DecodedCars2022 Hyundai Kona
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2022 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- 1.6l AWD 4dr SUV, 2.0l AWD 4dr SUV, 2.0l FWD 4dr SUV, Electric 4dr SUV
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 147–1985 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- EV, Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 32 combined · 30 city / 35 hwy
- EV range
- 258 mi · 9.5 h on 240 V
- Length
- 165.4 in
- Curb weight
- 2,899–3,715 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 32 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2022 small SUV (26.5 MPG).
- Strong performanceUp to 1985 hp, versus about 177 hp for similar 2022 models.
- Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints130 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 42 for similar models — most often about the engine.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2022 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2022 Hyundai Kona is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 165 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,230 lb (1.6l AWD 4dr SUV).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 32 MPG combined (30 city / 35 highway), 21% better than the 2022 small SUV average of 26.5 MPG, for an estimated $650 a year in fuel.
The electric version has an EPA-rated range of up to 258 miles and takes about 9.5 hours to charge on a 240-volt Level 2 charger.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 130 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2022
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Best combined MPG up from 30 to 32
Compared with 2021; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2021 Kona →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ulsan, South Korea
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2022 Kona configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6l AWD 4dr SUV | 165.4 in | 70.9 in | 61 in | 102.4 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,230 lb | 56/44 |
| 2.0l AWD 4dr SUV | 165.4 in | 70.9 in | 61 in | 102.4 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,064 lb | 56/44 |
| 2.0l FWD 4dr SUV | 165.4 in | 70.9 in | 61 in | 102.4 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 2,899 lb | 56/44 |
| Electric 4dr SUV | 165.4 in | 70.9 in | 61 in | 102.4 in | 61.8 / 62.2 in | 3,715 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kona Electric EV | 150 kW AC PMSM | Automatic (A1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 258 mi · 28 kWh/100mi | – | $650 | – |
| Kona FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 29 / 35 / 32 | +21% | $2,100 | 284 |
| Kona FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 / 35 / 32 | +21% | $2,100 | 281 |
| Kona AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S1) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 / 33 / 30 | +22% | $2,250 | 301 |
| Kona AWD | 1.6L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 32 / 29 | +18% | $2,300 | 311 |
| Kona N | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S8) | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | -13% | $3,550 | 396 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2022 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2022 Hyundai Kona.
Similar 2022 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Hyundai Kona (this car) | 32 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2022 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2022 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 23 |
| 2022 Kia Seltos | 31 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2022 Jeep Compass | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2022 Fiat 500 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2022 Chevrolet Trax | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump › Control/Drive Module · Jul 11, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V528000 · 54,647 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Veloster N, 2019-2023 Genesis G70, 2022-2023 Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The fuel pump may fail, which can result in a loss of drive power.
- Risk
- A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 9, 2024. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's numbers for this recall are 262 and 023G.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · Oct 6, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V746000 · 56,148 vehicles
- Problem
- Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Santa Fe, Sonata, Veloster N, 2022 Santa Cruz, Elantra N, and Kona N vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.
- Risk
- Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 10, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 236.
Not every 2022 Hyundai Kona is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2022 Hyundai Kona buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 38 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 38 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Power Train — 21 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 22,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Battery health. Ask for a battery state-of-health report, check the remaining battery warranty, and compare the displayed range at 100% charge with the EPA's 258 miles.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2022 Hyundai Kona. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Kona years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Kona | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Kona | 31 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 3 | 10 |
| 2025 Kona | 31 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 29 |
| 2024 Kona | 31 | 171.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 68 |
| 2023 Kona | 32 | 165.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 75 |
| 2021 Kona | 30 | 164.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 147 |
| 2020 Kona | 30 | 164.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 189 |
| 2019 Kona | 30 | 164.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 252 |
| 2018 Kona | 30 | 164.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 75 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Hyundai. How we calculate this →