The 2022 Hyundai Kona N Can’t Be Caught
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N is ready to race. We’re serious. With 276-hp and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Hyundai Kona N will be zooming off into the sunset before you know it. The Kona is going from bland to pretty darn spicy!
The 2022 Hyundai Kona N is a major upgrade
According to cars.com, the 2022 Hyundai Kona N actually means business, and we are here for it. Instead of getting the less aggressive N-Line treatment, the Kona is getting the top-of-the-line full N treatment.
Hyundai revealed that the Hyundai Kona N will come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 276 hp. The Hyundai Veloster has a 275-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter engine too, and it’s proven itself as an incredibly fun option.
The Hyundai Kona only weighs 68 lbs more than the Veloster, so they aren’t expected to feel too different. The Kona shouldn’t be slowed down very much. Plus, with the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, you can push this little beast to its optimal performance.
What we know about the Hyundai Kona N
Like the Veloster, the 2022 Hyundai Kona N’s dual-clutch automatic transmission will have performance driving modes such as N Gtin Shift, N Power Shift, and N Track Sense Shift. The modes provide different shifting and engine logic to match multiple driving scenarios.
Use the N Power Shift Mode to reduce torque management at over 90-percent throttle to deliver maxim power and that rumbling exhaust during upshifting.
The N Grin Shift mode is like a Sport Plus mode. It sounds like the Porsche Sport Response Button and will enter the most aggressive engine and transmission tuning once you push the button for 20 seconds. There is a countdown in the instrument cluster, so you don’t have to keep track of the time yourself.
N Track Shift provides the optimal transmission shifting for racetrack driving.
You can also turn off the Hyundai Kona creep mode to prevent the Kona from automatically pulling forward when you take your foot off the brake.
How does the regular Kona compare?
The 2022 Hyundai Kona is a beast compared to the regular models. The 2021 Hyundai Kona has a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. But you can move up to the 1.6-liter four-cylinder for 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. So, the N is a significant upgrade with 276 hp.
Hyundai hasn’t released full details about the Kona N yet. For example, we don’t know if the N will have all-wheel drive like the other models. The Hyundai Veloster N begins at about $32,250, while the base model starts at around $18,900. The 2021 Hyundai Kona starts at about $20,500, so the Kona N could also start around $32,000.
The Kona N should also have an upgraded interior with more premium materials to provide an upscale, racing feel. The bucket seats will probably have accent stitching, and the tech will most likely have significant upgrades to handle the extra driving modes.
It’s also safe to expect a few suspension upgrades to handle the extra performance. While the regular Kona already has a smooth ride with responsive handling, wind noise can enter the cabin at higher speeds. The N may have more noise-dampening materials.
