1 of the Year’s Cheapest SUVs Is Also 1 of the Fastest
It’s often assumed that the year’s cheapest SUVs don’t deliver exciting performance. However, options like the 2023 Hyundai Kona prove otherwise. The 2023 Kona makes the list of the year’s cheapest SUVs. However, it’s also one of the fastest in its class. It may not be sports car fast, but it’s a well-rounded vehicle.
The 2023 Hyundai Kona N delivers impressive speed for its class
Despite their small size, subcompact SUVs aren’t always regarded for their speeds. However, the Hyundai Kona bucks this trend and has an impressive acceleration time. The 2023 Hyundai Kona accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour between 7.2 and 9.2 seconds.
According to Edmunds, the 2023 Kona comes standard with a 147 hp 2.0-liter inline-four engine. It’s front-wheel drive and uses a continuously variable transmission. There are also all-wheel drive versions of the subcompact SUV, including the Hyundai Kona N trims. The N-line Hyundai Kona trims are essentially high-performance variants.
The lowest of the Hyundai Kona N trims uses a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine that makes 195 horsepower. However, the version that people with a real need for speed will want is the one with the 2.0-liter 276 horsepower engine. It uses an eight-speed automated manual transmission.
The Hyundai also has an impressive interior
Due to its interior, the 2023 Kona is also one of the best-regarded sub-compact SUVs. Luckily, despite being one of the cheapest SUVs on the market, the design team used quality materials. The SUV has a cabin that’s both comfortable and well-organized. The downside is that it has less cargo space than other subcompact SUVs.
Regarding technology, the Hyundai SUV is advanced. It comes standard with an eight-inch screen with the option to make it a 10.3-inch display. The system works well despite the response to touch commands being a bit slow. The infotainment system also has physical buttons.
It’s also a safe subcompact SUV
In addition to being fast, the 2023 Kona is also a safe vehicle. Though not a top safety plus pick, the vehicle has a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The organization rated the vehicle as good in all of its crashworthiness ratings. It should be noted that it’s also not a top safety pick.
Overall, the 2023 Hyundai Kona is a well-crafted vehicle. It’s one of the cheapest SUVs but also one of the fastest in its class. The great thing is that the automaker crafted it to be a budget-friendly SUV without omitting the features people want.
