5 Things You’ll Love About the 2022 Hyundai Kona Interior

If you’ve been looking for a subcompact SUV that’s big on style comfort and tech features, the 2022 Hyundai Kona should definitely be on your radar. This SUV has been one of Hyundai’s most popular models since its debut and the interior of the 2022 version takes it to the next level. You might not think of a subcompact as offering much in the way of luxury or space, but Hyundai surprises everyone with what they’ve packed into this stylish crossover.

Today, we're diving deep into the 2022 Hyundai Kona's interior to see why it's such a hit—and what might give you a chuckle as well. Strap in because we’re not holding back on the details (or jokes).

1. Roomy Enough for a Cozy Adventure: Interior Space

Now let's be real: this is a subcompact SUV, so if you're expecting a limousine-like experience, you might want to check your expectations. But here’s the good news—the Kona does a pretty great job of maximizing space for its size.

• Front-row space: Plenty of legroom for taller drivers—even if your basketball star dreams didn't pan out. The 41.5 inches of front legroom means you can stretch out a little and not feel like a pretzel on long drives.

• Rear seat space: Well, let’s just say it’s... cozy. While the back seats are decent for short trips with friends or kids, it might get a little cramped if you’re over six feet tall and relegated to the back. But hey—if you're the one buying the car, you get dibs on the driver's seat, right?

• Cargo room: You get 19.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, which expands to 45.8 cubic feet if you fold them down. Enough room for groceries, gym bags, or a small weekend getaway. Not enough space to move your apartment though. You’re going to need a bigger SUV for that dream.

Potential Drawback:

Let’s just say that the rear seat space isn't the highlight of the Kona experience. While it’s adequate for two adults, stuffing three back there is like trying to fit the last slice of pizza into an already full fridge—it can be done, but at what cost?

Alex Collantes, a Kona owner, quipped, “If you’ve got long legs and you’re stuck in the back seat, my advice is to make friends with whoever’s driving.”

2. A Dashboard Full of Tech Goodies

The 2022 Hyundai Kona comes loaded with tech features that make the driving experience smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you're a tech geek or just someone who likes their infotainment systems to be simple and easy to use, you'll be happy with what's on offer here.

• 8-inch touchscreen: Standard on all trims with an option to upgrade to a 10.25-inch version on higher trims. The screen is sharp responsive and very intuitive—basically, it feels like using your phone but without the awkward thumb cramps.

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Standard across all models. No more fiddling with Bluetooth; plug in your phone and bam—you’ve got your apps music and maps right there on the display. Simple smart and saves you from yelling at a navigation system that won’t listen.

• Wireless charging: Available on the SEL Plus trim and above. It’s handy but let’s be real—if you’re like me you’ll probably still leave your phone unplugged and at 2% until it dies at the worst possible moment.

Potential Drawback:

Sure the tech is amazing but here’s the thing: there’s so much going on that it’s easy to get distracted. You might end up spending more time flipping through menus than paying attention to the road. Plus good luck explaining to your grandma how to use Apple CarPlay—it’s not happening.

3. Comfortable Yet Practical Seats

One of the best surprises in the 2022 Hyundai Kona interior is how comfortable the seats are. Hyundai has clearly thought about the daily commuter in designing the seats which provide decent support for long drives without making you feel like you’re sitting on a park bench.

• Cloth or leather? Lower trims like the SE and SEL come with cloth seats that feel durable, and the SEL Plus and above come with leather-trimmed seats that look upscale without being too flashy. It's a good balance.

• Heated front seats: Available in the SEL trim and above. Perfect for those chilly mornings when you didn’t quite dress warmly enough.

• Power driver’s seat: You’ll find this feature on the SEL Plus trim and higher. It adds an extra touch of comfort with 8-way adjustability and lumbar support so your back doesn’t hate you after a long road trip.

Potential Drawback:

While the seats are generally comfy if you're looking for top-tier luxury this isn't a BMW. You won’t find massaging seats or super plush leather. But honestly, for the price point you get a pretty sweet deal here.

4. Stylish but Functional Design

The interior design of the 2022 Kona is stylish without being over the top. There’s a focus on functionality while still making sure things look modern and sleek. It strikes a good balance between form and function, which is exactly what you want in a daily driver.

• Two-tone color options: Hyundai offers some fun two-tone options, especially on the N Line trim. It adds a little bit of flair to the cabin without looking like you tried too hard.

• Ergonomics: The layout of the buttons and controls is logical, making it easy to adjust climate control or radio settings without having to take your eyes off the road.

• Soft-touch materials: While you won’t mistake the interior for a luxury vehicle, the soft-touch materials on the dashboard and door panels give it an upscale vibe. It’s a nice touch in a subcompact crossover.

Potential Drawback:

While the design is sharp, some might find the plasticky trim in certain areas a little disappointing. But hey—it’s a subcompact SUV, not a Bentley. If you can’t live with a little plastic here and there, maybe you should rethink your budget.

5. It’s Surprisingly Quiet (Until It’s Not)

One of the things you’ll love about driving the 2022 Kona is how quiet it is—most of the time. Hyundai has done a great job of insulating the cabin from road noise, and the result is a peaceful drive that feels more refined than you’d expect in this segment.

But here’s the kicker: once you hit higher speeds or rougher roads, things get a little... noisier. The engine and tire noise can creep into the cabin, which can be a bit distracting on long highway trips.

Potential Drawback:

At lower speeds, it’s great but once you’re cruising at 70 mph on the interstate, don’t be surprised if you have to turn up the radio a little louder than usual to drown out the hum. At least you’ve got that 8-speaker Infinity sound system in the Ultimate trim to help.

What Else You Should Know About the 2022 Hyundai Kona Interior

We’ve covered the basics, but here are a few more honorable mentions that are worth noting:

• Dual-zone automatic climate control: Standard on the SEL Plus and above, which means your passenger can stop complaining that it's "too hot" while you're freezing. Everyone’s happy.

• Storage options: You get a decent-sized glove box, center console storage, and a few clever cubbies scattered throughout the cabin for storing small items like phones, snacks, and that one hair tie that’s been sitting there for weeks.

• Infotainment controls: Hyundai’s physical knobs and buttons are simple and user-friendly. No crazy touch-sensitive nonsense here—just good old-fashioned buttons that work.

Final Thoughts:

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offers one of the best interiors you’ll find in a subcompact SUV. It’s stylish without being gaudy, comfortable without trying too hard, and packed with tech that actually enhances the driving experience. Sure, it has its quirks—like the tight back seat and a bit of noise at high speeds—but let’s be real: for the price, you’re getting a lot of value here.

As Alex Collantes put it, “It’s like the Kona knows what it is—it’s a practical daily driver that doesn’t try to be anything else.”

Quick Pros and Cons Overview:

Pros:

1. Great tech features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
2. Comfortable front seats with available heating
3. Solid cargo space for a subcompact
4. Quiet cabin at lower speeds
5. Clean, modern design with soft-touch materials

Cons:

1. Rear seats can be cramped for taller passengers
2. A bit of road noise at higher speeds
3. Some plasticky trim that feels a little cheap in spots
4. No top-tier luxury touches like massaging seats or super plush leather

In conclusion

If you’re looking for a daily driver that’s stylish fun to drive and packed with features the 2022 Hyundai Kona should be at the top of your list. Sure it has a few quirks but honestly that just adds to its charm. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and test drive one—you might just fall in love