Since its birth in 2017, the Hyundai Kona has done a spectacular job of turning heads with its progressive, quirky (in a good way) design and unique approach to the often-overdone crossover. Luckily, that won’t be changing with the 2022 model.

With that said, there is plenty that will change from the 2021 Hyundai Kona to the 2022 Hyundai Kona. Don’t fret, though — it’s more accurate to categorize them as “upgrades” rather than “changes.”

2022 Hyundai Kona: A Quick Introduction

The Hyundai Kona, named after the Hawaiian island of Kona, was designed to appeal to a modern generation of driver. And while that may sound like we’re claiming you have to be a 20-something to purchase a Kona, that’s not the intent.

Instead, it’s a reminder that the Kona was built to be a smart, intuitive, progressive crossover that puts the driver’s safety, comfort and enjoyment first. It offers a boatload of standard features, a surprising amount of power, and the pleasant drivability of a sedan.

It’s got all of the standard safety features you’d expect in today’s high-tech world, including automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning. While it’s smaller size does limit cargo space and legroom a bit, it more than makes up for it with fun-to-drive handling and plenty of horses under the hood.

Don’t worry about making up for that power at the pump, though. The 2022 Hyundai Kona is estimated to get 28 mpg city and 32 mpg highway.

2022 Hyundai Kona: What’s Changing?

Okay, enough tooting the Kona’s horn. Let’s take a look at a few aspects that are set to change from the 2021 model to the 2022 model.

Pricing

At this moment, we don’t know what the starting price for the 2022 Hyundai Kona will be. The 2021 model started at $20,400, so the expectation is the 2022 model should see a marginal uptick — likely in the $21,000-$22,000 range. Even assuming there is a slight increase, that’s a small price to pay for the package the Kona delivers.

Engine/Performance

Not too much has changed in the way of performance for the upcoming 2022 Hyundai Kona. It’ll still sport the 147-horsepower, four-cylinder powertrain on the lower trim levels, while the upper trim levels will feature the turbocharged four-cylinder variation that cranks out 175 horsepower.

With that said, there is a new N Line trim that packs a punch with an upgraded version of the turbocharged engine, which boasts 195 horsepower.

Exterior Design

This may be the most noteworthy of the changes the 2022 Hyundai Kona is set to undergo. The exterior will get a significant facelift, with a new wheel design, upgraded exterior lighting, a sporty new grille, and an overall more aggressive look.

Just to confirm — the funky, unique style isn’t going anywhere.

Interior/Technology

The fun doesn’t end on the outside.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona’s dashboard also gets a facelift and the infotainment display grows from 7” to 8”. Additionally, upgraded features like a digital driver information cluster and a 10.3” infotainment display are optional. Hyundai has also added modern conveniences like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and USB ports.

Maybe the best (and most underrated) possible add-on is the wireless charging pad.

2022 Hyundai Kona: Release Date

As of this writing, an official release date for the 2022 Hyundai Kona has not been announced. However, the expectation is that we should see this character-laden crossover hit showroom floors sometime early in 2021. They can’t keep one of the market’s most intriguing small SUVs away from us for long.

As if the ongoing battle for sedan supremacy wasn’t already heated enough, a new entrant has rolled onto the field this year with the 2021 Kia K5. Set to challenge top competition like the 2021 Hyundai Sonata, there’s plenty for potential buyers to be excited about.

Before you go making any decisions on which sedan belongs in your garage, let’s take a longer look at how the K5 compares to the Sonata.

2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2021 Kia K5: A Comparison

It’s understandable that the Kia K5 has prospective buyers enchanted. Replacing the Optima in Kia’s lineup of sedans, the K5 was built from the ground up with the driver in mind. While it certainly offers an enticing list of features and options, it can’t be ignored that there are plenty of other quality sedans already on the market.

That’s why we’re putting the K5 up against the Sonata to see which takes the cake.

2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2021 Kia K5: Price

If you’re hoping to determine a clear winner with price, keep searching. 

The 2021 Hyundai Sonata and 2021 Kia K5 are nearly identical when it comes to the price tag — the Sonata starts at $23,600 MSRP, while the K5 starts at $23,490 MSRP. When it comes to car buying, that difference is of little consequence.

2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2021 Kia K5: Safety/Technology

If you’re looking for a sedan loaded with safety features and all of the modern technological conveniences, then the 2021 Hyundai Sonata is the way to go.

The Sonata features Hyundai’s SmartSense safety suite, which includes top technologies such as forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic collision warning, lane-keep assist, driver attention warning and adaptive cruise control. The Sonata was also named an IIHS Top Safety Pick for 2021.

What about the Kia K5? Well for starters, the standard safety features aren’t nearly as numerous. Automated emergency braking and lane-keep assist are included, but many of the notable features are optional and will cost you extra.

Both sedans feature a standard 8” infotainment display and larger optional screens, but the Sonata boasts Hyundai’s new Digital Key. This handy new technology allows drivers to lock and unlock their cars via their smartphones, meaning you can leave those pesky keys at home if needed.

2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2021 Kia K5: Engine/Performance

Let’s be honest — 0-to-60 times and horsepower aren’t usually a top priority when you’re shopping for a mid-size sedan. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t want a new car that can get moving in a hurry.

When it comes to having some kick under the hood, the Sonata is the winner. Featuring a 2.5L four-cylinder with 191 horsepower, you can bet it’ll pack more of a punch than the K5’s 2.5L four-cylinder with 180 horsepower. Both sedans also have optional turbocharged powertrain options, but the K5’s more powerful engine also guzzles gas at a much faster rate.

Speaking of fuel efficiency — the two contenders are nearly neck-and-neck. While the Sonata is estimated to get about 28 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, the K5 received estimates of 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway.

Of course, if you’re truly interested in saving at the pumps, the all-electric Hyundai Ioniq could be the car for you.

2021 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2021 Kia K5: The Verdict

There’s no denying that both the 2021 Hyundai Sonata and 2021 Kia K5 are valiant challengers on the mid-size sedan market. However, if there’s one that deserves your consideration more than the other, it’s the Sonata.

With a more powerful motor, superior array of standard safety features and its tantalizing combination of comfort and class, the value it offers is nearly unmatched.

Electric vehicles and hybrids are trending and have been for a while. Many car manufacturers are adding them to brand lineups to give drivers more eco-friendly options. Hyundai followed suit in 2017 with the Ioniq and has been improving on it every year. While the 2020 Ioniq didn’t get any major upgrades, there are some notable changes. 

2020 Hyundai Ioniq

The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq is one of the more affordable electric cars. But this car isn’t just affordable, it is also one of the best electric vehicles on the market when you think about features and value. Drivers looking at the Prius but want a more traditional looking car should consider the Ioniq before making a purchase. This electric vehicle offers both style and value. 

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Specs

As with any electric vehicle, the power under the hood is not anything that is going to be able to race a traditional engine, however, the fuel economy is great at 58 MPG. That fuel economy is the best drivers will get from a car that doesn’t need to be plugged in. The engine and battery pack give the Ioniq a combined 139 hp from the 1.6-L inline-four cylinder engine. One of the best features is that the Hyundai Ioniq can jump-start itself. 

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Trims

The 2020 Hyundai Ioniq has four trim levels that give drivers more options to meet their needs and vehicle desires. The most popular trim level is actually the base level. It is called the Blue trim level and offers a combination of value and features. It has front-wheel drive and seven exterior colors to choose from. The Blue also is loaded with standard safety and convenience features. 

The other trim levels that go up from there are the SE, SEL, and Limited. There are added features for safety, comfort, and convenience such as internet access and speed-sensitive volume controls, among other features. Each trim level does build on the other however, the Blue trim level has so many features for the price point that it is by far the most popular trim level package. 

2020 Hyundai Ioniq Pricing

The pricing of the 2020 Hyundai Ioniq is competitive with other comparable vehicles such as the Toyota Prius but the Ioniq has a better combination of value and features as well as a better overall aesthetic look. The Blue trim level starts at a price of $23,200, making it an affordable and budget-friendly option. The price can increase with the addition of optional packages. 

The SE and SEL trim levels still offer value and keep the price point under $30,000. The SE trim level starts at $25,150 and the SEL starts at $28,400. Both have optional packages available. The Limited trim level is the highest price point starting at $31,200. 

The differences between the trim levels are better discovered in person. To see the differences between the trim levels for yourself and schedule a test drive, call Greg May Hyundai or stop in today.