2022 Hyundai Kona N Review - Can a Crossover Have Character?

Рет қаралды 9,851

Жыл бұрын

Here are my impressions after daily driving the $34,200, 276hp Hyundai Kona N for a week!
Follow me on IG: / zygrene
Hyundai provided the vehicle for this review, but all opinions expressed in the video are my own.

Пікірлер: 63

@SteveBriggs Жыл бұрын

This is a hatchback, I got mine last March after a 4 month wait. It's essentially the same size as my 2013 Kia Rio, but a few inches taller. I'm typically a solo driver, I like the small size, and the snarly beast mode. I'm 58 and no kids in the house. I could not be happier.

@ApexClubRacer Жыл бұрын

I bought one last week as dailying my s2k was quite the chore. I traded in my short-term ownership ‘22 G70 3.3t sport prestige to get my wife in a GV80. Bought the Kona N for 3 main reason. One - price. Employee discount brought it down to 33k otd. Two - smaller size compared to Elantra N and more practical (hatchback) for errands. Three - like you said, it brings my inner boy racer and makes me feel young again.

@ronbleazard Жыл бұрын

I am a Sim racing 76 year old that loves my new Kona N. I put snow tires on and it is doing really well in 3 inches of snow. Super fun car to drive. I have a 2022 Mitsubishi outlander GT plug-in hybrid For luxury and gas saving. Very honest good review.

@stevethomas760 Жыл бұрын

Add a splash of color to the interior and lighten the suspension for the everyday normal setting. Shooting for the moon, manual trans. Solid review

@petrhoward Жыл бұрын

Senior citizen here. Able to revisit my mini cooper S days without scaring too many of my neighbors at first glance.

@lowtori Жыл бұрын

Great meeting and talking to you at sonoma today! I appreciate you telling me more about how you edit and make content. Hope to see you at another track day soon 👌 (sorry it's not related to the video, sure it's a great car lol)

@Plague_Runner_ Жыл бұрын

Great review. I was able to get away with it upgrading from my Toyota 86 with my kids situation. But like you said it is a bit deceiving on how much room you actually have but it's enough for me in my situation. Super fun car to drive and you can drive it however you want on a daily basis.

@DriverJ-N Жыл бұрын

i grabbed mine in January has been good so far 20k miles atm i picked it cause the ride height , sleeper looks "oh a hyundai suv" lmao , knew it was going to be the one of the best performing vehicles for the price... don't gotta worry about changing all 4 tires if if 1 or 2 are bad seems its not awd like my Subaru, i like smaller vehicles.. the hatchback and folding seats is really handy...track ready and last but not least the noise and split personality of this car.. my mom drives it sometimes and she is tired of driving manual after driving them for 60+ years....can be a ordinary soccermom looking suv or a sporty hatchback in a press of a button.. and its funny when people don't know what it is and try to test me on the street and pressing the N mode button while doing lyft/uber and seeing their reaction lmao

@CubanDre Жыл бұрын

I definitely enjoyed my test drive of the Kona N more than the Elantra N. But then I drove the 2021 Type R immediately after. Type R wins. Looking forward to the driving dynamic review. You been putting out bangers lately. Awesome stuff

@jeffc1753 7 ай бұрын

A local Type R was $15k over MSRP on a showroom floor. Next door, there was a Kona N for $5k off MSRP. I wasn’t able to drive the Type R, but there is no way it is worth $30k more than the Kona N. Plus, I’d prefer to keep my dignity and not get absolutely robbed. Funny how TheTopher owns a Type R, but said the Kona N is more fun. I left with the Kona N, obviously.

@RoxUnlimited 4 ай бұрын

@@jeffc1753just got my Kona N recently. Amazing car and I wouldn’t change a thing. Topher bought the CTR but then changed damn near everything about it to the integra type s.

@iheartgs400 Жыл бұрын

If this was from Toyota with the CHR with the GR drivetrain and engine people would go crazy all over it but because its a KDM meh. Its too bad most folks are still in the jdm realm so this will likely fall under the radar at least for buyers under msrp or invoice even.

@93455Driver Жыл бұрын

Both Elantra N and Kona N are marked up near where I am, they are that popular and in that short supply.

@joeracer302 Жыл бұрын

Not really the same kind of car, but the Santa Cruz has also been immensely popular and commanding above MSRP here in Southern California. I think for sure some people sleep on KDM, but I wouldn’t say they are unpopular and falling under the radar when they are some of the best selling cars.

@unexplainedwearenotalone3537 Жыл бұрын

U wrong man all Japan cars is dangerous no stability no safety when we go talk stability n performance u cant compare Japan's stock vs n performance Korean is high level we no follow Japan's kids or low IQ mind or Moda of sheep's society follow I trust Korean or n performance with closed eye vs any Japan if u want character like u call n performance best and Japan Honda or Subaru compare Hyundai is alot far vs that company so please keep your opinion for you many when join this n performance the shocked feel real sport character no need proof anyone ok

@TheKingOfDance Жыл бұрын

I purchased a Kona N in June 2022. As with any purchase there are several factors that are unique to every buyer and ultimately the target audience has their own justification. For me: Don't need AWD as I don't live in a region where snow is commonplace. Backseat space... i rarely have more than one passenger. CUV, I like the extra few inches of height. I'm short so a slightly better view helps. Large suvs and trucks are popular where i live and often obstructed my view in prior car. Hatch was a major factor due to ease of throwing the seats down and transporting home improvement supplies, lumber, plants, top soil, etc. Skip the used market as I keep my car for years (almost 10yrs on prior) so Warranty is a benefit. Also, markup and availability on other new/used enthusiast vehicles is a deterrent. I'll skip 5yr old used hot hatch selling for the cost of a kona n new. #1 though is the driving experience for a CUV, too much fun.

@Kyumilli Жыл бұрын

Do you have any cons or noticed anything you don't like since you have owned it? Ive been eyeing a Golf R for a while but the prices are ridiculous where I live. Almost giving up on it. I currently have an Elantra GT Hatch ... I think Kona N is closest we can get to an i30N in north America. I just don't like the 3door and shape of Veloster

@cindysue5474 Жыл бұрын

@@Kyumilli Living in Az. there is no sand mode or heads up display on North American models.

@Kyumilli Жыл бұрын

@@cindysue5474 in Canada there is Heads up Display

@pierreduplessis8041 Жыл бұрын

We have crap roads in South Africa. I swapped my BMW M2 Comp for the Kona N, and it is a joy. Also had Scirocco R, Golf 7.5 R, Audi TT RS, Audi RS3 and Tiguan Highline 4Motion R-line in the past decade or so - this toy is the best high-tech vehicle I have owned since my original analog Golf 2 GTi manual 16V in the late 80's...

@FATmenDRIVEtrucks Жыл бұрын

Try out the Elantra N now please 🙏

@Beezy_Builds Жыл бұрын

I do love the N division products and I will to put my money where my mouth is with a dct elantra N, but the 8spd dct has a recall and stop sale at the moment with no fix

@Ezero8 Жыл бұрын

Hey, so I just found out there's an open recall on all the Hyundai 8spd wet dual-clutch transmission cars, incl. this Kona N. I will have to wait till after I get my Veloster N DCT inspected by the dealership before I can let you review it.

@thepassionofthegoose5472 Жыл бұрын

I'm a potential owner so I'll give my tow cents. I'm looking for a work/travel vehicle with easy ingress and egress that I can do the occasional autocross or track day with. I already own a speciality car (an S2K CR) and a few track oriented motorcycle, so I don't need a one and done car. I also appreciate that so many dismiss these, which means there's no issue getting one at MSRP. Yes I'd rather a CTR, but I'm not willing to drop 50K-plus when I already have a special car and a few very capable track bikes.

@thepassionofthegoose5472 Жыл бұрын

I figured you'd appreciate the input, especially since I'm the target audience. As an SF resident I always appreciate seeing you drive around the Bay Area. Keep up the great work. We all appreciate it.

@ApexClubRacer Жыл бұрын

I just bought one and also own an s2k CR! It’s a great combo to own, and if you can get a deal, I would go for it. I’m fortunate to get employee discount pricing, so it was a no brainer for the price I paid, but I would have happily paid just under msrp for one.

@oraclemiata845 Жыл бұрын

I bought one and own a modified NA Miata. It’s a combo I enjoy.

@glubibobi Жыл бұрын

I really thing for us in the US this car pretty much just appeals to those of use that would buy an i30N if we could. I'm coming from a Mk6 GTI and I'm a big fan of the hot hatch segment especially as I only have room for one car currently. Im cross shopping this to a Mk8 GTI and honestly I find myself wanting this one just for the shear excitement. The GTI is a fantastic car but it's almost forgettable when you're just driving it around. For some, that may be a good thing, but I know I'll get bored with that. I'll take the stiffer ride and questionable looks for the smiles that come along with it.

@jackwicker Жыл бұрын

The Elantra N and Kona N are very cool, but I would really love to see a RWD sports car with a longitudinally oriented version of the Elantra N's powertrain. Alternatively, transverse mid rear mounted kinda like an MR2.

@Specialist7 Жыл бұрын

The RWD version of these wouldve been the Kia Stinger/Genesis G70/80 2.0T with the Theta engine at 255HP and RWD/AWD variants. The "new" and improved would've been the Smartstream 2.5T found in the 2022 Stinger 2.5T and that ones at 300HP, they should've went with that instead of just upgrading the turbo on the VN's engine.

@jackwicker Жыл бұрын

@@Specialist7 all three of those cards are on the heavier side though. I'm kinda suggesting a KDM answer to the BRZ/GR86/Miata.

@paulklp8262 8 ай бұрын

@@jackwicker GR86/Miata class is tiny and not a volume seller compared to the hot hatch class.

@pupete01 Жыл бұрын

You can use normal 87 oct gas or above.

@williamk1800 Жыл бұрын

Will be in the running as my next car if they bring the sunroof option to North American Kona Ns. Really odd how the Elantra N gets a sunroof, but the Kona N doesn't, and I much prefer hatch trunk openings.

@cindysue5474 Жыл бұрын

Good luck with that they cant even install the dash heads up display.

@williamk1800 Жыл бұрын

@@cindysue5474 Frustrating, since the sunroof is offered in other markets for the Kona N, same deal with the Veloster N.

@eloneatmyshorts Жыл бұрын

@@williamk1800 blame their North American product manager for “specing” less options for our market. I would gladly pay more $ for those options.

@bennyang8049 Жыл бұрын

From what i have seen at Dublin Hyundai since the first year Veloster N came out, it will either have a $5999 or $9,999 dealer markup.

@CapELarry Жыл бұрын

I got mine for MSRP about 4 months ago. If you look around it’s pretty easy to find.

@TypeVertigo Жыл бұрын

When I heard the Kona would be getting the N treatment I raised my eyebrows a little. Of the three N cars that saw US release, the Kona is easily the oldest base chassis as it's been around since 2017. What they did with the Kona N looks similar to a Mercedes-Benz GLA45 play in that they dropped the hatchback model for the US (the A45, in Merc's case) and released the same drivetrain in a jacked-up hatchback chassis. As the Veloster N seems to have been dropped off the lineup entirely, it looks like the Kona N is its defacto replacement.

@tayvonrose2528 Жыл бұрын

If they drop the Veloster N they should bring the i30n to north America

@Kyumilli Жыл бұрын

@@tayvonrose2528 never gonna happen but one can only dream sadly ....

@Jefferson-603 Жыл бұрын

I thought I read somewhere that Monday would be getting rid of the 2.0 do to emission compliance or.

@psewgobind Жыл бұрын

Great review. I own one, but the Luxury version which has AWD and with wider Motegi rims and bigger tires, looks as good. Kona has the smallest dimension for an AWD vehicle, but big enough to seat me behind myself (I'm 6'1) and able to get the last spot on my street (I live downtown Toronto and finding a spot close to house is problematic). Size wise, for my area and driving situation, it makes the most sense. However, N version is senseless, but I do weekend at the racetrack and have my 10th Gen Civic for that. If I had to reduce to one vehicle (having 2 vehicle in the big city and no driveway is a huge overhead), Kona N would make the most sense for me, especially when the wife doesn't know how to drive manual.. I'm looking forward to the track comparison with Type-R. I wonder if they're close enough to make drivers ability the deciding factor (maybe switch keys and see).

@Kyumilli Жыл бұрын

Hi!, have you had a chance to drive this in snow?

@psewgobind Жыл бұрын

@@Kyumilli yes. With snow tires extremely good. Also crazy fun when you lock in 50/50 and turn off TC

@Jefferson-603 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing everything about your car and your life that has nothing to do with this car. 🤷

@psewgobind Жыл бұрын

@@Jefferson-603 I traded my Civic for Elantra N for weekends at the track, which makes Kona N even more senseless LOL.

@oraclemiata845 Жыл бұрын

Except that on short tracks, the Kona is getting better lap times.

@scottanthony3426 Жыл бұрын

Looks like few reasons to buy this over the Elantra N. Guessing the Elantra has more back seat room, which is the trade-off for not having the hatch. In the real world of price gouging and dealer mark-ups, this Kona N won't be in the same price and availability range as the Civic Type R.

@Specialist7 Жыл бұрын

I have an EN but I did test drive a KN a week before I bought it. For the price it's a bit lacking, you dont get dual climate control, you get a smaller digital dash, no sunroof, you get less leg room at the rear and with it being a hatch less trunk space but that one is a given. It is a larger more refined VN and it has comfier seats. Those are really my only gripes especially when its priced higher than the EN. Driving-wise you get more body roll, the EN is a bit more planted but you are sitting up higher (on the KN) so depends on your ergonomic preference. Some have complained about the EN bucket seats but I'm a medium built guy so I fit right in lol. Look-wise its okay, not a fan of the split lights front and rear, looks like two cars smashed into one, that's just me as I was never a fan of lower signal lights. IMO they shouldve brought the i30N here, would've been the perfect upgrade from the veloster N and looks better IMO.

@patricksoon85 Жыл бұрын

This is basically the spiritual successor to the Nissan Juke Nismo but with better driving dynamics.

@judge831 Жыл бұрын

Can you hear the turbo? I can't hear it in the video. I personally don't like turbo cars if I can't hear it spool and blow off. At that point I'd greatly prefer an NA V6.

@RoxUnlimited 4 ай бұрын

Yes u can hear the turbo spooling. If you want more sound switch intakes or open the air box

@hsootube Жыл бұрын

Wish it was awd

@ricepony33 Жыл бұрын

Resale values on high performance Hyundai’s can’t be good, even if the cars are.

@basslover352 Жыл бұрын

mk8 gti is as quick as this actually and slightly faster from a roll if dsg. though this is still probably the more fun car with more quirky handling and probably better steering feedback.