 Hyundai Kona might be just what you're looking for! This quirky and feature-packed SUV is turning heads with its funky design dynamic performance and cutting-edge technology. But hey, let's be real — no car is perfect. So, in this detailed review, we're going to walk through the highs and lows of the 2022 Hyundai Kona in a way that's both informative and (hopefully) a little entertaining. So buckle up!
Why the 2022 Hyundai Kona Stands Out
When it comes to subcompact SUVs the 2022 Hyundai Kona has carved its own lane (pun intended). The Kona blends city-friendly proportions with the capabilities of an SUV, making it perfect for city drivers who want more space and features without the bulkiness of larger SUVs. Here’s what makes this SUV a true gem.
1. Design That Stands Out
Hyundai wasn’t playing it safe when they designed the Kona. It’s got a bold front grille and those quirky headlights that seem to be placed slightly higher than you’d expect. You know, just to keep things interesting. The color options are another big win. You can go with something classic like Pulse Red or take it up a notch with the vibrant Lime Twist.
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Pros:
- Bold and distinctive styling that gets noticed
- Tons of color options
- Sleek and aerodynamic design that adds a futuristic touch
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Potential Drawback (With a Wink):
- Not everyone's a fan of the "bug-eyed" headlights. One person might say they give the car a unique personality. Another? They might say they’re waiting for them to blink.
As Alex Collantes, a Kona owner, says, "I love how it looks. It stands out in the parking lot, no doubt about it. But sometimes I wonder if it’s winking at me."
2. Punchy Performance for City and Highway
Who said small SUVs can’t pack a punch? The 2022 Hyundai Kona offers a fun and energetic driving experience thanks to its available turbocharged engine. It comes with two engine choices:
- Base engine: 2.0-liter inline-four with 147 horsepower. It’s smooth and gets the job done for daily driving.
- Upgraded option: 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with a solid 195 horsepower.
The Kona also offers all-wheel-drive as an option so you get some extra grip when you’re facing challenging road conditions. Plus it’s surprisingly nimble which makes parking in tight spots or weaving through traffic a breeze.
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Pros:
- Turbocharged engine adds some serious fun to the drive
- Excellent handling for city streets
- Option for all-wheel drive for better control
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Potential Drawback (With a Smile):
- The base engine is fine, but it's like ordering plain vanilla ice cream when you could’ve had the sundae with all the toppings. Go for the turbo if you want to smile a little wider on the road.
According to Alex, "The turbo engine makes a world of difference. The base model’s fine for grocery runs but if you wanna feel some thrill hit that turbo."
3. Tech-Savvy Interior That Makes Life Easier
Hop inside the 2022 Kona, and you’re greeted with a surprisingly high-tech interior for a vehicle at this price point. The SUV comes with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard but you can upgrade to a 10.25-inch screen if you’re all about that screen real estate. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard so you can connect your smartphone and get things like maps calls and music right on the screen.
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Pros:
- Easy-to-use touchscreen interface
- Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Optional 10.25-inch screen gives it a luxury touch
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Potential Drawback (With a Chuckle):
- The touchscreens are great but trying to hit the "skip" button on your Spotify playlist while driving is like playing a game of Operation with your pinky finger.
Alex’s take? "The tech is solid, but my only complaint is that the touchscreen gets full of fingerprints quicker than I can clean them."
4. Impressive Safety Features — Keeping You Safe (Mostly)
The 2022 Hyundai Kona doesn't skimp on safety. It comes with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driver assistance systems that include forward collision avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and driver attention warning. You also get blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert on higher trims.
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Pros:
- Hyundai SmartSense gives peace of mind on the road
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert help with highway and parking safety
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Potential Drawback (With a Side of Humor):
- Sometimes the lane-keeping assist can be a bit overzealous — like a friend who won't stop reminding you to "watch your step." But hey at least it's looking out for you.
5. Fuel Efficiency That Won’t Break the Bank
In the world of SUVs, fuel efficiency is often sacrificed for power. Luckily, the 2022 Hyundai Kona manages to balance both. The base engine gets you around 30 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. The turbocharged engine is a bit thirstier but still respectable at 27 MPG city and 32 MPG highway.
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Pros:
- Excellent fuel efficiency for an SUV
- Won’t make you cry at the pump (especially important with gas prices these days)
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Potential Drawback (With a Wink):
- The turbo is fun, but that extra bit of power might come at the cost of a few more bucks in gas each week. Consider it a tax for smiling more while you drive.
Interior Comfort: Does Size Really Matter?
The interior of the 2022 Kona is cozy — and by cozy, I mean you might feel like you’re getting to know your passengers better than you intended. Front seats are spacious enough but backseat passengers might feel a little squished especially if they’re on the taller side. The cargo space isn’t huge but hey you didn’t buy a Kona to haul around a fridge.
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Pros:
- Comfortable seating for front passengers
- Enough cargo space for most daily needs
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Potential Drawback (With a Laugh):
- Backseat passengers taller than 6 feet? You might want to offer them the front seat or just play some "Twister" back there.
Alex Collantes sums it up: "It’s perfect for me and my dog. But when I took my friend on a road trip? Let’s just say he now calls it the ‘Cozy Kona.’"
Trim Levels — What’s Your Flavor?
The 2022 Hyundai Kona comes in five trims so there’s a version of the Kona for almost every type of driver:
- SE – Basic but gets the job done
- SEL – Adds a few more features for comfort
- N Line – The sportier option with more power
- Limited – All the bells and whistles
- Kona N – The full-blown performance model that’s practically a rocket on wheels
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Best Value:
- The SEL is where you get the most bang for your buck with the right balance of features and price.
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Potential Drawback (With a Grin):
- The Kona N is fantastic if you’re trying to relive your Fast & Furious fantasies but your neighbors might not appreciate the growl it makes in the morning.
Key Takeaways: The Good and Not-So-Good About the 2022 Hyundai Kona
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Good Stuff:
- Fun to drive especially with the turbocharged engine
- Bold design that stands out
- Tech features that rival more expensive models
- Excellent safety features and fuel efficiency
- Lots of trim options to fit different needs and budgets
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Not-So-Good Stuff:
- Backseat and cargo space are a bit tight
- The base engine is underwhelming for thrill-seekers
- Some tech features can feel a bit finicky or overwhelming
Alex Collantes Final Thoughts
When asked if he would recommend the 2022 Hyundai Kona, Alex Collantes says, "Absolutely! It’s a fun little SUV with just enough tech and performance to keep things interesting. I mean sure the backseat could be bigger but if you're mostly driving solo or with just one passenger, it's hard to beat the value and the smile it puts on your face."
In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a quirky stylish subcompact SUV that offers a fun driving experience the 2022 Hyundai Kona is worth a serious look. Sure, it’s got a few quirks and minor drawbacks but that’s what makes it charming. So go on — take a test drive and see if the Kona winks at you too. You’ll either love it or just...get used to it.
What to Consider Before You Buy
- Do you need extra cargo space? The Kona might be a bit small for big family trips.
- Do you care about performance? Go for the turbocharged engine.
- Looking for tech? The Kona delivers big on that front.
Bold Choices in the compact SUV category don’t get much better than this! Check out a 2022 Hyundai Kona for sale today.