“Good reliable vehicle that's fun to drive and gets great mileage in smart drive mode.”
Hyundai Kona N: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Hyundai Kona N is a high-performance compact SUV known for strong turbo power, quick shifts, and sharp handling. It blends the feel of a sporty hatchback with the everyday usefulness of a small crossover.
The Kona N was built as a dedicated performance model, not simply a regular Kona with sportier styling. Across its short 2022–2023 U.S. run, it kept the same basic formula: turbocharged power, front-wheel drive, fast automatic shifts, and upgraded handling hardware. Its focus was driver involvement rather than all-wheel-drive utility or comfort-first tuning.
Strengths
- Its turbocharged engine was rated at 276 horsepower in 2023, giving this small SUV a serious performance focus.
- The eight-speed automatic responds quickly and supports the car’s lively character.
- Upgraded suspension and brakes help it feel sharper and more controlled than a typical small SUV.
- Its compact crossover shape still provides seating for five and useful hatchback-style cargo space.
- The single-trim lineup keeps the core performance hardware consistent across both model years.
Who it's for
It fits a driving enthusiast who wants one small vehicle for commuting, errands, and fun roads. It makes the most sense for someone who values lively performance and useful hatchback space more than all-wheel drive.
Hyundai Kona N lineup
The Kona N had just one trim, simply called N, throughout its U.S. run. That N model is the full performance version, with the turbo engine, quick-shifting eight-speed automatic, front-wheel drive, and upgraded suspension and brakes at the heart of every example. There is no lower-performance or luxury-focused trim within the Kona N lineup, so the decision is about whether its focused personality suits you rather than which trim level to pick.
Hyundai Kona N generations
From 2022 to 2023, the Kona N spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation arrived for 2022.
1st Generation (2022–2023)
The Kona N was the high-performance version of the facelifted first-generation Kona. It paired a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive with a quick-shifting 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, upgraded suspension, and stronger brakes.
7 In Stock
2023
Carried over with the same single trim and performance setup. This was the Kona N’s final U.S. model year.
2022
The Kona N debuted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, front-wheel drive, an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic, and N-specific suspension and brakes.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Hyundai Kona N.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai Kona N an SUV or a hot hatch?
It is a small performance SUV with the character of a tall hot hatch. The higher body gives it everyday hatchback usefulness, while its turbo power, quick-shifting transmission, and sharper handling make driving the main attraction.
What makes the Kona N different from a typical small crossover?
The Kona N puts performance ahead of comfort-first tuning or all-weather utility. It has a stronger turbo engine, quicker gear changes, sharper handling, upgraded brakes and suspension, and other factory performance hardware.
Is the Hyundai Kona N practical enough for everyday driving?
Yes. It has four doors, seating for five, 35.2 inches of rear legroom, and 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space. It is still a performance-focused vehicle, but its small crossover shape makes errands and daily commuting manageable.
Is the Hyundai Kona N a hybrid?
No. Every U.S. Kona N uses a gas-powered turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. There was no hybrid version during its 2022–2023 run.
Does the Hyundai Kona N have all-wheel drive?
No. The Kona N is front-wheel drive only. An electronic limited-slip differential helps manage power between the front wheels, but this model was built around road performance rather than all-wheel-drive utility.
How much power does the Hyundai Kona N make?
The Kona N makes 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Power goes to the front wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
How many generations of the Hyundai Kona N were made?
There was one U.S. generation, sold for the 2022 and 2023 model years. It was based on the updated first-generation Kona, and 2023 was its final U.S. model year before the regular Kona was redesigned.
Hyundai Kona N Reviews
What owners are saying about the Hyundai Kona N.
4.3
Hyundai Kona N
(217 reviews)
“Overall excellent vehicle. Only complaint is that the cruise control is slow to react when road turns uphill.”
“Overall the car is great. Its performance and style are great. Driving it feels like you're behind the wheel of a racing car. The color blend and body of the car is what really makes it complete.”
“This was a great purchase. Have only had my new vehicle 5 months, absolutely love everything about it. Handles well, great gas mileage, and love all the safety features. Very comfortable.”
“It's a sharp looking car and drives nice, has all kinds of bells and whistles. You're going to love it!”
“Wish it had wireless apple car play. Fun as hell to drive. Wish it had backup sensors.”