The 2023 Kona N is distinguished from the regular Kona by its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which produces 276 hp and 289 lb.-ft. of torque (the most power available with the regular Kona is 195 hp). This engine works with an eight-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission and a front-wheel drivetrain. Amplifying its sporty appeal even further is an assembly of effective performance systems, starting with the N-Corner Carving Differential (eLSD), which is responsible for reducing understeer and optimizing turning speed. It also has a special N-tuned electronically controlled suspension.
What’s more, the ’23 Kona N is equipped with Launch Control, a system designed to powerfully propel the vehicle from a dead stop, and N Grin Shift, which provides 20 seconds of max acceleration at the push of a button. N Power Shift, another standout Kona N attribute, is designed to lessen torque as the transmission climbs through its gears to make sure that each wheel gets the appropriate degree of power.
The Kona N has 19-inch wheels with high-performance brakes and Pirelli P Zero tires, metal sport pedals and scuff plates, and a roaring exhaust with large-bole tips. But it isn’t just about high performance: it also offers an array of features for convenience and even luxury. Besides being compatible with the smartphone-based Digital Key system, it comes with LED exterior lights, automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, heated side mirrors with turn-signal indicators, roof rails, push-button start, an N-branded leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leather- and suede-trimmed sport seats, and a 60/40-split folding rear seatback.
Hyundai stocks the Kona N with some great tech as well, most notably in the performance category: it gets a customizable drive mode menu and a performance data log that features a G-force meter, a lap timer, and an indicator for the N Grin Shift system. There’s also a wireless phone charger, a trio of USB ports, and two 10.25-inch digital screens – one for instrumentation and the other for infotainment. The latter is used to manage navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, HD radio, satellite radio (SiriusXM), and a rich eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system also responds to voice recognition.
The SmartSense safety system gives the Kona N some excellent driver support with forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, rear occupant alert, safe exit warning, driver attention monitoring, and automatic high beams. It also has a full complement of advanced airbags to protect every occupant.