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An image of a Hyundai Kona N out on a track.

2022 Hyundai Kona N Arrives With 276 HP, A Dual-Clutch, and No AWD

The world of quick crossovers grows by one today with the arrival of the 2022 Hyundai Kona N. While the standard Kona lives to be an affordable crossover for the masses, this latest N model has a completely different purpose in mind. Most of the Veloster N’s best bits make it on to this new …

The world of quick crossovers grows by one today with the arrival of the 2022 Hyundai Kona N. While the standard Kona lives to be an affordable crossover for the masses, this latest N model has a completely different purpose in mind. Most of the Veloster N’s best bits make it on to this new crossover, like its 276-hp engine and dual-clutch transmission.

On the inside, you get brand-new screens and upgraded materials, pushing this model slightly more upmarket. Additionally, Hyundai’s latest press release states that the carmaker plans to expand its N and N line offerings to 18 models by the end of 2022.

How fast is the 2021 Hyundai Kona N?

An image of a Hyundai Kona N in a photography studio.
Hyundai Kona N | Hyundai

Since the 2022 Hyundai Kona N is all about speed, let’s start there. Under its hood lies the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine you get in the Veloster N. You even get the same eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. However, just like with the Veloster, an all-wheel system drive isn’t present.

Regardless, this tremendous engine pumps out 276 hp in its normal configuration. However, with N Grin Shift engaged, it can boost up to a maximum output of 286 hp for short amounts of time. Engage launch control, and you’ll hit 62 mph in 5.5 seconds.

As you might imagine, routing that much power through the 2022 Hyundai Kona N’s front wheels seems like a recipe for understeer. However, Hyundai has given the crossover an electronic limited-slip differential to distribute torque amongst the front wheels. Additionally, the crossover has larger 19-inch forged wheels with stickier rubber as well as larger brakes.

Since the aforementioned Veloster N likes to shout as it accelerates, it won’t surprise you to learn that the Kona also gets a variable exhaust system as standard.

Its interior gets an upgrade with premium materials

An image of a Hyundai Kona N in a photography studio.
Hyundai Kona N | Hyundai

While the 2022 Hyundai Kona N is certainly focused on speed, its interior also gets a massive overhaul. The two most important updates come in the way of a brand-new 10-inch infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster. Additionally, you can even have a heads-up display, so you don’t have to look down to see how fast you’re going.

However, the 2022 Hyundai Kona N also brings major improvements in its interior materials. For starters, the N gets a brand-new leather steering wheel with paddle shifters. Additionally, you can have suede and leather bucket seats with aggressive bolstering.

For daily driving, this fast crossover still offers a variety of driver-assist features such as forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, lane following assist, and driver attention warning to name a few.

How much does the 2022 Hyundai Kona N cost?

An image of a Hyundai Kona N in a photography studio.
Hyundai Kona N | Hyundai

While we know plenty about the 2022 Hyundai Kona N, we don’t know how much it’ll cost. For context, the base Kona starts at $20,500 and goes up to $28,150 for the top Ultimate trim. In contrast, the Veloster N has a base price of $32,250. As a result, it seems reasonable to expect the crossover to carry a slight premium over the hatchback while staying well below the $40,000-mark.

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