“It's smooth, technologically advanced, quiet, excellent seating room, and quality performance. I love the SE's ability to change driving modes. It definitely saves on fuel.”
2023 Hyundai Kona: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2023 Hyundai Kona is wider standard safety equipment: blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and Safe Exit Warning are standard on all four trims. It is otherwise a light update, with no powertrain or lineup changes.
About the 2023 Hyundai Kona
1st generation (2018-2023), second year of the 2022 refresh and final year before the all-new 2024 redesign.
The Kona is Hyundai’s small SUV for buyers who want easy parking, bold styling, and a lot of safety and tech in a tight footprint. In gas form, Hyundai gives it two clear personalities: SE/SEL focus on everyday efficiency and value, while N Line and Limited add a much stronger turbo engine and more upscale equipment. Its main draw is that it feels city-friendly and feature-rich without giving up available all-wheel drive.
The SE and SEL are the practical choices, using a 147-hp 2.0-liter engine and straightforward phone connectivity; the SEL adds comforts such as heated front seats and keyless start. The sportier N Line has a 195-hp turbo engine, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, and a sunroof, while the Limited pairs that engine with leather seats, adaptive cruise control, and LED headlights.
What changed, by category
Safety
Blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, and Safe Exit Warning become standard on every trim.
Tech and convenience
Heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and a rear USB outlet become standard across the lineup. The N Line also makes its 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, and power sunroof standard rather than optional.
2023 Hyundai Kona specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, IVT w/Shiftronic | Automatic, IVT w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 7-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 7-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg | 35 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp | 195 hp | 195 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 45.8 cu-ft | 45.8 cu-ft | 45.8 cu-ft | 45.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in | 35.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2023 Hyundai Kona compared with the 2022 model?
The 2023 Kona gains more standard safety and convenience equipment. Every trim has blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance, Safe Exit Warning, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and a rear USB outlet; the N Line also makes its larger touchscreen, navigation, and sunroof standard.
Does every 2023 Hyundai Kona have blind-spot monitoring?
Yes. Every 2023 Kona trim has blind-spot collision avoidance, along with rear cross-traffic collision avoidance and Safe Exit Warning, as standard equipment.
What changed on the 2023 Hyundai Kona N Line?
The 2023 Kona N Line makes its 10.25-inch touchscreen, navigation, and power sunroof standard. Those features were optional on the 2022 N Line.
Did the 2023 Hyundai Kona get a new engine?
No. The 2023 Kona keeps the same powertrains: SE and SEL trims use a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder, while N Line and Limited trims use a 195-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder.
Is the 2023 Hyundai Kona a redesigned model?
No. The 2023 Kona is a light update to the first-generation model and follows the larger 2022 refresh. Its main changes are added standard safety and convenience features rather than a new body or powertrain.
2023 Hyundai Kona Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Hyundai Kona.
4.2
2023 Hyundai Kona
(378 reviews)
“I love the look and feel of this vehicle. It makes me feel safe. It is very reliable and easy to drive. I enjoy driving even more with this vehicle and I am proud to show it off!”
“The car has great handling and good quality internal finishing. The doors do require a bit more force to close than I would like. More often than acceptable, we have to re-close doors, including the rear hatch.”