2022 Hyundai Kona

The four-model 2022 Kona range starts with SE trim, costing $22,135 including destination. SEL raises the cost to $23,935 and can also be had with all-wheel drive for a $1,500 premium, as can other trims. The new N Line model is yours for $26,685 in 2WD mode, while the fully-loaded Kona Limited starts at $29,435.

The Kona EV SEL starts at $35,185 including destination, and the Limited is priced from $43,685.

SE and SEL models are powered by a two-liter gas engine that generates 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This is supplied to the front wheels through a variable automatic transmission, returning an EPA-estimated 30 miles per gallon city, 35 MPG highway, and 32 combined. The optional AWD configuration on SEL sees economy drop to 28/33/30 MPG respectively.

A more powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged gas engine powers N Line and Limited models, producing 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. All wheel drive is an option on both, with fuel economy in this mode dropping to 27/32/29 MPG. FWD models fare a little better, returning 29/35/32 across the city, highway and combined cycles.

Cargo capacity for the five-seater Kona stands at 19.2 cu ft with the rear seats in place, and 45.8 cu ft once they’re dropped.

Every Kona is kitted out with six airbags, stability management and traction control with braking assistance. New for 2022 is a rear occupant alert, while SEL models and above also receive a safe exit warning system for the first time.

You’ll need SEL trim to enjoy rear cross-traffic collision avoidance or blind-spot warnings, and Limited is the only one benefiting from highway driving or lane keeping/following assistance. It’s also unique in receiving smart cruise control, a reverse parking distance warning system and a driver attention monitor. If safety is uppermost in your priorities, Limited is the trim to choose.

An eight-inch color touchscreen system is standard on most Konas, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are dual front USB outlets in every model, but SEL is the first to receive satellite radio or Hyundai’s Bluelink connected car system.

The new N Line model sports an eight-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, while Limited’s goodies include rear USB outlets, dynamic voice recognition, and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

With automatic headlights and daytime running lights, SE-spec Konas otherwise lack the external flourishes found on other models. Internally, the basic cabin provides six-way adjustment for the driver’s seat, power windows and air conditioning, remote keyless entry and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment setup.

There are no packages available on this model.

The $1,790 required to upgrade from SE trim brings some worthwhile specification upgrades. SEL models receive roof rails and rear privacy glass plus heated outside mirrors with turn signals. The cabin benefits from satellite radio and Bluelink connectivity, while the push button start and proximity key entry system are also welcome.

For $1,700, the Convenience Package is also worth every penny. It combines eight features including wireless device charging, a power sunroof, heated front seats and climate control, plus leather on the steering wheel and shift knob.

N Line is the first Kona to offer heated sports front seating with eight-way power for the driver, who grips onto a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. An eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system improves the soundtrack, and automatic climate control boosts cabin comfort. The power windows have one-touch functionality, while the interior is further enhanced by red and gloss black accents plus aluminum-alloy pedals.

The $2,500 required for the Tech Package bundles in a 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system with dynamic voice recognition, adaptive cruise control, LED head- and taillights, a power sunroof, and highway driving assistance.

Coming as standard with everything in N Line’s Tech Package, Limited models also receive dark gray body cladding. This is the only Kona with leather seating, power lumbar support and rear USB outlets, while the cabin receives ambient lighting plus an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. Several safety features are unique to this model, including pedestrian detection, smart cruise control, lane-keeping assist and a driver attention warning system.

Given its specification, it’s unsurprising there are no packages available on Limited models.

The SEL comes with manual cloth seats (black only), automatic climate control, push-button start, proximity key access, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Roofs are black, and the body is finished in the buyer's choice of colors.

The Limited's weighty price tag comes with major upgrades throughout. Interiors receive leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with eight-way driver power, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, voice controls, a sunroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated universal home remote. The exterior gains full LED lighting and a body-color roof.

It's not every day that we recommend adding over $8,000 to the base price of a car, but going straight for the Limited makes sense here. The SEL is simply too austere for the price, not to mention compared to other EVs in this class.