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The 2023 Hyundai Kona is an impressive subcompact SUV to buy with numerous quality features. The Kona has surpassed many other subcompact SUVs in terms of performance and features. One of the significant features that make the Kona an excellent option is its fuel economy of 30 mpg, which many would argue is above the average SUV.

Additionally, it has lively handling with various trim options and three different gas engine options. Because of its excellent performance, MotorTrend named the Kona the second-best subcompact SUV, and here are three reasons why the Kona could make for a great option.

The Hyundai Kona has great performance

A light blue 2023 Hyundai Kona on a highway, which is a great SUV to buy.
2023 Hyundai Kona | Hyundai Motor Company

In terms of performance, the Kona does not disappoint. It is equipped with a powerful 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter Atkinson engine capable of generating 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. However, in higher trims such as the N Line AWD and Limited AWD, the Kona produces 195 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. The N trim uses a twin-turbo 2.0-liter GDI “Flat Power” engine with 289 lb-ft of torque and 276 hp.

Furthermore, the Kona has a fuel capacity of 13.2 gallons, which gives it superiority over long distances due to its fuel economy of 30 to 35 mpg. Many SUVs fall within this fuel economy range, if not below it, making the Kona a better option for a low-budget SUV. Lastly, it uses an automatic transmission with a manual mode option, completing its status as a quality SUV, which is highly ranked by MotorTrend.

Does the 2023 Hyundai Kona have safety features?

Having safety and smart sense features in your SUV is an essential factor to consider for personal safety. The Kona is equipped with several such features, including Blind-Spot Collision Warning, which alerts the driver whenever there is another vehicle in the driver’s blind spots and thus helps to avoid a collision. Similarly, the Kona’s Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist system informs the driver whenever a vehicle approaches from the left or right side while reversing from vehicle-filled tight spaces.

What’s more, the Kona has a Forward Collision-Avoidance (FCA) Assist, which aids in avoiding collisions by alerting the driver about possible on-road collisions and reducing the car’s speed automatically. FCA also detects pedestrians, which significantly reduces the risk of on-road fatalities.

On top of that, the Kona is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which effectively detects a wheel lock and helps apply brakes faster, giving the driver more control over the vehicle. Children are also safe in the Kona thanks to its rear child safety locks, which prevent them from opening the doors while the vehicle is in motion.

Another safety feature of the Kona is its Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which measures the air pressure of each tire and notifies the driver whenever the air pressure of an individual tire is too low. Many other safety features are included in this model, making it the ideal SUV to buy for a safe driving experience.

The Kona is the most affordable subcompact SUV

Even though most subcompact SUVs are priced above $30,000, this doesn’t apply to the Kona, whose starting price is $22,140 for the SE FWD trim. Higher trims cost more, with the N trim being the most expensive. Even still, it just starts price at $34,950, which is more than a bargain for an SUV such as the Kona. All these features make the 2023 Hyundai Kona an excellent SUV to buy.