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Does Hyundai Ioniq 5 Electric Vehicle Qualify for EV Tax Credit

There has been a lot of confusion about 2023’s new federal EV tax credit law.  First of all, when it comes to the tax code, many of us find it beyond confusing.  That is why a lot of people rely on tax professionals to help them prepare their annual tax returns.  Well the new EV tax credit won’t disappoint you, it is extremely confusing.

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2023 IONIQ 5 parked at charging station

2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Is A Winner

If you are looking for a Hyundai Ioniq 5 for sale near Stuart and Fort Pierce, Wallace Hyundai of Stuart is your Dealership.  Owning the Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a ton of benefits like HOV lane access, no more gas pump stops, no more oil changes, and best of all zero tailpipe emissions.  Technology like a 12.3 inch touchscreen display with navigation, a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay integration, and LED interior illumination come standard on the Hyundai Ioniq 5.  Hyundai SmartSense safety features like Blind-Sport Collision Avoidance, Highway Driving Assist, Forward Collision Avoidance, Lane Keep Assist, and Driver Attention Warning are just a few of the standard safety features available on the Hyundai Ioniq 5.  On top of all those benefits, it turns out, the 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a great electric SUV.  In fact it was named MotorTrend’s 2023 SUV of the Year!

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Have you been looking for a great used car or SUV but aren’t sure which one you should look at?  Here are the four best used Hyundai models for sale at Wallace Hyundai of Stuart.  If you are looking for a great used Hyundai car then check out a used Hyundai Elantra or the larger used Hyundai Sonata.  Maybe you are more interested in a used Hyundai SUV, then take a look at a used Hyundai Santa Fe or a used Hyundai Tucson.  While you are shopping, do not forget to research the benefits of buying a Certified Pre-Owned Hyundai and enjoy the benefit of a Hyundai factory warranty on your used Hyundai.  Keep reading below for some more information on the best four used Hyundai models for Sale at Wallace Hyundai in Stuart.

Used Hyundai Elantra For Sale Near Jupiter

2021 Hyundai Elantra for sale near Stuart, FL

A used Hyundai Elantra has become one of the best used Hyundai cars for sale today.  It is available in both a 1.6-liter gas turbo engine and the fuel-efficient 1.6-liter hybrid engine along with a well tuned transmission that delivers a smooth ride.  The easy to used infotainment system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to make for an easy connection to your smart phone and apps.  The Elantra also comes standard with important safety features such as Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist and Rear View Camera.  These safety features matter as the Hyundai Elantra has earned top safety ratings with a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a 5 Star Overall Crash rating from the NHTSA.  Take a look at the inventory of used Hyundai Elantras at Wallace Hyundai of Stuart.

Used Hyundai Sonata For Sale Near Palm City

2020 Hyundai Sonata For Sale Near Port St. Lucie FL

A used Hyundai Sonata is a bit bigger than the used Hyundai Elantra and fits into the midsized sedan segment.  The Hyundai Sonata is fairly roomy and has good driver visibility.  It is also available with a few different engine choices, a 1.6-liter, 4 cylinder turbo engine, a 2-liter, 4 cylinder hybrid engine or a 2.5-liter, 4 cylinder turbo engine.  Standard safety features on a used Hyundai Sonata include Rear View Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection.  These standard safety features helped get the Hyundai Sonata top safety ratings including a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a 5 Star Overall Crash Rating from NHTSA.  Schedule a test drive in a used Hyundai Sonata at Wallace Hyundai of Stuart.

Used Hyundai Santa Fe For Sale Near Port St. Lucie

 

2020 Hyundai Santa Fe for sale near Jupiter, Fl

Looking for a great five passenger used SUV, then look at a used Hyundai Santa Fe.  The Hyundai Santa Fe is available in both a 2.5-liter, 4 cylinder turbo engine or a more fuel efficient 1.6-liter, 4 cylinder hybrid engine.  The Santa Fe is also available in FWD or AWD models.  Like it’s other Hyundai models, it is full of standard driver assist features like Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist and Rear View Camera.  The Hyundai Santa Fe also achieves top safety ratings with a Top Safety Pick from IIHS and 5 Star Overall Crash Rating from NHTSA.  Let Wallace Hyundai of Stuart show you all a used Hyundai Santa Fe has to offer.

Used Hyundai Tucson For Sale Near Palm Beach Gardens

2020 Hyundai Tucson for sale near Stuart, FL

If a used well-rounded compact SUV is on your shopping list, then check out a used Hyundai Tucson at Wallace Hyundai of Stuart.   The Hyundai Tucson is a bit smaller than the Hyundai Santa Fe, but you get all you that would expect on this used Hyundai SUV.  A 2.4-liter four cylinder engine combined with a 6-speed automatic transmission gives a quick, smooth acceleration and the Tucson holds the road well.   Standard Driver Assist Features are similar to the Hyundai Santa Fe and include Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Rear View Camera.  The Tucson also receives the top safety ratings of Top Safety Pick from IIHS and 5 Star Overall Crash Rating from NHTSA.  Stop by Wallace Hyundai of Stuart or schedule a test drive online today.

Largest Used Car Inventory On The Treasure Coast

Wallace Hyundai of Stuart is a part of the Wallace Auto Group family of dealerships.  As the largest dealership group on the Treasure Coast, Wallace Hyundai has access to an inventory of 400 used cars, trucks and SUVs.  Whether you are looking for a Certified Pre-Owned Hyundai or another brand of used car, Wallace Hyundai is sure to have what you are looking for.  After you find the used car you have been looking for, let the Finance Department at Wallace Hyundai provide you with several options to best fit that used car into your monthly budget.  Contact Wallace Hyundai of Stuart and experience the Wallace Difference!

2022 Hyundai Tucson parked near downtown Stuart, FL.

2022 Hyundai Tucson Review, Pricing, and Specs

Previewed by the Vision T concept at the 2019 LA auto show, the 2022 Hyundai Tucson sports a daring new design that seems destined to shake up the compact-SUV marketplace. The entry-level Tucson is powered by a more conventional 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine shared with the Sonata family sedan but a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid will be offered, both using a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder augmented by an electric motor.

All models are fairly well equipped and the Tucson is among the most stylish options in the segment. It goes head-to-head with several strong rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and the Volkswagen Tiguan, but the new Tucson has brought its A-game.

 

Inside the all new 2022 Hyundai Tucson front seat area.

 

What’s New for 2022?

The Tucson is redesigned from stem to stern for 2022, integrating the company’s new design language for a bold look.

Also, have you seen the sleek new brake lights and turn signals on the all-new 2022 Hyundai Tucson? There is a picture of them at the bottom of this article so keep reading!

 

 

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We suggest the SEL Convenience trim as it offers a great balance between features and price. It comes standard with heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, a sunroof, heated steering wheel, and a 10.3-inch digital gauge display, among other niceties. A sporty N Line model is also available for the first time, but for buyers hoping for a high performance turbocharged four-cylinder will be disappointed to learn that opting for this trim amounts to nothing more than an appearance package.

 

2022 Hyundai Tucson Engine Specs

 

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A 187-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder will be standard and comes with an eight-speed automatic and either front or all-wheel drive. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four will power hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, which Hyundai says is good for a combined 227-hp in the former and 261-hp in the latter; all-wheel drive is standard with the electrified powertrains and both come with a six-speed automatic transmission.

The nonhybrid Tucson offers adequate pep for both city driving and highway passing maneuvers, but lead-footed drivers will yearn for more power. At our test track, our all-wheel drive Limited test vehicle made it to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds.

The more powerful hybrid and plug-in hybrid models both feel quicker, but don’t expect Toyota RAV4 Prime level acceleration from either of them. While the Tucson is no sports car, its handling is confident, its steering is reasonably crisp, and its ride is agreeable. What’s most striking about the Tucson’s driving demeanor is how quiet and refined it feels when cruising; it’s these traits that give the SUV a sense of luxury that is rare to find in this class.

 

Right Rear Turn Signal and Brake Light on the 2022 Hyundai Tucson.

 

Range, Charging, and Battery Life (Hybrid Model)

The plug-in hybrid model sports a 13.8-kWh battery pack that is said to offer up to 32 miles of electric only driving. A 7.2-kW on-board charger allows the battery to be fully recharged in about two hours when connected to a level 2 charging station.

 

 

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates that nonhybrid versions of the 2022 Tucson should deliver as high as 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway with front-wheel drive. Fuel efficiency ratings for the hybrid models haven’t been released. When we get a chance to test the new Tucson for ourselves, we’ll see how well it does on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen and helps us evaluate real-world mpg. For more information about the Tucson’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

 

Cargo Trunk Space inside the 2022 Hyundai Tucson SEL.

 

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Space

The new Tucson sports a simplistic but modern dashboard design with a digital gauge display, a push-button shifter, and touch sensitive control panel for the climate control system and infotainment. Hyundai’s flagship Palisade SUV and the brand’s recently redesigned Sonata and Elantra sedans have served as a sort of watershed moment for the company’s interior designs, and the new Tucson looks to continue the trend with a thoughtfully arranged interior filled with quality materials and luxury features.

The 2022 Tucson’s rear seat space and cargo area are both larger than the outgoing model, providing more passenger comfort and ease of use.

 

2022 Hyundai Tucson Infotainment System.

 

Infotainment System and Connectivity

A standard 8.8-inch touchscreen is integrated into the hands free dashboard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; a larger 10.3-inch screen with built-in navigation is optional. Features such as SiriusXM satellite radio, an upgraded Bose stereo system and a Wi-Fi hotspot will likely be offered as well, but Hyundai hasn’t released a full list of standard and optional features. Other high-tech offerings include Hyundai’s digital key smartphone app, which provides lock and unlock features as well as an option for remote start.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

A host of driver assistance features will be available, many of which will come standard. For more information about the Tucson’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

  •  Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  •  Standard lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist
  •  Available adaptive cruise control with lane centering assist
  • Highway Driving Assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

In the compact-SUV market, only one rival offers as much warranty coverage as the Tucson, and that’s its corporate twin, the Kia Sportage. The Hyundai still holds an advantage over the Kia in this area, though, thanks to its generous scheduled maintenance program.

  •  Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
  •  Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
  •  Maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

 

 

2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line drives around South Florida Track.

2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line Review, Pricing, and Specs

Hyundai is expanding its N performance sub-brand with fire-breathing version of its new Elantra compact car. The 2022 Elantra N will likely share a powertrain with the spunky and powerful Veloster N hatchback, which would mean a 275-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and either a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic.

We’ve grown quite fond of the Veloster N during its stay with us for a 40,000-mile long-term test, and the 2021 Hyundai Elantra’s upscale vibe should add another layer of desirability. When the Elantra N hits the market—which we expect to happen in late 2021 or early 2022—it will challenge the Subaru WRX, Honda Civic Type R, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, and the upcoming Toyota GR Corolla.

2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line interior view from driver side.

Comfortable Leather Bucket Seats inside the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line

 

 

What’s New for 2022?

The 2022 Elantra N will be an all-new model in Hyundai’s budding performance oriented N lineup.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Hyundai hasn’t released any pricing information for the Elantra N, nor has it said what standard or optional features will be offered. We are anticipating a starting price around $30,000 and a host of standard performance, technology, and safety features to carry on Hyundai’s value-packed business model. This makes it a perfect high performance sports sedan for South Florida drivers.

2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line's Turbocharged 2-L Engine

2022 Hyundai Elantra’s 2.0 Liter Turbocharged Engine

 

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Although it’s possible that Hyundai will offer a unique powertrain in the Elantra N line models, it seems more likely that the new sport compact sedan will inherit the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the Veloster N hatchback. That engine makes a stout 275-hp, which would give the Elantra N a power advantage over the Jetta GLI. The Veloster N can be had with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed dual clutch automatic, and we’re hoping Hyundai will offer both in the Elantra N as well.

We also expect the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N to have around 289 lb ft of torque paired with a limited slip differential

Elantra N Line Fuel Economy Settings on Gauge Cluster

Sport Mode selected on the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line

 

 

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

It being a new model, the EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for the Elantra N. The Veloster N is rated at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, so we expect similar results for the Elantra. When we get a chance to test the new performance sedan, we’ll put it through our 200-mile highway fuel economy route and update this story with results. For more information about the Elantra N’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

Spacious Cargo Trunk Space inside the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line.

Trunk Door Popped Open on the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line

 

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Our pictures of the Elantra N haven’t provided a glimpse of the interior all too much, but the regular Elantra’s dramatically restyled cabin has a decidedly cockpit-like look and feel. A sportier-looking ambiance is likely, as are sport seats with aggressive bolsters, metal accented pedals, heated steering wheel, blue-colored seat belts, and a smattering of N badges.

Rear seat passenger space will be more generous here than in the Veloster N and we expect the trunk will offer more space for cargo. When we have the chance to evaluate the Elantra N, we’ll update this section with more details.

Navigation System shown on Infotainment System inside the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line

Navigation System showing drivers route inside the 2022 Hyundai Elantra N Line

 

Infotainment and Connectivity

The Elantra’s all-digital dashboard is likely to carry over to the N model, with a large 10.3-inch digital gauge display sharing real estate with a 10.3-inch infotainment display that’s angled slightly toward the driver. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, in-dash navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are all expected to be standard features.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

A host of driver assistance features will likely be on the menu as standard features. For more information about the Elantra N’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:

  •  Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  •  Standard lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist
  •  Available adaptive cruise control with lane centering feature

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Without a doubt, the Elantra N will offer Hyundai’s now legendary 10-year/100,000 mile warranty. The only other brand to offer such a warranty is Kia, but Hyundai’s models come with three years of complimentary maintenance as an added perk.

  •  Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  •  Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
  •  Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles

 

 

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz driving down Treasure Coast back road.

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Pricing, Specs, and Review

Don’t get it twisted: the new 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz is a pickup truck. Its smaller proportions and unibody construction just mean it’s no full-size tow rig. Instead, think of the first Hyundai pickup as an alternative to the also unibody Honda Ridgeline, which too features a one size fits all crew cab, short-bed body style. The Santa Cruz certainly looks more distinct than the Honda–or any other mid-size truck, for that matter­–with its interesting face and creased sheet metal.

Its interior also appears to be snazzier than its classmates, but the lack of physical controls (knobs and buttons) for the infotainment and HVAC systems, as well as what appears to be a small back seat, are question marks. Still, the 2022 Santa Cruz is a more functional twist on the tired crossover formula, and that open box on its butt means it qualifies as a pickup truck. If you are looking for a truck and a family vehicle this new truck is for you. If you are not into trucks then maybe look at the 2021 Hyundai Tucson or Santa Fe instead.

Drivers seat view of inside cabin of 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

What’s New for 2022?

The idea of a Hyundai pickup truck has been around since the Santa Cruz concept was revealed at the 2015 Detroit auto show. That concept has become a reality as the Korean automaker has shown off the production version to the world. The 2022 Santa Cruz begins production at the Hyundai factory in Montgomery, Alabama in June and will go on sale this summer.

We are really enjoying this new sport adventure vehicle classified in the small pickups category and not quite out of the midsize pickups category into the full-size truck class, however the Santa Cruz will make you feel like you are inside a full-size pickup truck.

 

 

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Hyundai often prices its products below those of competitors, but this class of pickup trucks is more varied than other segments because of the configuration variables. With that said, we think the Santa Cruz could start in the mid-$20,000 range for a base model with the less powerful engine. That would make it considerably cheaper than the comparable Ridgeline, which only offers one body style and powertrain.

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz Engine Specs

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Santa Cruz comes with two different powertrain choices. The standard setup is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that should make more than 190 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter four with more than 275 horses and 310 pound-feet.

Both mate to eight-speed automatics, but the turbo option partners with the dual-clutch variety. All-wheel drive is also offered with both four-cylinders.

The Santa Cruz is shorter and lower than its segment rivals which, in theory, means it should be easier to maneuver. Hyundai also says its mid-size pickup is available with 18- or 20-inch wheels. The smaller dishes are said to offer taller sidewalls that are better suited for tackling rugged terrain.

Driver modes in the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz

Towing and Payload Capacity

Although the unibody Santa Cruz isn’t able to tow as much as its body on frame rivals such as the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma, it can pull just as much as the only other unibody in this class, the Ridgeline. Both trucks are capped at a 5000-pound towing capacity, but that’s with the Hyundai’s more powerful turbocharged engine. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder is only rated to tug up to 3500 pounds.

Ample storage space in the back of the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup truck

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo Space

Inside, the Santa Cruz looks like it could have one of the nicest cabins among mid-size pickups. Hyundai has made a habit of building vehicles with attractive materials and desirable modern features that would look right in costlier vehicles. It’s the first truck in its class to offer a fully digital gauge cluster, and we appreciate that it has a traditional shifter on the center console instead of a finicky rotary knob or push-button setup.

 

 

While we know the Santa Cruz is only available with a four-door crew cab, we don’t know its exact interior dimensions, so we can’t say how its passenger space compares with rivals. However, the fact that its wheelbase is about 7 inches shorter than the Ridgeline’s suggests its back seat might not be particularly roomy.

Likewise, its cargo bed looks to be one of the shortest in the segment at about four feet long. At least it has a lockable tonneau cover and a useful in-bed trunk that’s similar to what the Honda offers.

2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz infotainment system

Infotainment and Connectivity

Hyundai ensures its pickup truck is outfitted with a contemporary infotainment system in the form of a standard 8.0-inch or an available 10.0-inch touchscreen. However, we think the company’s decision to omit any physical controls is a misstep. Along with wireless device charging, the Santa Cruz offers wireless pairing for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Those who want an upgraded stereo can opt for the eight-speaker Bose sound system. With Hyundai’s Blue Link services, which are provided free of charge for three years, users can start the truck, lock and unlock doors, and more remotely via the Internet, myriad apps, and even Amazon Alexa.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

The Santa Cruz offers an array of driver assistance technology, including a standard driver attention warning and optional adaptive cruise control. For more information about the Santa Cruz’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

  •  Standard forward collision warning and automated emergency braking
  •  Standard lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
  •  Available blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai—along with its corporate counterpart, Kia—has long offered one of the best warranty plans in the industry, with especially noteworthy powertrain coverage. The company also now offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.

  •  Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
  •  Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
  •  Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
  •  Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

 

 

2022 Hyundai Kona near Stuart, FL Beaches

2022 Hyundai Kona Pricing, Review, and Specs

When an SUV delivers as crisp a driving experience as the 2022 Hyundai Kona, it’s hard to get hung up on the usual anti crossover sentiment—so we won’t. The subcompact Kona is, simply put, a great package that blends carlike on-road behavior with bold styling, a dose of practicality, and an elevated driving position. Two four-cylinder engines are offered: a 2.0-liter four, which is admittedly pretty poky, and a more desirable turbocharged 1.6-liter four that delivers a lot more punch.

Sticking to Hyundai’s value-forward approach, the Kona comes with a long list of standard features which only grows as you move through the more expensive trims—the top few of which get downright posh. The Kona is one of the smaller offerings in the subcompact SUV segment, so it gives up cargo and passenger space to some of its larger rivals, but we think the trade-off for the Hyundai’s compact package and fun-to-drive nature more than makes up for those shortcomings.

2022 Hyundai Kona updated driver comfort features.

What’s New for 2022?

A lot, actually. Hyundai has given the Konarefreshed exterior and interior for 2022, complete with a new front-end treatment that’s even more dramatic than the 2021 model. New wheel designs, updated exterior lighting elements, a new wide-mouth grille, and faux front and rear skid plates are all new styling features. Inside, the Kona receives a redesigned dashboard and a few new optional goodies, including a new digital gauge display, wireless smartphone charging, and heated rear seats.

 

 

The standard 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen has grown to a larger 8.0-inch diameter, and a new 10.3-inch unit is now available as an upgrade. On top of all these changes, a sporty N Line trim has been added to the lineup with a 195-hp version of the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine; no word yet on the performance oriented N model that is expected soon.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

If it were our money, we’d spring for the nearly loaded Limited model, as it offers nearly all of the most sought-after equipment without being too expensive. Standard equipment includes a sunroof, automatic climate control, fog lamps, leather upholstery, and a power adjustable driver’s seat. Going with the Limited also gives us the spunky turbocharged four-cylinder engine and exterior styling that fairly mimics that of the top-spec Ultimate model, so no one will know you saved the extra cash.

2022 Hyunai Kona Engine Specifications

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Two powertrains are available with the Kona: SE and SEL models come with a 147-hp four-cylinder and a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup could use a bit of caffeine; in our testing, an all-wheel-drive SEL model required 9.2 seconds to reach 60 mph. Limited and Ultimate models are powered by the considerably peppier 175-hp turbocharged four-cylinder paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; going with the N Line trim boosts power to 195 horsepower.

With the turbo-four, the 175-hp Kona Ultimate scampered from zero to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, just 0.1 second behind the rapid Kia Soul Exclaim.

The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic shifts quickly and smoothly once you’re rolling, but it stumbles at low speed in parking lots and in bumper to bumper traffic, engaging and disengaging first gear hesitantly until the driver offers more throttle input. The Kona delivers agile handling and a surprising amount of fun.

This doesn’t translate to a rough ride over choppy roads; in fact, the suspension offers quite the opposite, damping out bumps and providing occupants with a cabin that is well isolated from pavement imperfections. The steering is perhaps the Kona’s biggest dynamic downfall: It’s an uncommunicative helm that, despite its heavy-weighted feel, requires frequent corrections when cruising the highway.

 

 

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

In this class of fuel-sipping mini-SUVs, the Kona’s EPA ratings are good but only average among its rivals. Despite this, the Kona impressed us during our real-world testing, besting much of its competition. With the turbocharged engine under the hood, the Kona delivered 32 mpg in our 200-mile highway fuel economy test; we managed 33 mpg with the base four-cylinder. For more information about the Kona’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.

2022 Hyundai Kona cargo space with seats folded down.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Hyundai’s designers managed the tough task of bringing the charm of the Kona’s exterior design to the cabin while maintaining comfort and convenience. Quality materials, good ergonomics, and comfortable seats feel grown up and refined but not out of step with the Kona’s crazy but fun outward appearance. The steering wheel is wrapped with nicely grained leather with contrast stitching and offers integrated controls for cruise control and audio settings.

Those upgrading from a compact hatchback or sedan will find the Kona’s cargo space perfectly suitable, but buyers downsizing from a larger SUV will most likely feel the pinch. The Kona narrowly beat the pipsqueak Mazda CX-3 in our testing to see how many carry-on suitcases could fit. The Kona managed to hold 14 of our carry-on suitcases—two more than the CX-3 but eight fewer than the Honda HR-V.

2022 Hyundai Kona Infotainment & Connectivity System

Infotainment and Connectivity

Standing atop the Kona’s dashboard is a touchscreen infotainment system flanked by simple shortcut buttons that allow you to easily switch between common menus. We found the system to be intuitive in its operation but leisurely when responding to inputs. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard, but buyers wanting a larger display can upgrade to a 10.3-inch unit.

Driving directions can be projected onto the Ultimate’s head-up display that flips up from the dashboard and also shows the vehicle’s speed and other information. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard, with a wireless connection for such features available as an option.

 

 

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Buyers searching for popular driver assistance features will find them on the Kona, which offers automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and a driver attention monitor as standard equipment. Other more advanced features are still optional. For more information about the Kona’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

  •  Standard automated emergency braking
  •  Standard lane departure warning
  •  Available automatic high-beam headlamps

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

By now, Hyundai’s 10-year powertrain warranty is well known in the automotive industry as being one of the most generous policies available, and the Kona receives the same coverages as the rest of the lineup. The company also now offers complimentary scheduled maintenance that bests mainstream rivals such as Toyota.

  •  Limited warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
  •  Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
  •  Complimentary maintenance covers 3 years or 36,000 miles