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Comparing Trim Models of the 2023 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona on a white sandy road looking at it from above

The 2023 Hyundai Kona stands out in its class of small SUVs, as it delivers a powerful driving performance and an impressive range of styles and features. While many small SUVs have ordinary car engines, the Kona's has enough energy to make you feel like you're driving something sporty and exciting. The affordable price may surprise you, as this SUV offers excellent features.

With four trim levels to choose from, you might be wondering which is the best option for you. Our Dublin Hyundai team in California has reviewed the different features available to help you determine which ones you would like to have in your next car. 

Standard Across All Trim Levels

The 2023 Hyundai Kona has an impressive set of standard features that drivers of all trim levels can enjoy. For starters, all trim levels come with front-wheel drive as well as an all-wheel drive option if you want added control. Drive mode select is also available, allowing drivers to choose between Normal, Eco, or Sport mode depending on their situation. Idle Stop & Go is also available to help save on gas when the vehicle is at a standstill. 

Certain lighting features are also found in all trim levels, such as LED daytime running lights, roof-mounted center high-mount stop lights, and automatic headlights.

In the interior of the vehicle, drivers will find a 12V outlet and dual USB ports in the front and an additional one in the rear. Bluetooth hands-free technology with wireless audio streaming is standard, as is the rear camera that provides you with extra guidance when you're parking and backing up.

Below is an impressive list of the Kona's driver-assistance features that help keep its occupants safe when on the road:

  • Blind-spot collision-avoidance assist.
  • Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist.
  • Lane following assist.
  • Lane-keep assist.
  • Driver attention warning.
  • Safe exit warning.
  • Rear occupant alert.
The Hyundai Kona on a white sandy road looking at it from above

2023 Hyundai Kona SE: Starting MSRP $22,140

The Hyundai Kona's base trim level offers a range of great options. It establishes a high-quality baseline, which is hard to beat when it comes to small SUVs. 

The 147-horsepower four-cylinder engine uses a six-speed intelligent variable transmission, which is a type of automatic technology that Hyundai developed to improve performance and gas mileage. For an SUV, the 16-inch alloy wheels are a little on the small side, but they're fine for everyday driving. Projector halogen headlights and bulb-type taillights are standard on all the trim levels except the Limited. 

In the interior of the vehicle, you'll find cloth seats and a six-way adjustable driver seat to keep you comfortable while driving. An 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system combines with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to keep you connected while on the road, and a 4.2-inch gauge cluster is there to show you important driving information.

2023 Hyundai Kona SEL: Starting MSRP $23,950

The SEL builds on the foundation of the SE, and it has the same engine and transmission. The first noticeable difference is the SEL's larger 17-inch wheel size.

A few of the added amenities to the SEL trim level include standard roof rails and proximity key entry with push button start for added convenience. This means you can leave your key in your purse or pocket when you get to your car, and your vehicle will unlock automatically when it detects your key nearby.

On the inside of the Kona SEL, an eight-way power adjustable driver's seat makes it easier to get in the right position for long drives around California. HD Radio and SiriusXM are standard to give you more listening options while on the road. The SEL also includes access to Bluelink, a program that connects to an app on your phone. It allows you to control certain features, such as remote start, climate control, and on-demand diagnostics and alerts.

The SEL comes with the option to add a Convenience Package, which includes upgrades that add a luxury feel to this trim level. These extra features include a Hyundai digital key, a 10.25-inch touch-screen navigation, wireless device charging, a power sunroof, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, automatic temperature control, and a hidden cargo-area storage compartment.

2023 Hyundai Kona N Line: Starting MSRP $27,850

The N Line moves further away from the base trim level, with a zippier 195-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that definitely makes this trim level feel like a sportier option. The wheels are upgraded to a wider 18 inches, and they have a unique N Line design.

The N Line not only has a sportier engine, but it has a sportier exterior aesthetic as well, featuring gloss-black exterior mirrors, body-colored cladding, N Line front and rear fascia, trim-specific badging, and twin-tip exhaust pipes.

The features that are optional with the SEL Convenience Package are standard in the N Line. An upgraded 10.25-inch gauge cluster completes the list of extras that differentiates the N Line from the SE and SEL trim levels. Wireless phone charging is also a standard feature with the N Line.

2023 Hyundai Kona Limited: Starting MSRP $28,950

This top-of-the-line trim level includes the N Line's sportier engine but replaces its distinctive exterior styling features with a more luxurious look.

The Limited includes an electronic parking brake with auto hold. Lighting receives an upgrade with LED headlights and taillights and high-beam assist, while the interior lighting gets a boost with LED ambient cabin lights. The seating is also trimmed with leather for a more upscale look.

You'll get a few additional driver-assistance features in the Limited, including cyclist detection, reverse parking distance warning, and highway driving assist.

If you're looking to buy a 2023 Hyundai Kona, you can't go wrong no matter which trim level you choose. There are many different styles of drivers here in the Dublin, California, area, and there are different styles of Konas to meet their individual needs. 

The SE provides a great set of standard features at a price that rivals many sedans, and the SEL includes the option to upgrade to more advanced features while keeping the standard engine. The N Line has a more powerful engine and sportier design, while the Limited keeps the added power but swaps the sporty look for a more sophisticated finish. Please feel free to contact us at Dublin Hyundai if you have any questions about the 2023 Hyundai Kona.

Image by Hyundai Motor Group is licensed with Unsplash license

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Red Hyundai Konda roof rack close up.

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Hyundai Ioniq 5 parked in the rain.

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