Best Deals on the 2023 Hyundai Kona for Sale: A Compact SUV You’ll Love

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV that offers a perfect blend of style, performance, and affordability. If you're in the market for a new ride, you’ve probably seen the Kona pop up everywhere — and for a good reason. It’s quickly becoming one of the most popular choices among compact SUV buyers, thanks to its value-packed features, innovative design, and excellent driving dynamics. Today, we’re diving deep into what makes the 2023 Kona a must-consider option if you’re shopping for a new SUV and what things might give you pause.

Why Choose the 2023 Hyundai Kona?

Hyundai has a reputation for building reliable, affordable vehicles that come loaded with features and the 2023 Kona is no exception. This car blends the best of both worlds: sporty handling for city driving and a smooth ride for highway cruising. Here’s why you might find the 2023 Hyundai Kona a perfect fit for your next vehicle.

1. Affordability
   The Kona offers one of the most affordable price points in the compact SUV market. Starting at around $23,000, it competes well against others in its class like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30. For many buyers, the Kona represents a fantastic value-for-money proposition.

2. Fuel Efficiency
   With fuel prices constantly fluctuating, having a vehicle that’s good on gas is a priority for many drivers. The 2023 Kona delivers an impressive 30 mpg in the city and up to 35 mpg on the highway. That’s solid for a small SUV that still manages to be fun to drive.

3. Packed with Tech
   One thing Hyundai consistently delivers is technology. Even the base Kona comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The higher trims give you access to even more high-tech goodies like a 10.25-inch digital cluster, wireless charging, and premium audio options.

4. Bold Styling
   The 2023 Kona continues with its standout look. The updated front grille and angular lines make it an SUV with a unique personality. It’s bold and it’s not afraid to be noticed on the road.

The Driving Experience of the 2023 Hyundai Kona

For city dwellers or anyone navigating tight parking spots, the 2023 Hyundai Kona excels. Its compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver, while its quick steering gives a nimble and responsive feel.

Performance Breakdown

1. Engine Options
   The base model of the Kona is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, which is perfectly adequate for most day-to-day driving. However, for those seeking a bit more zest, there’s a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine available in the N Line and Limited trims, pushing out an impressive 195 horsepower. This extra power allows for quicker acceleration and a more dynamic driving experience, especially on the highway.

2. Transmission
   The Kona comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission in the base model, which is smooth but not particularly thrilling. However, the N Line and Limited trims benefit from a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that offers quicker gear changes and a sportier drive feel.

3. Handling and Ride Quality
   Thanks to its compact size, the Kona offers a more engaging driving experience than many larger SUVs. The suspension is firm, which helps in providing sharp handling, but that does mean you might feel more bumps on rougher roads. It’s a small trade-off if you enjoy a sportier feel.

Interior Comfort and Practicality

While the 2023 Hyundai Kona offers a lot of personality on the outside, what about the inside? Here’s where things get interesting. The Kona has a lot to offer in terms of features, but it’s not perfect, and it’s important to keep both the pros and cons in mind.

Cabin Space

One thing to note right off the bat is that the Kona is a compact SUV — so it’s not going to feel as spacious as some of its competitors. While the front seats are comfortable and supportive, especially for longer drives, rear-seat passengers might feel a bit cramped, especially if the front seats are pushed back.

That being said, if you don’t regularly have a full car of passengers, the Kona should be more than adequate for everyday use.

Cargo Space

Another area where the 2023 Kona shows its compactness is cargo space. With the rear seats up, you get about 19.2 cubic feet of space — not terrible, but not class-leading either. Fold down the seats, and you expand that to around 45.8 cubic feet, which is much more useful for hauling larger items.

• Pros: Foldable rear seats for added space
• Cons: Smaller cargo area compared to other compact SUVs like the Honda HR-V

Safety Features: A Top Priority for Hyundai

Hyundai takes safety very seriously, and the 2023 Hyundai Kona reflects that commitment. Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of safety technologies is included in all models, and it’s impressive considering the price point of the Kona.

Standard Safety Features:

• Forward collision-avoidance assist: Helps prevent accidents by detecting vehicles and pedestrians in your path
• Lane-keeping assist: Helps you stay centered in your lane
• Driver attention warning: Monitors driver behavior to help detect drowsy or distracted driving
• Rear cross-traffic collision warning: A useful feature when backing out of parking spaces

Advanced Safety on Higher Trims

• Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist
• Highway driving assist: Semi-autonomous driving for highways
• Smart cruise control: Keeps a set distance from the car in front

One drawback of the 2023 Hyundai Kona is that advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring are only available on higher trims. So, if you’re going for the base model, you might feel like you're missing out on some helpful tech.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2023 Hyundai Kona comes in several trims, giving buyers options based on budget and desired features.

1. SE (Base Trim)

   • Starting price: $23,000
   • Highlights: 2.0L engine, 8-inch touchscreen, cloth seats, manual air conditioning

2. SEL

   • Starting price: $24,500
   • Highlights: Adds blind-spot monitoring, heated front seats, and a more premium interior

3. N Line

   • Starting price: $28,000
   • Highlights: 1.6L turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and more aggressive styling

4. Limited

   • Starting price: $31,000
   • Highlights: Includes leather seats, 10.25-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, and more advanced safety features

What People Are Saying

I had a chat with Alex Collantes, a car enthusiast who recently purchased the 2023 Hyundai Kona, and here’s what he had to say:

"I was initially drawn to the Kona because of its price point and tech features. I test-drove a few other compact SUVs, but the Kona just felt right. It’s nimble and fun to drive, especially around town. That said, I do wish the rear seats had a bit more room, especially for taller passengers."

Drawbacks: Where the Kona Falls Short

No car is perfect, and while the 2023 Hyundai Kona offers a lot, there are a few areas where it might not meet everyone's expectations.

1. Limited Rear Space
   As mentioned earlier, rear-seat passengers might feel cramped, especially on longer trips. If you regularly haul around multiple passengers, this could be an issue.

2. Small Cargo Capacity
   The Kona's compact dimensions mean you sacrifice some cargo space. It’s not a dealbreaker for city drivers, but if you’re used to packing a lot of gear, you might want to explore bigger SUVs.

3. Base Engine Could Be More Powerful
   While the 2.0-liter engine gets the job done, it doesn’t offer the most exciting drive. If you crave more power, you’ll need to shell out for the turbocharged engine in the higher trims.

4. Higher Trims Get Expensive
   While the base model is affordable, once you start adding options and climbing the trim ladder, the Kona can become pricier, reaching above $31,000 for the Limited trim.

Final Thoughts on the 2023 Hyundai Kona

The 2023 Hyundai Kona is a great option for anyone looking for a stylish, tech-savvy, and affordable compact SUV. While it’s not without its drawbacks — namely the cramped rear seating and smaller cargo capacity — the overall package is hard to beat for the price. It’s an ideal vehicle for singles, couples, or small families who prioritize maneuverability, technology, and fuel efficiency in their daily drive.

If you’re shopping for a 2023 Hyundai Kona for sale, I recommend giving it a test drive. See how it feels for yourself. If you're like Alex Collantes, you might just fall in love with this bold little SUV.

Quick Overview of Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Excellent tech features
• Fuel-efficient

Cons:

• Cramped rear seats
• Limited cargo space
• Base engine could be more powerful

When it comes to value-for-money in the compact SUV market, the Kona should definitely be on your shortlist.