The Hyundai Kona N is the 1-Car Solution for Performance Junkies (POV Drive Review) 

I use to have a 2019 Volkswagen GTI pure white DSG, almost traded for a Veloster N because it seemed like it would be a fitting upgrade. I was wrong, I waited a year and got myself a 2023 Hyundai Kona N in racing red, I can honestly say the Hyundai Kona N is a very fun CUV/Hot Hatch. In N mode the suspension can seem a little bit stiff but also feels very planted and connected with the road. Interior feels a little cheap but the leather wrapped steering wheel and sport bucket seats as well as the driving experience makes up for it. The exhaust note is very entertaining as well and sounds insane considering you get a crackle tune straight from the factory.

Thanks for the great video! I drive the Kona N myself and can attest to driving around with a grin on your face. Especially when other drivers don't know the Kona N and mercilessly underestimate it. smile =) But he also has a few little quirks that you should know about. 1. High fuel consumption. But anyone who buys such a car should have expected it. 2. He rattles at the rear on bumps. This is annoying in the long run and I'm still looking for a solution to fix it. 3. The suspension is very hard even in the softest mode. You have to like that, comfortable is something else. 4. There is a lot of plastic installed. But it is well installed, it creaks only a little and everything makes a good impression. 5. Very little space for rear seat passengers. If you are mostly alone as a couple or with children, it is not a problem. The trunk is very easy to load and unload and is completely sufficient for normal shopping. I wish you a good trip!

Wow, one of my fave reviewers finally reviewing my car! Thanks Miles!

Such a dope CUV; I *heavily* considered it after enjoying driving it but need more space for my two long-legged teenagers plus love a pano roof, so I’m leasing a Sonata N-Line, but otherwise I would’ve definitely grabbed one. It reminds me of the first-gen GLA AMG, although not as aggressive, but really on the cusp of it - Hyundai’s gotta winner there.

One of the best car reviewers in the game.

Coming from my Veloster N that was sadly totaled when somebody blew a stop sign and hit me, I really like my Kona N. It's not quite as aggressive looking, but having 4 functioning doors is nice and the seats are a bit more comfortable. They're definitely different beasts but I love them both

this thing is cool but I could never see myself in a CUV. Just love sedans and coupes so much more.

Hyundai came a long way. 👍

I have a Stinger GT and an Abarth 500. Both hatchbacks. I think the Kona N would be a good replacement for my Fiat when I get there. AWD is preferable where I live in Portland. But, front wheel drive with the right tires is doable. Great review!

i ain’t going to lie. i just subscribed to your channel and realize you didn’t talk in some of the vids in the past. can you make another video on the jeep gladiator so i can have good opinion on if i should get it or not 😂😂

Just got one. Love it!

I love the Kona N but I’ll keep on trucking in my 111,000 mile Veloster N😂

Can you do some snow drives with the recent snow fall in LA and Orange County that would be 🔥

Great video!

For a family man with age the Kona is a better fit as you don't have to climb in the car on the ground. Also for a mini suv type of car the performance is a lot of fun. Its also a head turner especially in N mode haha

I should also add these do not make the advertised power until the ECU has performed an octane learning process. It's shown in the owners manual and it's kind of a pain you have to do it everytime you fill up. Supposedly 20ish hp and 30ish torque once it's learned, you can tell as it will hit 18-19 psi learned 15-16 unlearned.

Ive had 20+ cars the last 10 years including stuff like a 124 Spider Abarth, 500 Abarth, 18 Mustang GT, GTIs, Subaru Crosstrek and outbacks etc. I now have a Kona N to go with my Bronco and this little thing is a blast. I wish it had a manual but the DCT is shockingly good and it outright rips for what it is lol. Highly recommended if you can only have one car.

Can you do a video on the new mercedes glc ? Preferably the 300 4matic. The non plug in / diesel version? 😀 great video btw, thanks for posting..

Just washed and detailed my 23 KN. Absolutely love the car.

Thank you for comparing the CX-30 Turbo, as someone who owns a 22 cx30 turbo and my brother has the Kona N its a great comparison. i have a jb4 tune and intake on my cx30 and i can beat the kona on a launch but not on rolls or top speed as my limiter is 129. Great cars i do wish the kona N was mine haha im a mazda guy though

Did you do the octane learning before you timed it?

Good review, one thing I have to mention however, that blue is still available this year and the red was available last year and is also available this year,

I like the look of the Kona N. It's much more attractive then the normal Kona. I do think Veloster and Elantra N look much nicer then the Kona N tho.

Why’s the American 2023/2022 model got less features than the Uk 2022 model? My dads car has rear heated outer seats and ventilation front two seats.

i admire the performance in this kona, as well as the reconfigurable digital gauge cluster. i also love the huge exhaust outlets and the massive diffuser, but the exterior styling is not for me. i would probably just go with a GR corolla or a civic type r.

Few differences from USA spec to UK, Driver only gets 1 touch window, Heated and cooled power seats for both front seats, heated steering wheel, auto stop/start (to save fuel 🤔)and our mirrors do power fold.

my only gripe/worry are those specialized cv/ball joint axles...and potential cost/to replace as well as how well/long theyll hold up to teh TORTURES of ideally driving the snot out of these N cars...its clearly a main contributing factor to the torque steer...yet its definitely one of the main appeals of driving this sort of BUILD/car that steering/translation and the big breaks for break stabbing into corners for weight trasnsfer/management in sweepers etc....definitely these Ns are going to offer a "rare" senseation/experience from this aspect that other builds/trims options just wont be able to copy/translate w.o those cv/axles. Also those roads XD i knew they were familiar....thats my canyon/toll road XD I knew that canyon was familiar but your closing shot sealed it when i saw the 241/5fwy ramp.

So, I've destroyed both my knees, and my left knee is such that using the clutch is getting to be more difficult, as is the acrobatics of getting in and out of a low sports car. If it wasn't for that, I would be all over the GR Corolla. But, because of that, it's the Kona N for me! I was tempted to get the Veloster a year or so ago, but I would've gone manual, so I'm glad I waited and am getting the "old man who's not ready to be old yet" version. In fact, I'm going to the dealership to put some money on one of the last ones available today! It's not too much longer that cars like this will be available...

I just wish it had the N Racing Bucket seats

Currently I’m stuck between this and a Mk8 GTI. I had a Mk6 GTI so on one hand, I’m familiar with VW and what that experiment is like. I still think a GTI does more things better than pretty much any other car. However, I am very attracted by the rawness of N products and something like a Kona N still offer pretty much all the practicality of a GTI with some more spice. My only concern is the ride since the roads are really bad around where I live. If anyone has driver both and can give a good comparison I’d appreciate it!

I love mine!

Only if it had awd and sunroof

Best suv in it's class by far. Nobody else ventured to turn an suv into a semi-hot-hatch speed demon

best car at any price

try rezvani vengeance please 🙏

Watched this before, came back to watch it again. I've owned a Kona N since June of 2022, currently at 36k miles and climbing. N75 Stage 2 ECU, plugs, intake / inlet, BOV, RMM bushing, resonator delete, Yokohama Advan Neova AD09s, etc. For me, this was my one car solution. GR Corolla wasn't available at the time of purchase; I also didn't want a manual. CX-30's performance is "meh" at best, nice car, but a boring car. Type Rs etc were too expensive, especially with markup. I drove several GTIs, and was more or less underwhelmed. Nice cars, but just lacked the fun, character, and performance feel of the Kona N. Golf R would be a great comparison / upgrade, a little faster, AWD, etc, but 13k more expensive assuming you're getting one without a markup. When I was shopping, the cheapest one I could find was 55k + tax, title, tag. Hard no on that. I've had 0 issues whatsoever with my Kona N, and have done multiple road trips across the country, have done several trips to Cherohala Skyway / Tail of the Dragon and other "sporty" roads, and there hasn't been a single vehicle on any of them that was able to outpace me, including an AMG GT, GT350R Mustang, and plenty of other more prestigious / formidable vehicles. Obviously those cars on a real track would decimate a Kona N, even modified, but with upgrades and good tires, the Kona N will absolutely exceed the limits of what a driver can do (safely) on a public road, all while being a practical vehicle that gets just about everything done (with a few comprimises, of course). The Kona N has doubled as my sporting toy, my hunting / fishing / road tripping vehicle, camping rig, etc. I've had 5 people ( 3 grown men all over 6ft, my wife, and child) a spare tire, and our gear on an 18 hour road trip, no issues whatsoever. I absolutely love this car, but sadly I plan to get a new vehicle around 60k miles, which will be coming up this year. Not sure which route I'm going to go; possibly MK8.5 Golf R, BMW X1 / X2 M35i, GLA 45 AMG, something along those lines. I'm even considering getting another Kona N since the value on the used market is incredible, I could get one with under 10k miles for half the cost of any of the above listed vehicles, and with the mods I have on my current car swapped over, it will easily compete with if not outpace any of them... To sum it up, Kona Ns are absolutely, incredibly awesome cars if you value sporty / enthusiastic driving over anything else and don't want to spend a ton of money.

Why u didn't do revs part any more The exhaust sound from outside the car is very important

Pretty Communicative.

Kinda sucks that it’s an Auto. Would’ve been cool to see a manual SUV.

I wish it had a HUD

I much prefer the i30 N and the little I20 N we get in the UK. The Kona N has some appeal, but I can't get past the looks.

😭 I bought the mx5 over this and it was a very hard decision make

I'd buy one if the ride wasn't so bouncy

It’s really too bad this car only got 2 model years.

I know everyone is all over the Type R which is a precision weapon but this looks less serious, more wild and fun. 😆 I'd probably buy the GR Corolla for its AWD, small hot hatch size and Toyota reliability

I drove one too. I loved it, however since my lease is ending next year, I’m getting the Kona ev instead

The Elantra N is better. Just as fast and handles way better.

Just got a Kona N. Fukking love it. Lol money well spent.

11:19 The P-Zeros that are included are TRASH. Also, you did your launch incorrectly. LC -> Active -> Launch -> 2nd Gear -> NGS NOW You're wasting NGS in first. Also you need to make sure you have done the Octane Learning to get max boost.

earlyy

Veloster N or Elantra N

Looks incredibly uncomfortable to drive. Otherwise I like it

He don't know about Kona N's real performance. Why? Kona made for track. Mazda? Neh..

I would never buy a Hyundai after the debacle with the Theta II engines

Foreign junk Just like toyota😂

The Elantra n is just better in every way

I love the cars you review, but your camera movement makes me naucious, like a simulator ride. 🤮

No AWD? No point