The 2023 Kona is offered in four trims choices: SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited. The SE and SEL get the base powertrain, a 147 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder powerplant producing 195 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque sits under the hood of the N Line and Limited and works with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard across the lineup, with all-wheel drive as an option. The SE and SEL with FWD are EPA-rated for 30 mpg around town and 35 mpg on the open road; this changes to 28 city/33 highway for AWD. Fuel economy for the higher trims with FWD is 29 mpg in the city and 35 on the highway, and 27 city/32 highway with AWD.
The SE has quite a few convenience features for a base trim: remote keyless entry, automatic headlights, heated side mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators, and a tilt/telescopic steering column. As expected from a base trim, it has cloth-upholstered seats and 16-inch wheels (alloy). It also gets LED daytime running lights, a 4.2-inch driver information display, front and rear USB ports, a 12V outlet, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, and SmartSense, Hyundai’s comprehensive system of advanced driver aids. The included technologies are forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, driver attention warning, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. In the connectivity department, the ’23 Kona SE has an 8-inch color touchscreen system with wireless smartphone integration for both Android and Apple, a multi-speaker audio unit, and Bluetooth connectivity.
This trim’s other additions are proximity keyless entry, roof rails, remote start, an eight-way power driver’s seat, rear privacy glass, and push-button start. Buyers can opt for the SEL Convenience Package at the time of their factory order to get wireless smartphone charging, heated front seats, a power moonroof, automatic temperature control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, Hyundai Digital Key (a smartphone app for keyless vehicle access and operation), and a hidden storage compartment in the cargo area. The package also adds some infotainment upgrades, starting with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen, which causes the system to revert to manually plugged-in smartphone integration, as this larger screen isn’t compatible with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, dynamic voice recognition, and access to Hyundai Bluelink connected services and over-the-air map updates are all part of the SEL Convenience Package as well.
The most obvious change to this trim is its enhanced outer appearance, which gives it a sportier personality. The N Line receives all of the amenities listed under the SEL with the Convenience Package, along with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, sport cloth upholstery, and aluminum sport pedals.
The Limited is equipped like the N Line, but with the more conventional exterior look and gray body cladding. It’s improved with all-LED exterior lighting, automatic high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, leather seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a Harman Kardon sound system with eight speakers, and ambient interior lighting (LED). This highest-ranking trim’s version of Safety Sense is fully loaded with the addition of adaptive cruise control, upgraded forward collision-avoidance assist (with cyclist detection), highway driving assist, and rear parking sensors.
