Anyone who has sat in an electric vehicle knows how irritatingly loud they can be. Though there’s no thrust or rumbling noises typical with combustion engines, ambient road noise can be distracting. Case in point: Last year’s Hyundai Kona Electric was so loud that it became unpleasant to drive.

But the automaker acknowledged consumers’ complaints about the popular EV and corrected the problem for the latest model year. These changes alone are reason enough to jump into a 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric and leave irritating cabin noise behind.

The Hyundai Kona Electric never sounded so good

Last year, the folks at Consumer Reports determined the Hyundai Kona Electric had a very loud cabin, explaining the “engine makes a noisy protest when pushed.” They added, “The base engine has to work hard often, which raises the revs to a loud, unpleasant level.” They also noted that “road noise dominates at lower speeds.”

A common issue with electric vehicles, the absence of a consistent engine rumble heightens drivers’ sensitivity to other sounds. The intrusive noise is a problem that EV manufacturers are struggling to correct.

Hyundai made some adjustments to the 2022 Hyundai Kona EV to allow for a quieter, more comfortable ride. For starters, new acoustic windshield glass is used to filter outside noise from entering the cabin. The manufacturer also added insulation in the cargo area and around the instrument panel. 

Hyundai claims that “these changes should reduce such noises, vibration, and harshness inside the Kona’s cabin,” MotorTrend reported.

Interior changes to the Hyundai Kona EV

The 2022 Hyundai Kona is climbing up the EV food chain, ready to take on crossover competitors such as the new Chevy Bolt, Tesla Model 3, and Toyota RAV4. Forbes named the Kona one of the best EVs for 2021.

In an attempt to further stand out in its class, the Kona EV is getting a new upscale look to its interior. New seats and color options are just the beginning. The front seats are now heated and height-adjustable, with heated rear seating as an available option.

Designers slightly extended the Hyundai’s EV overall size, allowing greater cargo capacity and more rear legroom. Chrome trim encases the air vents and speakers for a refined look.

Upgraded tech features complement the new Kona interior. The infotainment system boasts a 10.25-inch touchscreen, and the instrument gauge cluster and even the parking brake are now digital.

The SEL trim‘s standard options include keyless remote entry, rear privacy glass, and heated side mirrors. Hyundai’s Blue Link Connected Car Service comes standard, giving the driver total control of the vehicle from a smartphone. The top-trim Limited offers leather seating, wireless phone charging, adaptive cruise control, a power sunroof, and rear parking sensors.

Exterior changes create a simpler design

The Hyundai Kona hasn’t received an upgrade since its debut in 2018. The upcoming 2022 changes include an all-new front-end design that creates a stylish shark-nose appearance.

Exterior improvements include smaller, slimmer headlights and stretched-out taillights. Hyundai also redesigned the reverse lights and rear bumper. 17-inch alloy wheels are now available, and a two-tone black roof is optional on the SEL trim.

Kelley Blue Book named the Hyundai Kona subcompact crossover its KBB Electric Car Best Buy in 2019, 2020, and 2021. That’s an impressive feat considering the Kona debuted in 2018. 

Fans of the 2022 Hyundai Kona, the folks at KBB said, “The driving experience is enjoyable, the parking experience is easily tolerable, equipment levels are generous, and the interior is pleasant.”