2023 Hyundai Kona: Best Subcompact SUV for Your Money
The best subcompact SUV for your money is the 2023 Hyundai Kona. This affordable Hyundai SUV is ranked as the 2023 Best Subcompact for the Money, according to U.S. News & World Report. The Kona isn’t the top-rated model overall, but it brings a complete package of features, efficiency, and a driving experience for the money spent.
Why is the 2023 Hyundai Kona the best subcompact SUV for the money?
The Kona has a tight rear seat and small cargo area, which is consistent in this class, but it’s practical, fun, and packed with great features. U.S. News & World Report tells us:
Pros
- Potent turbocharged engine options
- Balanced ride and handling
- Lots of standard driver-assist features
- Easy-to-use infotainment system
Cons
- Small cargo area
- Below-average rear passenger room
Where does the 2023 Kona rank in its class?
This small Hyundai SUV hits several lists with US News, giving us a great idea of where it sits in the SUV world. These rankings are:
- #3 in Subcompact SUVs
- #11 in Crossover SUVs
- #9 in SUVs with 2 Rows
- Winner 2023 Best Subcompact SUV for the Money
What are the best subcompact SUVs for 2023?
The US News ranking of the best subcompact SUVs brings us 16 models. The complete rankings are:
- Mazda CX-30
- Kia Soul
- Hyundai Kona
- Kia Seltos
- Volkswagen Taos
- Buick Encore GX
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Honda HR-V
- Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Nissan Kicks
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Hyundai Venue
- MINI Cooper Countryman
- Jeep Renegade
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- Fiat 500X
What does the 2023 Hyundai Kona offer that wasn’t part of the 2022 model?
The Kona is upgraded for 2023 with a rear USB port, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts, all added to the standard features list. Other than these three upgrades, the 2023 model is the same as the 2022 version.
How much cargo space does this Hyundai SUV include?
The Kona is the best compact SUV for the money but has a small cargo hold. This area measures 19.2 cu-ft behind the rear seats. If you need more space for your stuff, the second row folds to open up to 45.8 cu-ft of space, which might be plenty of room for larger items.
How much power does this affordable Hyundai SUV offer?
Three powertrains are offered across the 2023 Hyundai Kona lineup. These powertrains and fuel mileage numbers are:
2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, CVT (SE, SEL)
147 horsepower
132 lb-ft of torque
30 city/35 hwy mpg (FWD), 28 city/33 hwy mpg (AWD)
1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
195 horsepower
195 lb-ft of torque
29 city/35 hwy mpg (FWD), 27 city/32 hwy mpg (AWD)
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
276 horsepower
289 lb-ft of torque
20 city/27 hwy mpg
What’s the Hyundai Kona price range?
The base SE model of the Kona starts at $21,990, with the Kona N requiring $34,700. This low price range aids in making the Kona the best subcompact SUV for the money.
