Hyundai Unveils 2022 Kona, Kona Electric And Kona N Line For The U.S.

Following its debut overseas, Hyundai has introduced the facelifted Kona and Kona Electric in the United States.

Set to arrive at dealerships this spring, the 2022 Kona features an all-new front fascia with a wider grille that is flanked by restyled headlights. The crossover has also been equipped with new LED daytime running lights and a more rugged front bumper with a faux skid plate.

The styling changes continue out back as the model has a new rear bumper and updated lighting units. They’re joined by an assortment of restyled alloy wheels.

Also Read: Hyundai Kona Facelift Debuts With Updated Looks And An N Line Variant

Interior changes are less dramatic, but the 2022 Kona adopts a larger 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The model can also be equipped with a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation.

Drivers will also find a revised center console, faux-aluminum accents and new ambient lighting for the cup holders and foot wells. Furthermore, engineers worked to minimize noise, vibration and harshness by adding an acoustic windshield and additional insulation.

The Kona continues to offer an assortment of driver assistance systems, but Highway Drive Assist is new for 2022. It keeps the crossover centered in its lane and at a set distance from the vehicle ahead. The system can also adjust the Kona’s speed to match posted speed limits on the highway.

While the 2022 Kona still has a 102.4 inch (2601 mm) wheelbase, the model has grown by up to 2 inches (51 mm) in length. More importantly, rear seat passengers now have 35.2 inches (894 mm) of legroom. That’s a small improvement of 0.6 inches (15 mm), but it’s certainly welcome.

Kona N Line Joins The Lineup For 2022

Another change for 2022 is the addition of the all-new Kona N Line. It features a sportier front fascia with larger air intakes and unique mesh inserts. The model also trades the front skid plate for a small spoiler.

The changes don’t stop there as the N Line features body color cladding and unique 18-inch alloy wheels. The model also has a more aggressive rear end with a diffuser and a dual exhaust system.

Interior changes are minor, but the Kona N Line has a black cabin with red contrast stitching. Drivers will also find alloy pedals and N badging on the seats, steering wheel and shifter.

Power is provided by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 147 hp (110 kW / 149 PS) and 132 lb-ft (179 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a Smartstream Intelligent Variable Transmission, which can be paired to an optional all-wheel drive system.

Customers who upgrade to the Kona N Line or Kona Limited are rewarded with a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine. The four-cylinder churns out an estimated 195 hp (145 kW / 198 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque. It’s connected to a retuned seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which promises to provide outstanding efficiency as well as quick and seamless shifts.

Kona Electric Returns With 258 Miles Of Range

Drivers looking for something more eco-friendly can opt for the 2022 Kona Electric. It features many of the same updates as the standard model, but it eschews its predecessor’s dimpled ‘grille’ for a plain front end.

Motivation is provided by a 64 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which powers an electric motor that develops 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 291 lb-ft (395 Nm) of torque. This setup enables the model to travel approximately 258 miles (415 km) on a single charge.

The Kona Electric’s Level 2 on-board charging system supports a charging capacity of 7.2 kW and this enables the battery to go from 10-100% in approximately nine hours and 15 minutes. Thankfully, a DC fast charger can take the battery from 10-80% in roughly 47 minutes.

There’s no word on pricing at this point, but expect to learn more in the coming weeks.