Hyundai makes its Kona crossover even sportier with updated N Line
Hyundai’s small crossover, the Kona, returns for 2024 with a makeover that ushers in its second generation.
With the update, the Kona also grew a bit, outside and inside, and there’s a new allelectric version, as well.
The sporty N Line model, which was added to the lineup two years ago, gets even sportier with the makeover.
Kona is Hyundai’s entrylevel crossover, and is a key player in the popular small crossover class that also includes the Honda HR-V, Toyota C-HR, Chevrolet Trax, Buick Encore, Mazda CX-30, Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Soul, Kia Niro, Volkswagen Taos and Nissan Kicks.
For 2022, Hyundai added the N Line and N models to the Kona lineup, each with its own engine upgrade and list of special features.
This year, the top-end Kona N model has been dropped, but the revised N Line model does a great job of taking its place as the sporty iteration of the Kona.
In the new model year, the N Line starts at $30,800 (plus $1,375 freight) for the frontwheel drive model.
The all-wheel-drive version begins at $32,300, and that’s the one we drove for this review.
Under the hood is a turbocharged 1.6-liter fourcylinder
gasoline engine rated at 190 horsepower and 195 foot-pounds of torque. It’s connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and there are paddle shifters on the steering column to allow the driver to change gears at will for a more-controlled driving experience.
The base Kona engine is a normally aspirated 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder, producing 147 horsepower and 132 foot-pounds of torque. It’s paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
Four trim levels are available for the 2024 Kona models with the gasoline engine.
Each one comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available for an additional $1,500 at every level.
Other trims are the entry level Kona SE ($24,250), with the base 2.0 engine, CVT and front-wheel drive, followed by the SEL ($25,600), also with the base engine, CVT and front drive; and the Limited ($31,800, front drive), which comes with the N Line’s turbo 1.6-liter engine and eightspeed automatic transmission.
With all-wheel drive, base prices are: SE, $25,750; SEL, $27,100; and Limited, $33,300.
Included on the N Line model are body-color cladding,
19-inch N Line alloy wheels, N Line rear spoiler, dual-outlet exhaust tips, Bose premium audio, sport leather/suede seats, aluminum sport pedals, N Line scuff plates, and black mirrors.
Wing-shaped front and rear fascia designs emphasize a lower stance for an even sportier appearance, Hyundai says.
For 2024, the Kona overall has a new high-tech, drivercentric interior with “larger and smarter: interior space, and on the outside, standard LED projector headlights and available distinctive “seamless horizon” Daytime Running Lights, Hyundai says.
There also are new optional