For 2022 the Hyundai Kona and Kona EV have received a significant facelift front and rear, performance and chassis improvement and a long list of new interior and convenience features buyers have been asking for.
From a stylistic perspective, Hyundai has been on a roll the last few years and now the Kona gets its share of the artist pen. Up front is a new face with new character lines and a stretched hood, new more sculptured grille and headlights – all of which aim for a wider and more streamlined look.
A new N-Line model for 2022 has an even more aggressive look in its front fascia and grille language, larger 18-inch wheels and more.
Kona EV also gets work done with a classier looking mug, losing the dimpled panel from before. Though smoother and more contemporary, I’m not sure the charging door looks so graceful floating helplessly off to the side though.
At the rear, the Kona gets improved looks, a little less busy than before with new taillights with a more horizontal stretch. New rear bumper fascias on both the Kona and Kona EV get large lighting elements at the corners that give it a more upscale feel while mimicking the new face.
In either model, the 2022 Kona is 1.6 inches longer as a result of its redesigned bumpers and fascias. New wheel designs are added across the board as well.
The cabin gets a number of revisions and updates including a new console design for both the Kona and Kona EV. Kona gets a more open design for a more spacious appearance than before and to make room for new features. Kona EV gets a new flying bridge console with room for a wireless charger and more storage space.
The big news for both Kona models is the availability of new 10.25 wide screens for the driver information display and infotainment. The driver information display can be customized depending on drive mode and or with your own chosen information sets.
When it comes to power Kona comes standard with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission Hyundai calls IVT. The N Line and Limited come with the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 195 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 195 pound-feet of torque. The latter comes with a re-tuned seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Hopefully “re-tuned” means the DCT is less jinky than before.
Kona EV now features a range of 258 miles to go along with its healthy does of motive force of 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. A high-voltage 64 kWh liquid cooled lithium-ion battery can be fully charged in about 9 hours on Level II chargers and up to 80% in around 45 minutes on a Level III fast charger.
On both models the ride and drive has been made more quiet with a new acoustic windshield and more sound deadening throughout.
The 2022 Hyundai Kona and Kona EV should arrive later this year with pricing to be announced closer to that time.
