The Hyundai Kona arrived for the 2022 model year with a large refresh. The SUV received updated exterior and interior styling, updated tech features, and a new sporty N Line trim. After a substantial refresh, we expect the 2023 Hyundai Kona to arrive as a carryover model.
However, newly captured spy shots of the 2023 Hyundai Kona have hinted at a small refresh for the upcoming model. Rumors indicate that the next model may be borrowing styling cues from the larger Hyundai Tucson. There has been no official word or confirmation of a refresh from the automaker.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona appeared for the new model year with a heavily updated look. The 2023 model should retain the same overall design as the current Kona that’s on sale. The current Kona has a wide grille opening that’s split into two prominent sections, while the headlights are located near the bottom of the front fascia. Slim daytime running lights sit at the bottom of the sculpted hood. The rear end of the Kona features thin taillights, a chunky rear bumper, and rugged body cladding.
The all-electric Kona Electric also received updates for the 2022 model year. The exterior design of the SUV benefitted from thinner headlights, an upgraded front fascia with a larger intake, larger reverse taillights, and a streamlined rear bumper. The 2023 Kona Electric should retain the same exterior look as the model that’s currently on sale.
On the inside, the 2022 Kona arrived with a slightly updated dashboard that sees the infotainment system placed on top of the dashboard instead of somewhat nestled in it. The circular air vents are more prominent than before and have a turbine design. The center console continues to feature logically placed buttons and dials. There’s more space on the inside of the 2022 Kona, as the rear seats have roughly an extra half-inch of rear legroom. Things for the 2022 Kona Electric mostly stay the same, with the electric SUV featuring an expansive center console that splits HVAC and infotainment controls, a push-button shifter, and an infotainment screen that’s tacked onto the dashboard. After coming off of a large change, we expect the 2023 Hyundai Kona and Kona Electric to have the same design as the current SUV that’s on sale.
For 2022, Hyundai updated the Kona’s list of features. After the recent upgrade, we expect the 2023 to retain the same overall features. Standard equipment on the 2022 Kona includes an eight-inch touchscreen, six audio speakers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. A 10.25-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a Harman Kardon audio system, satellite radio, and navigation.
The regular Kona lineup is available with three engines. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 147 horsepower. The next step up is a turbocharged 1.6-liter that makes 195 horsepower. The high-performance Kona N features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s rated at 276 hp. The Kona Electric comes with an electric motor that makes 201 hp and a 64-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The all-electric Kona has a range of 258 miles on a single charge. As a carryover model, the 2023 model should retain the same lineup of powertrains as the current model on sale.
On the safety front, the current Kona comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, and a driver drowsiness monitor. Available safety features include rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, high-beam assist, Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist system, rear parking sensors, and safe exit warning. The 2023 Hyundai Kona should come with the same features as the 2022 model.
