Except this is only it's second and final year, so fun cars like this are on their way out, and electric alternatives are on their way in. This is going to be one of the final "Fast and Furious" sort of cars out there. Which is partially why I just put a deposit down for one of the last ones available yesterday, and will pick up in a few days once they put on accessories and such. This is going to be my "all-in-one" vehicle for as long as I can. Interestingly, performance stats are nearly identical to a stock Mark IV Supra Turbo. Except the Kona, with some winters on 18" wheels, can go for it in the snow. Thanks for your review, I've been watching lots of them as I await pick up!
Honestly, there will probably never be another vehicle like the Kona N. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. A couple weeks ago I realized there was one at a dealership 2 miles away from my house, had been sitting there for 5 months, and they were desperate to sell it…I got it for $5k off MSRP. At the Honda dealership next door, earlier this year they were selling a Type R for $15k over MSRP. A particular reviewer said that the Kona N is more fun than his 2023 Type R…it’s crazy how under appreciated the Kona N seems to be now, but it’s destined to be a legend one day, I think.
As a 3 weeks owner of this exactly same car I have to say that your presentation and review is one of the best I ever see. And I have seen tones of videos for this car. Good job!!! And yes this car it is just insane!!!
I think people are exaggerating how stiff this car is. I test drove one on Boston roads (which really suck) and while yes, it is firm, I though it was totally livable. Would I want to drive around in N mode, probably not but even when i hit a few bumps my immediate though wasn’t that it was way to stiff. I think it deals with bumps in a very composed way where you get a solid thump that doesn’t upset you or the car and it deals with it in one down and up motion.
I mean, yes and no. I’m a car guy, so I don’t mind all that much, but if someone came into this from a non performance vehicle, they would probably find it pretty darn stiff.
@@jax1079 I would definitely agree with that statement. If you just got out of a base Elantra and went to and N product, it’s going to feel stiff. No doubt. But if you’re an enthusiast that is looking for performance and understands that most of the time that comes with some sort of compromise on ride, then I think the suspension on this is totally appropriate. I just sold my Mk6 GTI which was on new, stock suspension and the Kona N rides significantly better than that car did. Im very much in the fence between one of these or a Mk8 but I haven’t test driven one of those yet.
As an owner of this vehicle, I do recommend changing only the suspension option to "Sport" for an N Mode custom setting; keeping all other N settings maxed. It is a world of difference for daily drivability. As a "driver's car" enthusiast, this checks all of the boxes for myself. Open to opinions for knowledge. 😊
Just purchased a 2023 Kona N on Sunday in this same color. Love it! I'm just happy they make it. We need more Dodge & Hyundai where they put there best performance engine in almost anything. We need more because the more thr better for us car ppl. Not only that but could push other car makers to make the same thing.
The new dodge hornet is better than the kona n at the $35,000 price point....Hornet has awd, vents in the rear passenger seating area, better interior hands down etc.....Kona might be better at 0-60 because it weighs 1000lbs less than the hornet..
The new dodge hornet is better than the kona n at the $35,000 price point....Hornet has awd, vents in the rear passenger seating area, better interior hands down etc.....Kona might be better at 0-60 because it weighs 1000lbs less than the hornet
I like the Kona N and I currently own a Veloster N (discontinued), so the SUV culture of the US added this and it's our i30 N;lifted, same powertrain just wish it had a manual option. Nice video 📹
OMG! Really love your reviews! Thanks for sharing how the car makes you feel. Anyone can read a spec sheet. Driving is all the feeling. Are you getting an Elantra N to review?
Thank you so much! Hopefully soon. The hotter models tend to be harder to get, especially for a smaller channel like me. Stay tuned! And thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Really enjoyed this one! You just keep bringing great content. Thank you for all of your hard work JAX. Wonder how this oddball compares to something like a Focus of Fiesta ST?
Thanks so much! I really do try to stand out from the crowd. Just wait until next week.... Haha! And the big difference between this and the Ford models is that this still exists. Credit Hyundai for carrying the torch when so many others won't. Thanks for watching!
I owned both the focus st (2013) and a Fiesta ST (2017) Both were Fun to drive, I liked the Fiesta more. My opinion now, the Kona N is by far, my favorite of the three. I Love the Kona and everything about it!
I almost bought this exact model and color, but the dealer provided an incorrect delivery date. Bought a red 2022 WRX the next day, and KONA N was at the dealership two days later.
The number of dealer shenanigans stories I’ve been getting lately is crazy. That business model needs to die-for the good of the consumers AND manufacturers. Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻
Great review. The car is fucking amazing and punches like $25k+ above its weight. One of the guys on a fb group pretty much compared the Porsche Cayman s in comparing times at hockenhiem.
As a Veloster N owner, even though the Kona and Elantra N have upgrades over the Vel, I still really like the look and OG factor of the Veloster. I can't get past the looks of the Elantra N in particular.
I agree. I think the Veloster looks sick, and I also think the Elantra N looks like someone sucker punched a monitor lizard in the jaw. It’s by far Hyundai/Kia’s worst design. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
The EN is just too looooooong and even people in Southern California have issues just pulling into a driveway with the EN with its long low front overhang. Everybody wrecks the front.
Owned a Veloster n, then thought I would love the Kona so bought the Kona n. I’ve always been a hot hatch guy. After 8 months I ended up traded the Kona n back in for the Veloster N. I did enjoy the Kona but the Veloster just looks way better and better road feel than the Kona. The Kona is also a rougher ride overall. The Veloster is a killer daily. The Kona is very practical and a hell of a car for sure. Just prefer the Veloster.
Can’t blame you for that decision because the Veloster is certainly a good looking hot hatch. Surprised you found the Kona’s ride rougher, though. The Veloster is harsh! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Only thing killing this car is the nameplate, it's history of recalls, and the fact the DCT transmission, while a step in the right direction, is unproven. If this was built like the tuner cars of the 90s (overbuilt), it will do well to build the brand up. If this has the resiliency and reliability of a cheap android cell phone, well. I'm sure the brand will continue to do well on commodity cars for a while, but enthusiasts will look to other brands. Not to mention Toyota noticed and quite suddenly built quite the roster of enthusiast cars. I love this car as my days driving even a slighty lowered car, even in Atlanta, are coming to an end. American infrastructure, crappy driveways, etc. Have me looking at this KN and the CX-30 / CX5 turbo.
I really enjoy this thing, but the dual clutch is worrisome. Check out my N Line review when it was messing up even in the press car (slightly different but still a dual clutch and still a cause for concern). Shame because the Kona N is a fabulous little pocket rocket.
@@jax1079 oh yeah the dry clutch DCTs found in many of their models has proven itself to be subpar for any type of commuting. Up there with Ford in dropping the ball to save a few coin.
Dude you get extra 20bhp for 20 seconds, and yes you can feel it work, agree not being awd...maybe the next model will and be a monster, the wheels are shxt, ñot good in wet conditions
I doubt there will be a next model. Sadly, they are sunsetting the Veloster, which likely means we won't be seeing another Kona N, either. I hope I'm wrong, but I doubt it.
@@jax1079you’re right they have been discontinued due to European emission laws. Hyundai believe that without the European market, it isn’t worth carrying on with them. All the new ones in the UK have now gone and I was lucky enough to bag one of the last two pre registered cars in the country 8 weeks ago. It had 29 miles on it so unlikely to have been abused by test pilots unlike the ex-demos with 1 or 2 thousand miles on them.
Haha! I used to own an Abarth. Problem was with that car is it just didn't have the power to go really fast but totally tossable. I have owned many performance cars such as the Cobalt SS turbo, the SRT-4 ACR on coilovers. Etc they took all these cars including the M cars and came up with the Kona N and it's a Rediculous csr for the performance and price.
True story: I was at the Tail of the Dragon in my C5 Corvette and I had an Abarth on my tail that just wouldn’t quit. The size of the car allowed him to take angles and lines within the lane that my Corvette couldn’t even dream of (since the Tail is a pretty narrow road). It was an amazing performance 😂
The new dodge hornet is better than the kona n at the $35,000 price point....Hornet has awd, vents in the rear passenger seating area, better interior hands down and a much smoother driving experience...etc.....Kona might be better at 0-60 because it weighs 1000lbs less than the hornet
This isn’t quite apples to apples. First, the Hornet just dropped, so I’ll reserve judgement until I drive them in close proximity. Second, the Hornet is closer in size to a Mazda CX-5 than the Kona N, which is smaller than a Mazda CX-30. The Hornet DOES look promising, but not gonna lie: Italian bones make me nervous.
Lot of mechanical problems on the hornets 🐝 my friend is a certified mechanical ⚙️ for Dodge and he told me they are bringing lotsssss of problems for them- if u want that car 🚘 I recommend to get an insurance that cover damages on the engine This according to my friend
A toast to the Kona N. Your life was too short, and certainly you were misunderstood. Two model years just wasn’t enough. 😢 I will proudly drive mine and take solace in the fact that people will always wonder WTF was he thinking. I adore mine. It’s just stupid. 😂
@@jax1079 I think they look good if paint matched front / black. I've seen people in several of the groups i am almost break into the 12's with both cars being stock. Kona has crappier tires though, than the Elantra N from factory. I have a Kona N :)
It’s a relative observation. Compared to similar cars in the class, the Kona N rides incredibly firm in its raciest setting, and it’s always former than the Civic Type R, something I noted about the Veloster N as well.
those who drove it love it, those who don't judge it by its height and badge and miss out on a insanely fun massively underrated vehicle :(
You are absolutely correct. Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻
Keep the entertainment/reviews coming.
Coffee on me.
If there’s coffee, I’m in!
Except this is only it's second and final year, so fun cars like this are on their way out, and electric alternatives are on their way in. This is going to be one of the final "Fast and Furious" sort of cars out there. Which is partially why I just put a deposit down for one of the last ones available yesterday, and will pick up in a few days once they put on accessories and such.
This is going to be my "all-in-one" vehicle for as long as I can. Interestingly, performance stats are nearly identical to a stock Mark IV Supra Turbo. Except the Kona, with some winters on 18" wheels, can go for it in the snow.
Thanks for your review, I've been watching lots of them as I await pick up!
Of course! Check out my more recent review. My wife really enjoyed it as well.
Honestly, there will probably never be another vehicle like the Kona N. Once they’re gone, they’re gone. A couple weeks ago I realized there was one at a dealership 2 miles away from my house, had been sitting there for 5 months, and they were desperate to sell it…I got it for $5k off MSRP. At the Honda dealership next door, earlier this year they were selling a Type R for $15k over MSRP. A particular reviewer said that the Kona N is more fun than his 2023 Type R…it’s crazy how under appreciated the Kona N seems to be now, but it’s destined to be a legend one day, I think.
Bought my Kona N for one reason - makes me giggle every time I drive it. Loved your review.
Thank you! And that's a perfectly valid reason to grab a Kona N! Thanks for watching.
Same for me! I adore this car.
As a 3 weeks owner of this exactly same car I have to say that your presentation and review is one of the best I ever see. And I have seen tones of videos for this car. Good job!!! And yes this car it is just insane!!!
Thanks so much! And stay tuned… round two with the Kona N is coming with Megan’s perspective. 😉👍🏻
Always good to have some unique and entertaining perspectives on a light topic for Sunday morning.
And informative, too.
Thanks so much! And thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Thanks!
Most welcome! Thanks for keeping me going!
I think people are exaggerating how stiff this car is. I test drove one on Boston roads (which really suck) and while yes, it is firm, I though it was totally livable. Would I want to drive around in N mode, probably not but even when i hit a few bumps my immediate though wasn’t that it was way to stiff. I think it deals with bumps in a very composed way where you get a solid thump that doesn’t upset you or the car and it deals with it in one down and up motion.
I mean, yes and no. I’m a car guy, so I don’t mind all that much, but if someone came into this from a non performance vehicle, they would probably find it pretty darn stiff.
@@jax1079 I would definitely agree with that statement. If you just got out of a base Elantra and went to and N product, it’s going to feel stiff. No doubt. But if you’re an enthusiast that is looking for performance and understands that most of the time that comes with some sort of compromise on ride, then I think the suspension on this is totally appropriate. I just sold my Mk6 GTI which was on new, stock suspension and the Kona N rides significantly better than that car did. Im very much in the fence between one of these or a Mk8 but I haven’t test driven one of those yet.
As an owner of this vehicle, I do recommend changing only the suspension option to "Sport" for an N Mode custom setting; keeping all other N settings maxed. It is a world of difference for daily drivability. As a "driver's car" enthusiast, this checks all of the boxes for myself. Open to opinions for knowledge. 😊
I agree. I think mix and matching that setting gets you optimal daily driving usability. Thanks for watching!
Do you still recommend this car? I am seriously considering it.
Just purchased a 2023 Kona N on Sunday in this same color.
Love it!
I'm just happy they make it.
We need more Dodge & Hyundai where they put there best performance engine in almost anything. We need more because the more thr better for us car ppl.
Not only that but could push other car makers to make the same thing.
Nice! I hope you enjoy it, and thanks for watching 🙏🏻
red kona N is best kona N 🙂
The new dodge hornet is better than the kona n at the $35,000 price point....Hornet has awd, vents in the rear passenger seating area, better interior hands down etc.....Kona might be better at 0-60 because it weighs 1000lbs less than the hornet..
The new dodge hornet is better than the kona n at the $35,000 price point....Hornet has awd, vents in the rear passenger seating area, better interior hands down etc.....Kona might be better at 0-60 because it weighs 1000lbs less than the hornet
@@philipwood8776 Kona N will gap it tbh but it’s still a good car don’t get me wrong
I like the Kona N and I currently own a Veloster N (discontinued), so the SUV culture of the US added this and it's our i30 N;lifted, same powertrain just wish it had a manual option. Nice video 📹
Thank you! And thanks for watching 🙏🏻
You don't miss it when the dct is so good.
OMG! Really love your reviews! Thanks for sharing how the car makes you feel. Anyone can read a spec sheet. Driving is all the feeling. Are you getting an Elantra N to review?
Thank you so much! Hopefully soon. The hotter models tend to be harder to get, especially for a smaller channel like me. Stay tuned! And thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Really enjoyed this one! You just keep bringing great content. Thank you for all of your hard work JAX.
Wonder how this oddball compares to something like a Focus of Fiesta ST?
Thanks so much! I really do try to stand out from the crowd. Just wait until next week.... Haha!
And the big difference between this and the Ford models is that this still exists. Credit Hyundai for carrying the torch when so many others won't. Thanks for watching!
I owned both the focus st (2013) and a Fiesta ST (2017) Both were Fun to drive, I liked the Fiesta more. My opinion now, the Kona N is by far, my favorite of the three. I Love the Kona and everything about it!
I almost bought this exact model and color, but the dealer provided an incorrect delivery date. Bought a red 2022 WRX the next day, and KONA N was at the dealership two days later.
The number of dealer shenanigans stories I’ve been getting lately is crazy. That business model needs to die-for the good of the consumers AND manufacturers. Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻
Your loss.
Great review. The car is fucking amazing and punches like $25k+ above its weight. One of the guys on a fb group pretty much compared the Porsche Cayman s in comparing times at hockenhiem.
Thank you! It really is underrated, and I hope with gas being what it is more people will give things like this a chance. Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻
For NOS it could’ve been like N Over Shift or N Overtime Shift something with Over. It would make sense to be honest.
Right?! I feel like I need to speak with someone at Hyundai 😂
As a Veloster N owner, even though the Kona and Elantra N have upgrades over the Vel, I still really like the look and OG factor of the Veloster. I can't get past the looks of the Elantra N in particular.
I agree. I think the Veloster looks sick, and I also think the Elantra N looks like someone sucker punched a monitor lizard in the jaw. It’s by far Hyundai/Kia’s worst design. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
The Elantra N its looks likely a spaceship
@@bonifaciomagdiwang1697 That crashed into a dinosaur's anus
The EN is just too looooooong and even people in Southern California have issues just pulling into a driveway with the EN with its long low front overhang. Everybody wrecks the front.
@@jax1079 Check out the Elantra N in Black, it hides that ugly front “bumper” extremely well.
well, I had my eyes on this and finally pulled the trigger,,, the kona n is just too much fun too drive
Nice! It’s a ridiculous and glorious little thing 👍🏻
Owned a Veloster n, then thought I would love the Kona so bought the Kona n. I’ve always been a hot hatch guy. After 8 months I ended up traded the Kona n back in for the Veloster N. I did enjoy the Kona but the Veloster just looks way better and better road feel than the Kona. The Kona is also a rougher ride overall. The Veloster is a killer daily. The Kona is very practical and a hell of a car for sure. Just prefer the Veloster.
Can’t blame you for that decision because the Veloster is certainly a good looking hot hatch. Surprised you found the Kona’s ride rougher, though. The Veloster is harsh! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻
Lol someone is butthurt they got a veloster instead of a KN 😂
@@Veexd13 not even in the slightest
Just call your handling the Canadian-springtime-road. Looks like that road is like every road here around April!
Hahaha! Good point! I think Thomas and James from Throttle House would agree.
Only thing killing this car is the nameplate, it's history of recalls, and the fact the DCT transmission, while a step in the right direction, is unproven. If this was built like the tuner cars of the 90s (overbuilt), it will do well to build the brand up. If this has the resiliency and reliability of a cheap android cell phone, well. I'm sure the brand will continue to do well on commodity cars for a while, but enthusiasts will look to other brands. Not to mention Toyota noticed and quite suddenly built quite the roster of enthusiast cars.
I love this car as my days driving even a slighty lowered car, even in Atlanta, are coming to an end. American infrastructure, crappy driveways, etc. Have me looking at this KN and the CX-30 / CX5 turbo.
I really enjoy this thing, but the dual clutch is worrisome. Check out my N Line review when it was messing up even in the press car (slightly different but still a dual clutch and still a cause for concern). Shame because the Kona N is a fabulous little pocket rocket.
@@jax1079 oh yeah the dry clutch DCTs found in many of their models has proven itself to be subpar for any type of commuting. Up there with Ford in dropping the ball to save a few coin.
You managed to use Ted Lasso euphemism in your review 4stars!
Haha! Thanks! I love that show. And thanks for watching!!
Hope you don't have fuel injector problems.
Well, I get to give the cars back, so it won’t be MY problem…
Who would have thought there are now massive waiting list and 25% above MSRP on Hyundais...
Right?! Hyundai and Kia are killing the game right now. Other automakers should take note.
Dude you get extra 20bhp for 20 seconds, and yes you can feel it work, agree not being awd...maybe the next model will and be a monster, the wheels are shxt, ñot good in wet conditions
I doubt there will be a next model. Sadly, they are sunsetting the Veloster, which likely means we won't be seeing another Kona N, either. I hope I'm wrong, but I doubt it.
@@jax1079you’re right they have been discontinued due to European emission laws. Hyundai believe that without the European market, it isn’t worth carrying on with them. All the new ones in the UK have now gone and I was lucky enough to bag one of the last two pre registered cars in the country 8 weeks ago. It had 29 miles on it so unlikely to have been abused by test pilots unlike the ex-demos with 1 or 2 thousand miles on them.
LOVE IT!!!
Thanks!
N.O.S.? 🤔 "Nitrous Oxide Synonym"? "Nostalgia On-board System"? Anyone out there able to 3D print a custom button and sell it? 😊
Haha! This looks like a job for the aftermarket!
This is giving me vibes like the Forester STi. Looks better than the elantra imo
You are correct on both accounts! Definitely better looking than the eyeball destroying Elantra. Thanks for watching!
Haha! I used to own an Abarth. Problem was with that car is it just didn't have the power to go really fast but totally tossable. I have owned many performance cars such as the Cobalt SS turbo, the SRT-4 ACR on coilovers. Etc they took all these cars including the M cars and came up with the Kona N and it's a Rediculous csr for the performance and price.
True story: I was at the Tail of the Dragon in my C5 Corvette and I had an Abarth on my tail that just wouldn’t quit. The size of the car allowed him to take angles and lines within the lane that my Corvette couldn’t even dream of (since the Tail is a pretty narrow road). It was an amazing performance 😂
The new dodge hornet is better than the kona n at the $35,000 price point....Hornet has awd, vents in the rear passenger seating area, better interior hands down and a much smoother driving experience...etc.....Kona might be better at 0-60 because it weighs 1000lbs less than the hornet
This isn’t quite apples to apples. First, the Hornet just dropped, so I’ll reserve judgement until I drive them in close proximity. Second, the Hornet is closer in size to a Mazda CX-5 than the Kona N, which is smaller than a Mazda CX-30. The Hornet DOES look promising, but not gonna lie: Italian bones make me nervous.
@JAX Automotive no vents in the rear? No awd.....it's a 3000 go kart
@@philipwood8776 I mean, that's kind of the point... Also, it's the size of a shoe, so you can get by without rear vents. Trust me.
Lot of mechanical problems on the hornets 🐝 my friend is a certified mechanical ⚙️ for Dodge and he told me they are bringing lotsssss of problems for them- if u want that car 🚘 I recommend to get an insurance that cover damages on the engine
This according to my friend
A toast to the Kona N. Your life was too short, and certainly you were misunderstood. Two model years just wasn’t enough. 😢 I will proudly drive mine and take solace in the fact that people will always wonder WTF was he thinking. I adore mine. It’s just stupid. 😂
It was good while it lasted... enjoy yours!
Thank you sir, I will. Cheers.
The Kona and Elantra N's have a bigger turbo than the Veloster. They're both faster.
Didn’t know that! Makes me want to drive the Elantra N now, even though I think it’s ugly 😂 Thanks for watching! 🙏🏻
@@jax1079 I think they look good if paint matched front / black. I've seen people in several of the groups i am almost break into the 12's with both cars being stock. Kona has crappier tires though, than the Elantra N from factory. I have a Kona N :)
NOS = N Oh Shit!
Hahaha! Yeah that’s about right.
Really? Brutal suspension? Yes it's adjustable and decently firm.....but far from brutal or teeth shattering..
It’s a relative observation. Compared to similar cars in the class, the Kona N rides incredibly firm in its raciest setting, and it’s always former than the Civic Type R, something I noted about the Veloster N as well.
I know I have 1. Spirited fun lil ballooned "hot hatch"