All the Best Hyundai Compact SUVs
Hyundai’s smallest SUV may be the pint-sized Venue, but the Kona makes for a more thrilling ride. Click here for more details about these compact SUVs.
Written by Tiffany Leung
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
The Hyundai Kona has come a long way from its quirky beginnings to its more refined styling both inside and out. The many custom options and attractive price tag also make this compact SUV a popular choice from the Hyundai small SUV lineup.
While the Hyundai Kona is the automaker’s favorite compact SUV, it’s not the only choice that buyers have. After all, one model can’t fit every customer’s preferences and driving needs. If you’re looking to get a new, compact, and affordable SUV, this is a great place to check out your options.
Let’s walk through all the compact SUVs Hyundai currently has to offer. The focus will be on models that are available brand-new, but we’ll touch on Hyundai’s smallest cars and the best used and discontinued Hyundai compacts. Stick around until the end for tips to help you save on
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2022 Hyundai compact and subcompact SUV models
Currently, Hyundai has four compact SUV options, with three of the models being Konas. Let’s take a closer look at what your options are.
2022 Hyundai Venue ($20,795 MSRP)
The
Hyundai Venue
is the company’s smallest and most affordable compact SUV but don’t let its looks fool you. The Venue has ample cabin space and comes with a host of driver-assistance features.Although the Venue is rated an average score of 7.4/10 on Edmunds, it has an 8/10 from Car and Driver. The Venue scores a great 82/100 on J.D. Power and ranks #8 on their list of Best Compact and Small SUVs of 2022—tied with the
Volkswagen Taos
and Jeep Renegade
.Highlights of the Venue include:
- Spacious interior and solid build quality despite size and price point
- A host of standard driver-assistance features
- Small size and reactive steering makes it agile in traffic
- EPA rating of 31/29/33 mpg (combined/city/highway)
- Models from $20,795 to $24,045 MSRP
Weaknesses of the model include:
- Lacks all-wheel-drive option
- Engine lacks power for highway driving
- Coarse engine sound at higher speeds
- Sunroof is not an option for the Limited trim
- Small for even the extra-small SUV class
2022 Hyundai Kona ($22,595 MSRP)
The Kona is Hyundai’s cheeky and second-smallest member of the SUV family. Not only has the Kona received a glow-up with its bold styling, but it is also compact, practical, and efficient—not to mention affordable.
The interior sports a futuristic design with plenty of features, especially in higher trims. For the best driving experience, we’d go for the fully-loaded
Kona Limited
. The Kona earns a good rating of 7.9/10 from Edmunds and scores a solid 9/10 from Car and Driver and earns a spot on its Editor’s Choice list.Highlights of the Kona include:
- Looks more refined after a style refresh
- Quick acceleration with the optional turbocharged engine
- Enjoyable driving experience thanks to its nimble handling
- Many standard features for the price point
- EPA rating of 32/29/35 mpg (combined/city/highway)
- Roomy interior despite being a compact car
Weaknesses include:
- Base 2.0L four-cylinder engine lacks power
- Interior materials include an abundance of hard plastic
MORE:Are Hyundais expensive to maintain?
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric ($35,295 MSRP)
If you love the Kona but want to save on gas, you’ll be pleased to know that the Kona Electric is an option. The peppy 64.0-kWh electric powertrain produces a combined 201 hp and can reach 60 mph in 6.4 seconds.
Edmunds rates this small EV a great 8.2/10 while Car and Drivers hands it an 8/10 and a spot on the Editor’s Choice list.
Highlights of the Kona Electric include:
- Peppy acceleration and sharp handling
- Cabin is comfortable and quiet
- Many standard tech features
- Great driving range on one charge
Weaknesses include:
- Back seats have tight legroom
- Not available in every state
- Does not handle bumpy roads well
- All-wheel drive is not an option
- Driving range suffers in low temperatures
2022 Hyundai Kona N ($32,150 MSRP)
While also a Kona by name, the Kona N is a completely different beast and not to be confused with the
Kona N Line
trim level. The Kona N is Hyundai’s first performance SUV with a 276-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can be boosted to 286 horses.Edmunds doesn’t provide a separate score for the Kona N, but Car and Driver gives it an 8/10 and puts it on the Editors’ Choice list.
Highlights of the Kona N include:
- Perkier drive with engaging driving dynamics
- Stand-out styling
- Overboost function and sport-tuned suspension
- Strong performance with a thunderous exhaust sound
- Standard manual transmission, available automatic transmission
- 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds
Weaknesses include:
- Only one fully-loaded trim level
- Sunroof only available with automatic transmission
- Interior materials reflect its price point
- Ride can be too stiff
MORE:How to build a custom Hyundai Veloster
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Other small Hyundai models
The four models listed above are Hyundai’s smallest SUVs. However, if you’re open to something even more compact, Hyundai also has a selection of compact cars, an upcoming model, and a discontinued hatchback still available on the used car market.
- Hyundai Accent($17,740 MSRP): Hyundai’s most affordable and second-smallest car offered. Surprisingly roomy despite its compact size.
- Hyundai Elantra($21,245 MSRP): Hyundai’s best-selling compact sedan is available with a hybrid option for environmentally-conscious buyers.
- Hyundai Elantra N ($32,150 MSRP): Not to be confused with theElantra N Line. This performance-based compact sedan sports a 275-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and its exceptional performance eclipses theJetta GLI.
- Hyundai Veloster N ($32,150 MSRP): The smallest car Hyundai offers. This zesty three-door coupe has a unique design and makes for an exhilarating ride.
- Hyundai IONIQ 6 (MSRP TBD): The newest member of the fully electricIONIQfamily slated for 2023. Keep an eye out for this unique addition to the Hyundai lineup.
- Hyundai Elantra GT(Starting at $16,500 used): Discontinued in 2020, the Elantra GT is a compact and practical hatchback that is still available on the used car market.
Other vehicles available include:
- SUVs:Tucson, Tucson Hybrid, Tucson Plug-in Hybrid,Santa Cruz,Santa Fe, Sante Fe Hybrid, Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid,Palisade, IONIQ 5, Nexo
MORE:
Hyundai tune-up cost
What is Hyundai’s smallest SUV?
The Hyundai Venue is the smallest SUV sold by Hyundai but the Kona isn’t too far behind. Below is a size comparison of the 2022 models:
Hyundai Venue | Hyundai Kona | |
|---|---|---|
Wheelbase | 99.2 inches | 102.4 inches |
Passenger volume | 91.9 cubic feet | 94.1 cubic feet |
What is Hyundai’s cheapest SUV?
If you want the most affordable new compact SUV from Hyundai, the Venue is what you’re looking for. Its top trim comes in slightly less than the
Kona SEL
(one trim level above the base)!How to save on Hyundai insurance
Small vehicles often come with a smaller insurance premium, but this is largely dependent on what model you’re driving. Hyundai’s hybrids and performance models will be more expensive due to the higher repair costs.
If you’re looking to lower your
Hyundai Kona insurance costs
(or insurance costs for any other vehicles), Jerry
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