The 2021 Hyundai Kona Gains New Trims
The Hyundai Kona is already a great SUV, and it’s about to get even better with new model updates and trims. Check out what to expect with the 2021 Hyundai Kona models, including the sleek Night Edition.
2021 Hyundai Kona updates
There are two major upgrades for the 2021 Hyundai Kona. There will be the addition of the new Night Edition trim and the new Hyundai Kona N model.
The Night Edition Kona gets rid of chrome and silver accents for a monochromatic look. For example, the grille, door handles, and more will be darkened.
New 18-inch wheels will have a glossy finish with a darkened interior too. The Night Edition comes in shades of Ultra Black, Galactic Grey, and Chalk White. Yes, we know, Chalk White really doesn’t come to mind when you think about night editions, but maybe it’s like bright moonlight?
Edmunds recommends going with the optional 1.6-liter turbocharged engine for 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant upgrade, but it’s still a little weak. With the turbocharged engine, the Kona could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds according to Car and Driver.
This is a pretty good time, but it was .1 second behind the Kia Soul. We aren’t knocking the Kia Soul, but you wouldn’t expect it to beat the Kona. The Soul has an upright, boxy shape that doesn’t seem to be the most aerodynamic option.
For comparison’s sake, the Kia Soul has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 201 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. But the Hyundai Kona N will blow it away.
What comes with the new Kona N?
Hyundai released new updates about the Kona N, and they might make you want to buckle up. The Hyundai Kona N will be powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that provides 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.
The Kona N will only be offered with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Some fans may prefer a manual transmission, but this is still an incredible upgrade.
The BMW X3 has a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 248-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. You can also upgrade to the 3.0-liter cylinder engine for 382 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque.
This is more power than the Kona N has to offer, but the Kona is an economical SUV instead of a luxury option. Chances are that the Kona N will be much cheaper, but pricing information for the N hasn’t been released yet.
Also, Hyundai hasn’t confirmed if the Kona N will be offered with all-wheel-drive. While AWD has its advantages for tackling various weather conditions, it makes the vehicle heavier. It could make the Kona N a little slower and sip more fuel.
However, on an exciting note, the Hyundai Kona N will have launch control and an exhaust that sounds ready to race. This will feel different from the Hyundai Kona we used to know.
What else do we know about the Kona N?
The Kona N will have a more aggressive look to match its new muscle. The grille might be elongated, and the headlights may have a new LED design. Also, a body kit that includes larger wheels, tires, a rear spoiler, and dual exhaust tips is probably in the works.
We will see the Hyundai Kona N a little later this year, according to Auto Evolution. The Kona will join the N Line models with the addition of the Tucson N.
