Hyundai’s N performance division has previously only turned its gaze toward passenger cars, but that changes with the introduction of the 2022 Kona N. The high-performance small SUV debuts alongside the Elantra N and gives Hyundai a unique vehicle that doesn’t really have any true competitors.
Other small-performance SUVs include luxury models such as the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA35 and the BMW X2 M35i. However, these vehicles are in a different tax bracket. It is also closer than the Mini Countryman John Cooper Works. However, it costs north of $40,000 This makes the Kona N with its mid-$30,000 cost tag a unique market.
2022 Hyundai Elantra N, and Kona N
I traveled to Sonoma Raceway, just north of San Francisco, to put the Kona N (as well as the Elantra N) to the test on the track, an autocross, and the streets to get a complete picture of the performance SUV’s potential. These three environments revealed different aspects of the Kona N.
The Kona N doesn’t have the same racy looks as the Elantra N, but it sports some performance hints. An optional wing spoiler is located at the top of each liftgate. Red N accents embellish the sides and nose, while the rear features a diffuser as well as dual exhaust tips. Hyundai has 19-inch wheels that have a distinctive design, an N logo and are wrapped with Pirelli P Zero Summer tires.
2022 Hyundai Kona N
2022 Hyundai Kona N
2022 Hyundai Kona N
This turbo-4 engine produces 276 horsepower and 289 pounds of torque, and is also found in the Elantra N. Unlike the Elantra N, however, Hyundai doesn’t offer a manual; the front-wheel drive Kona N only comes with an 8-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. The N grinshift (NGS button) can temporarily increase power to 286 HP. This opens the exhaust and causes the transmission to shift more aggressively for 20 second. After that, it has to cool down 40 seconds before you can hit the button again.
With a slight wheelspin, the Kona N glides confidently along the line. If you place your foot on it, the wheel will shift into second and third gears. Control the spin with the launch control by using the N performance screens of the multimedia system. If activated, the Kona N can go from 0-60mph in approximately 5.2 seconds. That’s 0.2 second slower than the Elantra N. You can also adjust the exhaust via this screen. It emits a pleasing soundtrack of pops and burbles when it is dialed in. It’s a vehicle that doesn’t like to stay quiet for too long.
2022 Hyundai Kona N
Although the Kona N has a taller body, it is still 44 pounds lighter than Elantra N’s 3,340 lb. That explains why the acceleration figures are so close between the two, but also why the Kona N feels very nimble for an SUV. The electronic power steering system’s motor has been moved down to the steering rack to provide better feedback and responsiveness, and just like its other N brethren the Kona N feels very dialed in through the steering wheel.
This feeling of safety is enhanced by an electronic limited slip differential. The Kona N can detect when you’re cornering to send more power to the outside front wheel. On track you will notice a noticeable difference. The Kona N can sense when you’re cornering and send more power to your outside wheel.
Suspension tuning for the Kona N is not as good as its sedan counterpart, both on track and street. The Kona N isn’t as stable as the Elantra N on track, due to its shorter wheelbase, taller ride height, and older generation platform (the Elantra N is on the new K3 sedan platform, the Kona N on the SUV-B platform).
2022 Hyundai Elantra N
On Sonoma’s very challenging track, the Kona N had a tendency to understeer when cresting hills, and the suspension had some trouble settling down the vehicle. It’s not an issue of stiffness; I felt all of Sonoma’s pavement seams and bumpy braking zones. But it takes an extra beat to really settle the Kona N and that busyness makes a big difference on a circuit, as you can’t really roll onto the throttle until the SUV recaptures its composure. It’s thrilling to drive the Kona N on track, especially in that bull-riding style. You will be amazed at how it moves underneath you, as the suspension recharges.
Street life is simply amazing. The adjustable dampers come in three different settings. None of these are very comfortable. Sport is the best setting, but even that setting can be noisy. It’d be a tough vehicle to drive daily, especially in areas where the roads aren’t perfectly maintained.
It was the Kona N that proved most comfortable on autocross courses. With its small wheelbase and superb steering it made for a great vehicle. The Kona N is equipped with Pirelli tires instead of the more gripping Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that are found on the Elantra. They would be a sharper turn-in and provide the Kona N with a little more edge.
2022 Hyundai Kona N
2022 Hyundai Kona N
2022 Hyundai Kona N
The Kona N doesn’t offer any options other than the paint color, but comes very well equipped. The Kona N features two 10.3-inch screens for the cluster, infotainment, system and N sports seats. It also has blind spot monitors and active lane control.
As fun as piloting the 2022 Kona N can be, the fact that it won’t ever really calm down makes it hard to recommend for daily duty. It’s a hyperactive puppy that’s cute and really fun for about 20 minutes, until you need to sleep or do anything else other than play with it. Then, it will eat your sofa.
Hyundai paid travel and lodging expenses, as well as track time. Motor Authority We are happy to provide this report from the ground.
