Hyundai has introduced a new take on the Kona subcompact SUV and a new trim level for the 2022 model year. The revisions include the introduction of the first Hyundai Kona N Line variant.

2022 Hyundai Kona N Line

The Kona N Line takes sporty design inspiration from the company’s N performance model lineup. It features a unique front and rear end, body color claddings, and diamond-cut wheel design. The SUV, which competes directly with the Kia Seltos, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Buick Encore GX, has a new front bumper that unifies the color of the wheel arch cladding with the front end. There is no skid plate; rather an N-style aerodynamic lip with low-lying corner fins sits at the base of the face. The car’s air intakes are also larger with a mesh design.

Hyundai will offer the Kona in a revised exterior color palette including five new paint jobs: Surfy Blue, Dive in Jeju, Ignite Flame, Cyber Grey, and Misty Jungle. They join the existing Phantom Black, Chalk White, Dark Knight, Pulse Red and Galactic Grey colors. Every color can be combined with the Phantom Black two-tone roof.

A number of new and upgraded powertrain options, including hybrids, have been introduced. It’s not immediately clear which the U.S. will get. The Kona EV‘s all-electric power plant is expected to remain the same.

The Korean automaker is giving the Kona a tech infusion for the new model year. The SUV gets a new 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and available 10.25-inch infotainment touch screen. The standard infotainment screen size is up to eight inches from seven.

The car’s infotainment system rests above the redesigned center console that now includes an electronic parking brake. This is part of a larger quality upgrade on the Kona’s interior that also includes the addition of ambient light and aluminum finish rings around the speakers and air vents.

Hyundai has upholstered the Kona with new materials in new colors. New seat cover options include a black woven houndstooth design, cloth seats with black and grey embossing, and perforated leather seats in black, beige, or khaki. A light beige interior design scheme is also available.

Second-row heated seats and a second-row USB port are now available. Manual seat adjustment functionality has been enhanced for front-row occupants.

Hyundai has upgraded its adaptive cruise control system to include stop and go technology. New Leading Vehicle Departure Alert alerts the driver if they do not react fast enough when the vehicle ahead of them starts moving. Lane Follow Assist is also available. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist adds pedestrian and cyclist detection. Rear cross-traffic alert is being made available to wider number of vehicles.

Rear seat alert and traffic sign reader technology are designed to make the driving experience safer. In addition, the new KONA is now available with eCall, a feature that automatically alerts emergency services if the airbags are deployed or the e-Call button is being pushed.