The forthcoming 2023 Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV that will introduce further upgrades. Kona is a perfect vehicle for drivers that lacks experience. It is easy to handle and even easier to park. However, the 2023 Kona won’t introduce such essential upgrades. Little rearrangement in standard and optional equipment will happen.
Moreover, upper trim levels will get standard adaptive cruise control. We like the modern and stylish interior of the Kona SUV. Safety is excellent, and Kona’s fuel economy is very decent. EV version is also available. Still, this SUV lacks acceleration and its base trim level is not recommendable.
Exterior Still Looks Cheap
The approaching 2023 Hyundai Kona isn’t the best-looking SUV. The carmaker focused on its practicality and functionality. However, its design looks modern and upscale, but still far from Kona’s competitors. Two-tier headlights and fake vents will remain.
Too many plastic body cladding looks cheap and not that upscale. The base trim level offers a 17-inch wheel. Upper trim levels are offering more premium 18-inch rims for a better driving experience. Kona comes with 6.7 inches of ground clearance. For 2021, the compact SUV will get small exterior revisions.
Upscale Interior Design
Luckily, the interior is an entirely different story. The 2023 Hyundai Kona offers a very modern and practical cabin. The interior layout is perfect, and it provides gorgeous green or orange accents. The infotainment system will get an update, and it is effortless to use. Round vents will stay intact, which is a good thing. Front bucket seats are very supportive and comfortable. On top of that, the driver’s position is perfect.
Base cloth upholstery provides reliable comfort, but leather upholstery is on an entirely different level. The cabin looks high-quality in basically every category. For 2021, Kona will get adaptive cruise control that is standard on the higher trim levels. On top of that, small changes in standard and optional equipment will happen.
2023 Hyundai Kona SEL Plus
Kona SUV offers five different trim levels. The range-topping Ultimate trim level is a logical choice. However, it cost too much, given the number of premium amenities. The 2023 Hyundai Kona SEL Plus is our pick. This trim level comes with a lot of equipment and it perfectly reflects the price.
SEL Plus adds roof rails, heated front seats and keyless entry. Moreover, satellite radio, blind-spot monitoring, and power-adjustable seats are in the offer as standard. The wireless smartphone charging pad and the Blue Link system are standard as well.
Two Drivetrain Options
Besides the Kona EV version, the compact SUV offers two engine options. Both engines are average, but handling and ride quality are imposing. The base 2.0-litre four-cylinder produces 147 horsepower. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard, just like the front-wheel-drive system. Limited and Ultimate trim levels are offering a standard 1.6-liter turbo-four.
A 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is available, and it is better than the standard transmission. This engine generates 175 hp. Independent rear suspension is improving the ride quality, and we highly recommend loading the AWD setup.
2023 Kona Price and Release Date
The price of the brand-new 2023 Hyundai Kona starts at $20,000. However, we strongly recommend you to skip the base trim level. On the other hand, the range-topping Kona Ultimate costs over $30,000. Still, the most expensive trim level doesn’t reflect its price. SEL Plus is our choice and it costs $25,000. New Kona will go on sale before the end of the year.
