Driven: 2024 Hyundai Kona N Line Is Sporty In Looks

The 2024 Hyundai Kona represents the second generation of the affordable sub-compact crossover, and has grown a little longer and gained some space inside. The N Line tag means it’s a sportier version than other trims, and a step up from entry-level models in terms of power. But with 190 horsepower from its four-cylinder 1.6-liter turbocharged engine, think of Hyundai Kona N Line as the ‘lite’ version of a full-fat N performance model – but there isn’t currently a 2024 Kona N in the USA. The snarly Kona N would be more expensive and slightly too aggressive if its main duties are commuting, shopping, and transportation for dates. Cue the Kona N Line.

With the letter N in the title, it needs to be fun to drive as well, without skimping on practicality and economy in terms of running costs. We spent a week with the new Kona N Line to see what it’s like to live with.

Style: Funky Yet Sharp

If you remember the Nissan Juke, you remember the first of the funky sub-compact crossovers and how it became the punchline of many a joke for its looks. The Kona has managed to avoid that, yet Hyundai is pushing the envelope with the 2024 version and to some of us, it feels like it lacks visual cohesion. The front is a mess of black, as if the designers didn’t really know what to do with the headlights being stuck on the side; they are pretty small because of the cool light bar spanning the width of the hood. Adding an N Line spoiler and painted, blocky fender flares to house 19-inch wheels doesn’t help much, but it does add to to mancing look.

You can’t help but think of it as being sharp because there are so many sharp creases and points, which is a style choice that peaked a few years ago and promises to look dated before 2024 Kona buyers have paid off their five-year loans. The best thing, and possibly the saving grace of the N Line, is that there’s no sign of the over-use of black cladding covering the wheel arches on other trims. Looking at it directly from the side is the best way to observe it if you want it to make sense.

Interior: Bigger Is Better Here

The previous Kona wasn’t something a family could grow into past early teens. The legroom in the back was too restrictive, but now it has 38.2 inches of legroom and, in practical terms, that’s enough for adults. There’s more airiness in the cabin over the last generation, and it’s more ergonomic with the shifter moving from a rotary dial in the center console to a stalk on the steering column, making room for clever dual retractable cupholders. For those that often have a front passenger, there’s a useful new shelf built into the dash, too.

The N Line comes with sport seats, which make the already great driving position even more comfortable, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel, faux-suede and leather upholstery, a black headliner, and metal sport pedals – and all of this does well to distract from the cheap plastics used elsewhere. Also keeping the price down is the fact that the N Line can’t be bought with electric seat adjustment for the front passenger, or a motorized tailgate.

Infotainment: Could Have Been Best In Class

Hyundai’s faithful 12.3-inch touchscreen handles infotainment duties, and it remains sharp responding to input, is crisp and clear to look at, and the interface doesn’t need a manual or YouTube videos to learn how to use. Hyundai’s intuitive interfaces continue to shine, but the Kona N Line still needs a wired connection to a phone for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. It’s hooked to a standard Bose audio system which, well, doesn’t suck like most Bose integrations (at least, in this audiophile’s opinion). Some work has been done here to make sure it sounds good.

Drivetrain: It’s… fine.

A 1.6 liter turbocharged engine isn’t going to frighten anyone with just 190 horsepower at its disposal, and there is no satisfaction in aggressively using the throttle pedal from a stop, despite a somewhat respectable 195 lb-ft of torque available. However, it’s acceptably responsive when moving to join a freeway or overtaking a slow moving vehicle – partly due to the adept eight-speed automatic transmission. Expect a little short of nine seconds to get to 60 mph off the line.

The lack of go isn’t massively offset by fuel economy, although the 2.0-liter version is naturally more frugal:

Our all-wheel-drive turbocharged tester showed 24.8 mpg overall for the week, but didn’t see a lot of freeway action.

On The Road: Still Good Fun?

The 2024 Kona N Line doesn’t feel as spritely off the line as the last generation, likely due to its increased weight. However, it’s a sporty crossover, not a sports crossover. On a windy road, there’s plenty of grip from the oversized summer tires and the suspension handles body control commendably well, leaving you to concentrate on having some corner carving fun. Understeer has to be forced, and the brakes feel solid, although it does not like bigger bumps that arrive quickly at all.

Generally, the ride quality is lovely for the price point and the lack of sidewall on the tires. That’s likely due to suspension improvements and the longer wheelbase. Around town, though, the extra length doesn’t get noticed, and the Kona still slips through and fits in gaps larger crossovers need to avoid. We briefly visited the freeway, and quite a badly maintained one at that, and the suspension dealt with the gritty conditions well. The Kona was happy to cruise along after heavy use of the accelerator to get up to joining speed.

Conclusion: Just Buy A Honda Civic Si

It’s a harsh conclusion, but the reality is that if you want the style, comfort, and convenience of a Hyundai Kona, you should buy a different trim level. It’s a great small crossover. If you want sporty, a Civic Si is cheaper, quicker, more fun, and comes with 18-inch wheels that are more practical in a sporty sense and replacement tires are easier on the wallet. It also does most of the practical stuff and with more comfort in the seats than the Kona N Line. We’re not crossover unfriendly in general, but in this case, if you want something genuinely sporty, you’re better off with a sedan. It doesn’t have to be the Civic Si, but the Japanese sedan is great, includes a limited slip diff, and costs a little less than the $30,800 Kona N Line.