2022 Hyundai Kona N Line: The Brand’s Sporty Subcompact Crossover

Highlight: The Kona N Line kicks out more horsepower than any other vehicle in its segment.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $30,190 (Base: $22,395)   

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; rear view camera; forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection; automatic high beam assist; an electronic blind-spot collision avoidance assist with a rear cross-traffic; traction control system; a lane keep assist system; a radar activated stop-and-go system; a lane following assist system; a stability system; a hill start assist system; tire pressure monitoring system; a parking distance warning system; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a temporary spare tire

Standard Equipment (SE): a single tip exhaust system; 16-inch wheels; a rear roof spoiler; cloth seats; a manual adjusted front seats; split folding rear seats; an 8-inch infotainment screen; cargo area cover; and a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel

Standard Equipment (N Line): 1.6-liter turbo, 4-cylinder engine; 190-horsepower; a dual tip exhaust system; 19-inch wheels; 18-inch wheels; heated exterior mirrors; N Line sport cloth seats; a power driver’s seat; heated front seats; SiriusXM; HD radio; sliding and illuminated sun visors; an automatic temperature control system; remote start; keyless entry system; smartphone access to operate select aspects of the vehicle; an electronic blind spot monitoring system; wireless charging; and a leather wrapper steering wheel

Options: 

Premium exterior paint color

Power sunroof

Harman Kardon Premium Audio System

10-inch touchscreen system

A navigation system

A highway driving assist system

A stop-and-go radar-activated cruise control system

Electric parking brakes

A high-beam automatic assist system

Carpeted floormats

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker AM/FM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Limited Only

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Horsepower: 147-hp (base SE model) and 190-hp (N Line)

Standard Fuel Mileage: 30-city/35-hwy (base SE model and N Line) 

What’s New: In addition to a refreshed exterior, the subcompact adds an all-new N Line performance model.

Pros:

A stylish design

A peppy engine in the N Line

A variety of driving modes

Thoughtful interior layout

Easy-to-use driver center and infotainment system

Crisp handling for a subcompact crossover

N Line offers a more detailer interior package

AWD availability

A new optional 10-inch infotainment screen

A radar activated stop and go cruise control system

An optional upgraded audio system and power sunroof

Easy to maneuver

USB outlets for rear occupants

Great power- Horsepower

Options such as power sunroof, leather seats, ventilated front seats and a power driver’s seat on select trims

A high level of safety driving aids

Wireless charging available

Great visibility

Seemingly great fit and finish

But: 

Tight squeeze in terms of interior space being that it’s a subcompact vehicle

For the size, the N Line is pricey, when options are added on

Verdict:  For subcompact crossover enthusiasts looking for a playful and more engaging driving experience, the Kona N Line is worth checking out. The easy to maneuver utility vehicle is fueled by, pun intended, a 195-horsepower, 1.6-liter turbocharged engine. 

And the all-new Kona N Line distinguishes itself in the segment by adding such enhanced features as 18-inch alloy wheels, body color cladding, special design skid plates and dual exhaust tips. And inside the Kona N Line, the compact crossover exhibits signature black seats with red stitching and a black headliner.

Furthermore, the Kona N Line can also be accessorized with such must have optional features as a radar activated cruise control system, a 10-inch touchscreen navigation system and a highway driving assist system. 

Is $30,000 too much to be shelling out for a fully-optioned, performance-oriented subcompact crossover? Is it worth it to step up to the larger Tuscon, which offers comparable horsepower, more style and flair? And if the N Line is what one is seeking, the Tuscon N Line lists for $32,495. Unfortunately, in this market, where supply is tight, it might be difficult to locate a N Line or a non N Line vehicle without a dealer mark up. 

Competition: None