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2023 Hyundai Kona

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 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: 2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Horsepower: 147–280 hp
Transmission: CVT, 7-speed automatic, 8-speed automatic
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 — 17% better than the average 2023 small SUV (27.4 MPG).
Strong performanceUp to 280 hp, versus about 177 hp for similar 2023 models.
Electric version availableOffered as a electric as well as gas.
AWD / 4WD available
Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.

Watch out for

"Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 11 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo 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), 17% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 27.4 MPG, for an estimated $600 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 75 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2023

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Kona — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Kona →

Trims, performance & features

Engine147 hp2.0L 4-cyl

Engine–4-cyl

Engine195 hp1.6L turbo 4-cyl

Engine280 hp2.0L turbo 4-cyl

TransmissionCVT · 7-speed automatic · 8-speed automatic

DriveAWD/4WD

Seating5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

SELSEL + Convenience Pkg/ N LineLimited

Safety & driver-assist features

Automatic emergency brakingStandard

Pedestrian emergency brakingStandard

Forward collision warningStandard

Blind-spot monitoringStandard

Blind-spot interventionStandard

Rear cross-traffic alertStandard

Rear automatic brakingStandard

Lane departure warningStandard

Lane keeping assistStandard

Backup cameraStandard

Automatic high beamsStandard

Keyless startStandard

LED headlightsYes

Built in: Ul-San, South Korea

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 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	TBD	Automatic (A1)	Front-Wheel Drive	258 mi · 27.4801 kWh/100mi	–	$600	–
Kona FWD	2.0L 4-cyl	Automatic (AV-S1)	Front-Wheel Drive	30 / 35 / 32	+17%	$2,100	281
Kona FWD	1.6L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic (AM-S7)	Front-Wheel Drive	29 / 35 / 32	+17%	$2,100	284
Kona AWD	2.0L 4-cyl	Automatic (AV-S1)	All-Wheel Drive	28 / 33 / 30	+20%	$2,250	301
Kona AWD	1.6L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic (AM-S7)	All-Wheel Drive	27 / 32 / 29	+16%	$2,300	311
Kona N	2.0L 4-cyl turbo	Automatic (AM-S8)	Front-Wheel Drive	20 / 27 / 23	-16%	$3,550	396

10/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)

10/10EPA greenhouse gas score

Save $9,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car

27.4 MPG2023 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

Version	Overall	Frontal	Driver / passenger	Side	Side pole	Rollover	Rollover risk
2023 Hyundai Kona Electric SUV FWD	Not rated	★★★★★	4★ / 5★	★★★★★	★★★★★	Not rated	–

StandardElectronic stability control

StandardForward collision warning

StandardLane departure warning

Frontal crash test — 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Side crash test — 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric SUV FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2023 small SUVs

Model	Best MPG / range	NHTSA overall	Recalls
2023 Hyundai Kona (this car)	32 MPG	Not rated	2
2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime	38 MPG	★★★★★	2
2023 Ford Bronco	20 MPG	Not rated	18
2023 Kia Seltos	31 MPG	★★★★★	2
2023 Jeep Compass	27 MPG	Not rated	2
2023 Fiat 500	26 MPG	Not rated	0
2023 Jeep Renegade	26 MPG	★★★★★	2

Recalls (2)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.

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 › Fluid/Lubricant › Pump · Jul 27, 2023 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 23V526000 · 52,109 vehicles

Problem: Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Palisade Tucson, 2023 Sonata, Elantra, and Kona vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump controller to overheat.
Risk: An electric oil pump assembly that overheats increases the risk of a vehicle fire.
Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the electric oil pump controller, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed starting September 7, 2023. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 246.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2023 Hyundai Kona is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

75Complaints to NHTSA since 2015

4Involved a crash

0Involved a fire

3Injuries reported

12,000 miTypical mileage at failure

Electrical System25

Unknown Or Other20

Power Train11

Engine11

Vehicle Speed Control7

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking7

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings7

Electrical System › Horn6

Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2023 Hyundai Kona buyer's checklist

Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
Electrical System — 25 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
Power Train — 11 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
Engine — 11 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 12,000 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 2023 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
2022 Kona	32	165.4 in	Not rated	2	130
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 →