Hyundai Kona N review (2021-2023)
The Hyundai Kona N exists in a corner of the hot crossover world that no rivals have dared to tread… yet. More expensive than the Ford Puma ST and cheaper than the Volkswagen T-Roc R, the Kona N brings something new to the table. How does this track-friendly car do? Discover the details in our full Hyundai Kona N review.
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Pros
- Nimble to drive
- Punchy engines
- Aggressive styling
Cons
- Rivals have better interiors
- Exhaust note isn't that exciting
Interior
Our rating: 7/10
Like the exterior, the Kona N’s interior mixes some N model flashes onto a base shared with less sporting variants.
Driving position
In this Hyundai you get a racy steering wheel with two N mode buttons, automatic gearbox paddles and even a power boost button, as well as bolstered seats with N emblems and bespoke graphics for the digital screens.
Click the N button, and the instrument cluster screen behind the wheel turns appropriately red.
Tech and features
Press the N button on the 10.25-inch central infotainment display and you’re presented with live data to do with the car’s performance. Exciting.
Behind those sporting details remains a Kona interior that’s well put together and tough, with a long list of standard features including heated and electronically adjustable seats, a heated wheel and climate control, as well as vitals like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
You can even get heated rear seats, so the comfort extends to the back row, where there’s decent leg and headroom, and a centre seat that hides an armrest and two cup holders.
The standard Kona’s interior is great – and the Kona N builds on that.
Performance
Our rating: 7/10
Handling and ride comfort
It depends on what drive mode you’re in.
If you’re in Eco or Normal modes, when the Kona N’s engine, steering and suspension are in their most relaxed settings, the Kona N feels rather like a regular Kona.
Sure, it rides more firmly and the steering reacts more enthusiastically. But with an eight-speed automatic gearbox doing the hard work and a perched driving position, you can steer the Kona N about town or on the motorway like any other variant.
The morning commute or school run needn’t be of concern.
Engines and power
Click to Sport or – if you’re on track – the most hardcore N mode, and the Kona N’s suspension tenses up like a sprinter ready to burst out of the blocks, and the 280hp-producing engine and gearbox are primed with razor-sharp reactions.
Even the exhaust suddenly barks a louder tune. It’s in this mode the Kona N’s underlying intentions are revealed, with excellent handling and strong straight-line power to entertain anyone who’s into driving.
Despite only having two driven wheels, the Kona N – complete with its limited-slip differential, which helps prevent slip under power – puts the power down excellently.
It can sprint from 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds. Quick!
Practicality
Our rating: 6/10
Storage solutions
Despite gaining several N-specific features inside and out, the Kona N doesn’t sacrifice anything in terms of usability and practicality.
Sure, the slightly firmer ride will make the job of delivering eggs safely more difficult but for those with active lifestyles, small families or demanding weekly shopping trips (still, watch the eggs), the Kona N is practically no different to a standard Kona.
You get the same room front and back, and the same boot space (enough for a small family’s suitcases.
Leave the car in Normal mode, and you’re essentially just driving a lairy-looking Kona.
Safety
As the top Kona model, the N also gets a whole host of driving assistance technology, including adaptive cruise control and steering assist, to take the effort out of long-distance motorway journeys.
That’ll count for a lot if you’re the sort to pack up the car and head off on a getaway on the other side of the country.
Or, indeed, if you’re a commuter who regularly has to venture onto busy M roads.
Running costs
Our rating: 6/10
Reliability
While it’s impossible to measure long-term running costs and reliability in a brand-new car like this, Hyundai’s Kona N does exit the starting gates with much promise.
The brand applies its five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty to the model, with the guarantee extended to cover track day drivers, as well.
Not only is that a unique selling point for the Kona N, it’s also one very strong signal to the engineering confidence Hyundai has in its hot crossover model.
It doesn’t see track action as anything that should void the promise.
Fuel economy
Our test also gave us no reason to doubt the 33 miles per gallon of combined economy claimed to be possible in the Kona N.
We saw over that number during a mixed run on the motorway and through some urban streets.
While this isn’t the most frugal model of the class – that was inevitable given the performance it offers – at least the Kona lives up to the promises on paper.
The verdict
Interior
7/10
Performance
7/10
Practicality
6/10
Running costs
6/10
While such a performance-honed crossover will only appeal to a niche corner of the automotive market, there’s no question that the Kona N has nailed its brief.
Offering hot hatch performance in a taller crossover body, with genuine track capabilities to support its daily usability, the Kona N is a triumph of Hyundai’s N division engineering.
The fun factor is going to be hard to beat – even if you compare the car with much pricier alternatives.
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