2023 Hyundai Kona Model, Changes
2023 Hyundai Kona – Hyundai’s entry into the subcompact class, the new Kona crossover-for-2018, is sure to make a splash. It was small and affordable but wore a bold style with a strange eyebrow-like running lamp hovering over the headlights disguised as fog lights on the bumper.
Combine its fun paint color, available turbo engine, and mischievous vibrations, and the Hyundai Kona is just as exciting as the coming subcompact crossover.
New 2023 Hyundai Kona Model, Changes
The facelift version of the Hyundai Kona should come to the US immediately if Kona photos of this European market are any indication.
We expect Kona 2023 to incorporate similar changes when arriving at our beaches, including updated styles inside and outside and a new N-Line model with a bit of extra sports character and horsepower boost.
Kona 2023 accepts all that and more—and even what seems to be a more comprehensive cosmetic change than usual for this kind of refresh.
Hyundai has reworked the small SCHNOZ SUV, extending it 1.6 inches and forming a hood into a prow that rests over the grille.
Kona’s signature eyebrow running lights are also reshaped, as are low-mounted headlights; they match the face with more curves and angles than ever before.
There are no significant changes to the tail of the car, but the net effect of the changes ahead is Kona’s current blokiness reduction.
Following several other models in Hyundai’s lineup, including the Elantra and Sonata sedans, the Kona 2023 will be available in the N Line trim.
This package brings a sportier design, but no actual extra sportiness, to Kona. These include body-color trim, cooler-looking wheels, and a business-like interior scheme with red seat pipes.
Kona N Line also gets blacked-out roofs, metal pedals, and leather or suede seats available.
Consider N Line’s preview of what’s to come: Hyundai is widely expected to introduce the Kona N (the high-performance N is the car manufacturer’s new performance sub-brand, similar to the BMW M or Mercedes-AMG in concept). That full N will bring huge power improvements, suspension changes, and more.
2023 Hyundai Kona Interior
The interior has also been renovated and features a new dashboard layout available with a digital meter cluster and an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment screen that is larger than ever.
The base screen also grew from 7.0 to 8.0 inches, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly are available.
Hyundai also says there is more rear legroom and cargo space than ever before, and new rear seat heaters and USB ports are available.
2023 Hyundai Kona Features
Kona adopted several improvements to its dashboard, including more high-end emerging finishes around the console and air vents, as well as switching to a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard (Kona currently has a standard 7.0-inch unit).
On the optional front, buyers will now be able to swap that touchscreen for a large 10.25-inch unit, and they can also choose an identical-sized digital meter cluster to replace the Kona analog gauge.
Hyundai has also added a heated rear seat to the mix and upgraded a manually adjustable entry-level front seat to include height adjustments. There are fun new seating options, including a selection of Khaki leather and houndstooth fabrics.
2023 Hyundai Kona Safety
Safety equipment has been improved, too, with a new blind-spot monitoring function that can use the brakes on one side of Kona to guide it back into its lane if the driver tries to turn into an occupied lane.
Kona 2023 can also be equipped with rear seat reminders (to check which children are left in the car), lane-centered self-driving functions, and stop-and-go capabilities for adaptive cruise control systems.
2023 Hyundai Kona Engine
No specific mechanical changes have been noticed, which we assume means Kona 2023 will maintain an optional 147-hp 2.0-liter engine and an optional 1.6-liter turbocharged 1.6-hp engine, the latter using a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Hybrids will continue to be available globally, at least, and Hyundai says it’s adding a 48-volt electric system to the mix as well—again, likely not for the U.S. Ditto’s smart new clutch manual transmission.
We have contacted Hyundai for clarity and will update this space when we hear back. Meanwhile, look for the Hyundai Kona 2023 to reach the dealers sometime early next year.
We look forward to hearing more U.S.-specific information about the Hyundai Kona 2023 sometime later this year or early next year. Prices should remain close to the current 2021 model, which ranges from $21,540 to $29,190.
