The Hyundai Kona has been known to deliver a crisp driving experience since it first hit the market in 2018.

The same promise is expected for the 2022 Hyundai Kona as the Korean automaker has gained a reputation for drastically stepping up its game. This SUV is one of those that benefit from feature upgrades for the brand.

It's a blend of a sedan-like feel in a subcompact SUV, making it a good combination of practicality and style.

Let's look at what we know so far about the 2022 Hyundai Kona.

What's With The Hyundai Kona?

Hyundai Kona Close-Up
Via: Hyundai USA

The Kona is a subcompact SUV that focuses more on carrying passengers than it does cargo. It gives up compartment space in favor of making the vehicle more roomy for those on board.

The Kona is one of Hyundai's smaller offerings in the SUV category as it comes with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder powertrain and a more economical turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine.

These standard features have made the Kona a pretty viable option in the subcompact category.

What's New For the 2022 Hyundai Kona?

Hyundai Kona
Via: Hyundai USA

The 2022 Hyundai Kona is picking up where it left off, with significant features added to it. It will also come with a refreshed exterior and interior for the 2022 model year.

The most evident change for the new Kona is its styling. New wide-mouth grille, and faux front and rear skid plates are all-new styling features. There's also a fresh front-end treatment, and new wheels with the 2022 Kona.

The interior of the 2022 Kona won't be left lagging with a redesigned dashboard with a new digital gauge display. Its infotainment system has also been upgraded from a standard 7-inch touchscreen to 8 inches. A 10.3-inch unit will also be offered as an upgrade.

There's also going to be a new sporty N Line trim which also has a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine capable of 195 horsepower. It is rumored that there will also be a performance-oriented N model coming out.

RELATED: 2022 Hyundai Kona N Debuts As Lineup's First High-Performance SUV

2022 Hyundai Kona: Under The Hood

Via: AIMHO'S REBELLION 8490s, Wikimedia Commons - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

The 2022 Hyundai Kona will have two powertrains available with a choice between economy and performance.

All SE and SEL models will come with the 147-hp four-cylinder engine. Both models feature six-speed automatic transmission.

The Limited and N-Line models will receive the significantly powerful 195-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It will come in a quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

As for fuel efficiency, the 2022 Kona's EPA ratings are pretty decent but aren't the most efficient among its rivals. Its turbocharged engine delivered 32 mpg in 200 miles on the highway. The base four-cylinder model delivered 33 mpg in the same distance.

2022 Hyundai Kona Exterior and Interior

Kona SUV
Via: Hyundai SUV

Hyundai put a good effort into enhancing the aesthetic of Kona's exterior and interior for 2022. This SUV also puts emphasis on maintaining its passenger's comfort.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona has good ergonomics as it can comfortably seat its capacity. Quality materials were used to make sure the interior keeps up with necessary demands.

Its steering wheel is wrapped in genuine leather with contrast stitching. It also has integrated controls for cruise control and audio settings.

While the Kona sacrifices cargo for seating capacity, it still has sufficient space in its carrier. That makes it a suitable upgrade from a hatchback or sedan.

RELATED: Hyundai Kona N Officially Revealed For High-Performance N Lineup

Other Features of the 2022 Hyundai Kona

Hyundai Kona Interior
Via: Hyundai USA

We've already noted Kona's upgrade of its touchscreen infotainment system from seven to eight inches. The system has simplified shortcut buttons that allow users to switch between common menus with ease.

While the standard 8.0-inch touchscreen is already good enough to navigate around, buyers have a chance to make it better with a larger 10.3-inch upgrade.

Another special offering is a flip-up head-up display that projects driving directions onto the dashboard. It includes other information such as speed indication and distance traveled.

As for the entertainment side of the system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability are standard. There's also an option for wireless connection.

Other features for the 2022 Hyundai Kona include a number of driver-assistance features such as an automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlamps.

How Much Does The 2022 Hyundai Kona Cost?

Hyundai Kona
Via: Hyundai USA

Pricing for the 2022 Hyundai Kona varies. Regardless of price, all models will have standard features such as sunroofs, automatic climate control, fog lamps, leather upholstery, and a power-adjustable driver's seat.

The Kona SE is the cheapest at $22,135. The SEL and N-Line have a little bit over a $3000 difference at $23,935 and $26,685, respectively. The loaded version is the Kona Limited which costs $29,435.

Buyers are assured that regardless of which model they choose, the 2022 Kona will be a more polished version of last year's model. The sportier variants are definitely the more practical option considering the price differentials.

NEXT: Can The New Hyundai Kona N Take On The Ford Puma ST?