They have a non N awd Kona too I believe so it wouldn't be too hard to make an AWD n. Maybe they can make a trim higher than the N with AWD for the Kona
I have to agree with you. Cars like this need 4WD. One thing I find odd about the Kona N is that in Britain, it costs around £2000 more than the i30N, and I don’t see the point of having it.
I would’ve loved this with a 6-speed. If it had awd, and a manual transmission, it would sell like hot cakes! As is, it’s already a solid vehicle that will have no trouble moving units, in my humble opinion.
Honestly I'm a big automotive enthusiasts and could never find a reviewer I liked. Then I watched one of your videos and I've been hooked since. I'm know yall put in a lot of work and it shows I'm happy to so say I'm one of your subscribers. I know it doesn't mean much coming from me some random guy, but I mean it brother.
Hyundai is killing the game these days. The rims on this test are serious as well as the exterior color. Why can't we get something like this from the Big 3? Great review as always🏎
The big 3 would charge you like 60k for this.The 4 cylinder CTS-4 V is similiar to this in performance and is almost 60k--I JUST PICKED UP ONE OF THESE AND IT IS GREAT FOR WHAT IT IS.
@@RaitisRides thank you for the awesome content you put out ! Your Kona N review was one of the first ones we watched before test driving & buying one our selfs .
Got one year ago paid msrp for it outright after selling a Stinger AWD for a profit.Its a perfect vehicle--ground clearance--good fuel mileage--handles excellent--AC blows very cold--had the tranny update so it shifts like an expensive Audi--24 MPG--not bad for a car that can hit the low 160 MPH in top speed
It also has the maps of all the raceways whether drag or road course so you can race this if u want--and before anyone says crap I owned a ZL1 and other cars before this and gas today is 5 dollars a gallon so FJB
I’m super excited for this because I like the Elantra N but I really need the ride height and visibility of an SUV. Will definitely be taking a serious look at this!!!!!!
This is not an SUV. It's not even a CUV. This doesn't have the ground clearance (7.5+ inches) or the drivetrain (AWD, 4WD) to be considered an SUV/CUV. It lacks the all-terrain capabilities that define the segment. It's a hot hatch, and a cool one, but the plastic cladding doesn't make it any more of a SUV than adding vinyl decals makes a car faster.
@@ASmattmanNone of that defines the segment. lol CUVs are cars built like a suv, which this is.. Lots of CUVs and SUVs are 2WD. A few are standard AWD/4WD but for most it’s a extra cost. Most of them aren’t really all terrain unless you get the special off-road pack or trim.
This looks so intriguing for me. I’ve been looking at a small truck/ suv (the ford Maverick seems to fit the bill perfectly) but I’ve also wanted a sports car. This seems to have a bit of both!! If it had awd it would be perfect
@@cindysue5474 By the time I end up buying one, there will likely be a hefty aftermarket full of parts lol. I bet this thing will open up nicely with a tune.
seriously im a massive hyundai fanboy because of what they have done the past year or two. i have always really really like the genesis coupe and came so close to buying one like over 6-7 years ago but yea as of a few years theyve been straight up killing the competition
This thing is a solid bang for buck and the 35k fully loaded price point is legit and cheap AF. I want to drive one so badly. SUV ride height(great visibility), light weight and engaging to drive. What's not to like ? Enough from the AWD muppets already. Go drive one then talk to me about the lack of AWD. Go buy a WRCROSSTREK.
Well hello, and ty for commentary, video and content on the Kona. As I said before, you were part of the reason i got the 2021 Hyundai Sonata N Line. I love my Sonata N Line and would definately replace it with this Kona N once the vehicle becomes full electric or the Ioniq 5 N once available with the power of the 2.5t or more but not the 2.0t and hope all will be available with AWD. Cont 12/24/2021: Well, you totally helped me with my decision again as Hyundai asked me to come in and test drive the new dual motor Ioniq 5 msrp ($41,900) , but received they also received the 2022 Kona N msrp ($34,480.00) and was giving me the option to trade in the Sonata N - Line and for either of the one's I wanted. My wife helped with my decision live through Duo with unexpected choice due to Ioniq 5 not having heated seats. Hyundai has beed wonderful at helping me trade my 2021 Hyundai Sonata N - Line for the 2022 Kona N also in Racing Red and I gave up the raw brutal hp but the Kona N substitutes just a better all around package that will get me prepared down the road for again my dream car the Ioniq 5 N to come or who knows maybe they will give use a Kona N full EV.
The Kona already comes as an EV. But don't buy one, they are actually worse for the environment than gas cars are. Volvo said producing an EV produces 70% more emissions then producing a combustion engine vehicle. Also lithium is running extremely low, and its not environmentally friendly, nor is it recyclable. To top it off, when the battery does go out, it will cost about $25k to replace it. At which point, its just cheaper to buy a new car. Gas engine are still better
I was just talking to my girl about the same thing! Now I feel like I’m stuck between this, a Type R or Elantra N 😭 too many good choices for us out there
Hell ya another Raitis ride review? Man I canceled all my appointments grabbed some carnitas with chicharrón tacos and a can of Kombucha to wash it all down and went straight home to watch mighty Joe “king of car reviews “ on my 75” . 😁
Hyundai at it again, bruh!!! They are coming for everybody's money in every.single.category. Missed opportunity with no AWD for sure but for what it is, it's a great lil SUV!!! Put one on the truck for me please and thanks!!! Great review as usual Joe and Lori!!! Y'all stay killing it!!!
Dude this would honestly be a fun little everyday car , enough trunk room for trips to Sam's club so idk man , I was thinking about a Ford maverick but after seeing this it's pretty dope
I saw your review of the Elantra N,and I said I wasn't sure about this. Now that I saw this review, I'm leaning more towards this. Not as extreme looking as the Elantra. Just the right size for me and my dog. I have a 2022 GR86 that I'm getting rid of. This doesn't look any bouncier than that. Great review. Now I gotta test drive one😊
Im really debating on which one to get the Kona or Elantra 🤷♂️🤷♂️. I love both of them. I’m so ready to trade in my 17 Elantra sport and get a full Hyundai N !!
I drive the Veloster N DCT and love it! Always been a hot hatch guy. The Kona N looks great, interior is nicer and a bit more practical. UPDATE: traded in my Veloster for the Kona N. So much better🔥
@@2strokeFORever depends on what you need. Kona N has more room, comfortable seats and the performance is very similar with better infotainment. Veloster is great too
This looks better than the Elantra N, and doesn't have that pesky bar between the driver and passenger. This N is like Hyundai's version of the Kona like what the Shelby GT was to a Mustang.
I don't see why there was no mention that the engine, DCT, Steering, exhaust, E-LSD, and ESC can all be individually adjusted, to eco, comfort, sport, or N mode. During the drive you mentioned how bouncy the vehicle was on this rough road, which gave you an opportunity to tell the viewer that you can just go into the infotainment system and switch the dampers into comfort while leaving everything else in in N mode. No mention of the active exhaust and everything else I mentioned which is what makes the N so special. No mention of the ability to choose own RPMs for your launches. You obviously mentioned that the NGS cuz it's a big red button in your face, no mention of NGC (N grin control) nor did you mention the NTS (N track sense shift). No mention of the two blue programmable N buttons on the wheel which allow you to save your ideal combination of custom engine, trans, steering, suspension, LSD, traction control etc. Most automotive journalists like to keep everything in N mode and the suspension in comfort for daily. driving. While you were testing the exhaust sound, at no point did you even hint at the fact that the vehicle has an active exhaust with 3 different sound settings depending on how loud and aggressive you want it. You basically left out everything that makes this car special and different from a standard Kona. The sheer amount of adjustability gives brand-new M cars a run for their money. Eight different features on the car can be adjusted and you mentioned one of them, at the beginning of your show, when you briefly mentions adaptive dampers. There are 7 other parts of the vehicle that have 3-4 different settings including eco, comfort, sport, N mode and custom, allowing the user to choose if he wants his steering, and suspension in comfort, E-LSD and ESC in normal, and engine, exhaust and DCT In N mode. Your review made it seem like there were four modes that we're not customizable, cuz you never mentioned it. Everything I've mentioned, (which is everything you didn't) is what make the N cars so desirable. The vehicles customization which you completely skipped over. Not sure if you do it on purpose, because I believe you know that the car has all those adjustable features in the N infotainment screen. Maybe you just assume all the viewers already know N cars possess all the customizable factors I mentioned. There's even more you skipped over like how it has a bunch of preprogrammed track maps, lap monitoring info and a lap timer. And even more but u get the point. Fortunately, there are many channels that have gone over everything I've mentioned and More in great detail, but I like your channel, and selection of cars, yet this review didn't even scratch the surface of what makes this car an N car
It's a cool small vehicle. Nice amount of power and looks fun to drive excluding the bumpy roads with the road noise. I'm guessing with some extra options like Nav, heated seats. I don't remember hearing if AWD was available. I'm thinking you'll be closing in on $40,000 with those options. I'm surprised considering your other reviews. No Zonks for the prop rod and lower rear window wiper location. A little small for me personally, but a nice vehicle for big city use, a small family or a fun little track vehicle. As always. Another solid review.
What’s with the obsession with AWD here? The Veloster N and Type R smoke the STI stock to stock on the track and neither have AWD. A front wheel drive with proper suspension and a limited slip are comparable anyway.
@@RaitisRides Alot of people disliked the price when they went to the local dealerships because they said its overpriced. But I think the price is reasonable for the huge amount of stuff they added to the car to make it a true N Performance car.
its almost like hyundai actually listens to what its customers suggest and then they go and actually come through and make it happen! all these other manufacturers are producing straight up FLOPS lately and it feels almost like a personal attack to us enthusiasts. im all in on hyundai man i wish them massive success
Everything looks great my only zonk no sunroof. I know the N line because it has a sunroof but this model looks a bit more sportier and you would think they would have put a sunroof on it as well.
Agree that Hyundai/ Kia has it going on…I have a 2020 Kona Ultimate turbo, 2022 Veloster N, a 2021 Kia stinger Gt1 and a 2020 Palisade Limited. Love them all.
Nice review I think this is a nice little CUV Hyundai has done a great job, every time I see a Kona on the street I check it out but the N is even cooler!
Wow, very unique styling... I guess the Veloster N is a hot hatch... is this Kona N a segment first? This sub compact is going to be a hot seller for sure.
Hi Joe! Thanks for reviewing this amazing vehicle! Will the KONA N come with Hyundai's amazing Highway Driving Assist semi-autonomous driving feature for the freeways and traffic? Thanks!
@@RaitisRides arg! OK thanks for the heads up Joe--! Hopefully they add the ADAS features eventually since both the GTI/Golf R will come with VW's Travel Assist feature!
Late to the party viewing on this. As an owner of a Stinger GT and Fiat Abarth, I can see this vehicle as a potential for the future. Yes, AWD would’ve been nice. Winter tires may solve this problem where I live in the PNW.
@@RaitisRides Yeah, Hyundai just keeps getting better and better and they really seem to be listening to their customers when building these performance models. And can we just talk about that exhaust note!! I mean, dang! Both of them sound amazing!!
Im seeing kona N-line and kona N... Some difference are the rear spoilers.. this one has that holes but other picture im seeing doesnt have. Is there any difference from those? Thanks.
Are they selling this with a manual transmission or awd? This seems like a better option than some of the "hot hatches" I see rn. Other than maybe the Mazda 3 turbo but the exhaust note is kinda meh.
Ugh… I’d order one right now if it had AWD. Same with the Kia K5 N and Sonata N. I wonder why the Kia and Hyundai lineups have so few N vehicles with AWD? I ordered a Stinger but I’m regretting it because of the price.
Hey buddy! You won't believe this but I'm purchasing the 992 GT3 Cup car as well (and a GT3 RS on top of my GT3). When I do we should get together so you can get a drive in it and do a video on it. It is super rare and will be raced by a professional driver next season. I hope you and Lori are doing well!
@@throwingdartsandbreakinghearts Haha, you just proved that you don't know anything about watches. You also just showed us that you're a jealous hater, which gives us all insight into your pathetic life. BTW, I also have the white gold version with the meteorite dial, which makes the one in my pic look like no big deal. I'm sure that bothers you. Lastly, I wouldn't be a hater on this channel if you don't want to get banned. I'm sure Joe doesn't like negative haters on his channel. He's much too positive of a person to tolerate it. I've met him and he's as awesome in person as he is in his videos. He knows who I am and now we all know who you are...a lowly hater.
Well as I own this Kona N too, in Europe, I can say, Yes the Kona N in all is worth the money. About 43.000.-€ fully equipped with all packages. You also can get a seat package, getting ventilated seats both sides, and power seats as well. We have here no Harman Kardon, but the Krell sound system. Makes great sound either. In Details there are some missing and fails to me. If you use this Kona N really hard on the race track, the front wheel drive is an advantage to the AWD. But since most of the buyer take the car rather not on the track, likely more in daily use and driving, the AWD is a must have. In this actual configuration the car is slippy with front wheel drive. It fights to get the power effective on the grip. And on rainy wet streets you have to be careful. So I don’t understand the development without AWD. The price is ok for the Kona N, at least here lower to the competition like the VW which is almost 10.000.-€ more. But inside for this still valid price, Hyundai made to much plastic game in the Kona, that looks cheap and crapy. It needs leather and stiching on the arm wrest and like you said some leather stiching in the door panels. A 360 camera should be possible too. The suspension is to hard, you only can enjoy this in the manual modification into normal. Everything else is for race tracks useful, but not on the daily street. That makes to much stress. And here again, why do the Hyundai ingenieurs this to the car? It’s unnecessary. Because 95% is no race track in daily use. This are major fails to me, not thinking enough about the purpose of the car. Besides that, awesome fun to drive. But would I buy this car because of the negative aspects in comparison with 43.000.-€ again? I really not sure. Maybe Hyundai gets of the pure race track image into a useful daily enjoyable fun, it makes more sense to buy this again.
My problem with all these N cars from Hyundai they are put in a price range that for pound for pound gets beat out by a Chevy Camaro, in handling, price, horsepower, the only thing that Hyundai wins at is thier amazing power train Warranty of 10yr -100,000 miles.
The bouncy ride is a show stopper. I'd expect the suspension setting to be on the softest setting for street use. If that doesn't fix, then need to look at Civic Si, which was able to come up with a perfect compromise with a none adjustable setup.
Yes as I have one Kona N, I can say you are right. The setting of the suspension is catastrophic. Only good fir race track, not thinking enough about daily street use. It will pain and penetrate your back for sure. I am really disappointed about this weak development from Hyundai.
Well from what I’ve heard that all the different drive modes make it feel like a all wheel drive so I live in West Virginia now from Texas and I’m going to go buy one and see how it goes on these crazy roads up here! I like that it’s a suv but u get that sports car drive to it! How did u like driving it joe???
