2022 Hyundai Kona vs Kia Niro

If you're looking for an SUV that won't require a second mortgage, two of the top contenders are the 2022 Hyundai Kona and the 2022 Kia Niro. Albeit similar due to their close relationship between manufacturers, these small SUVs still possess unique traits to set them apart. So analyze your needs and make sure one of these subcompact options fits just right!

The 2022 Kona has been fully redesigned, having an upgraded cabin and a long list of standard equipment to offer. On the other hand, the Niro hit the market initially in 2017 and is still in its first generation. No changes have been made for 2022, but that does not mean that it is not an appealing choice.

 

The Powertrain

The 2022 Kona offers a variety of powertrain options to fit any driver's needs. The SE and SEL trims contain an efficient 2.0L four-cylinder engine, pumping out 147 horsepower for your daily commute or weekend adventures. For the more enthusiastic drivers, there are two higher trim levels: N-Line and Limited. This model will come with an 1.6L turbocharged motor that packs 195 ponies for action packed drives!

Get ready to unleash your inner speed demon with the Hyundai Kona N! Boasting a 276 horsepower turbocharged engine and 8-speed dual clutch transmission, you can take control of exhilarating performance power no matter if you choose front or all wheel drive. The Kona N is designed for those who are passionate about speed - so buckle up and let the adventure begin!

The Kona isn't your average electric vehicle - it packs a punch with 201 horsepower, 291 lb-ft of torque and an impressive range up to 258 miles. Plus its regenerative braking capabilities can help you go even further!

Kia's Niro models are revolutionizing the driving experience with their hybrid and all-electric powertrains. Cruise around town in style and comfort as this sleek new car churns out up to 139 horsepower, courtesy of a four-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor. Alongside that is its smoother than ever shifting six‑speed dual clutch transmission, or upgrade your daily drives even more by opting for the 201 horses available on its fully electric model - either way you'll be riding into the future!

These two SUVs boast remarkable fuel economy numbers — the front-wheel drive Kona with its base engine is projected to achieve an incredibly efficient 30mpg in urban areas and 35mpg on highways. If you upgrade it to all wheel drive, don't worry; still expect a great 28 mpg for city driving and 33 out on the highway!

The Kona and Kona N offer distinct fuel-efficiency options, balancing power with economy. The turbo 1.6L engine of the former offers up to 35mpg on highways while driving front wheel, or 32 mpg when in all-wheel drive mode. Comparably powerful yet more efficient, the latter still impresses at 20 city mpg and 27 highway miles per gallon for an optimal balance between performance and efficiency!

The base Niro LX Hybrid gives drivers a vibrant 53mpg in the city and an impressive 28mpg when cruising around on highways. Most of its models are no slouch either, offering up to 51 mpg in urban areas and 46 while hitting open roads; see even farther with the powerful Touring SE model providing 40/46 mpq - perfect for those who like long drives!

The Niro Hybrid offers drivers the fantastic option of selecting between electric and hybrid power, combining economy with flexibility. The Plug-in version boasts an incredible 105MPGe when running on only electric energy while its hybrid capabilities offer up to 46mpg - not including the regenerative brakes that can maximize your driving time even further! To top it off, enjoy a rangy 239 miles per full charge in their innovative EV model.

Hyundai and Kia have shown their commitment to drivers by providing the same robust warranties for both new Kona and Niro models. Featuring a five-year/60,000 mile overall warranty, along with an impressive ten-year/100K powertrain assurance - giving buyers of these vehicles total peace of mind on the road.

Drivability

The Kona offers a pleasant driving experience, with its updated engine giving it enough power to effortlessly glide through narrow parking lots and busy city streets. Meanwhile, the Niro delivers an adequate amount of speed for everyday errands around town. No matter which ride you choose - maneuverability is not something that you need to worry about!

Regardless of the powertrain, the new Kona offers 19.2 cubic feet of space behind the second row. The Niro is just slightly larger, offering 19.4 cubic feet in the very back. With the second row folded down, the Kona possesses 45.8 cubic feet which is considerably less than the Niro, offering up to 54.5 cubic feet.

Both the Kona and the Niro have spacious and supportive front seats offering a great view of the road ahead. Similarly, they boast cramped second rows that are best saved for children. There is a bit more legroom in the back of the Niro. Both of these SUVs have cloth upholstery as their standard features. The Niro comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, whereas lower Kona trim levels lack this feature.

The 2022 Kona and the Niro offer a remarkable infotainment experience, with an 8-inch touchscreen display along with premium six-speaker sound system that seamlessly integrate wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The Niro comes standard with one USB port, while the Kona provides two for even more connectivity options on your journey.

Potential buyers of either the Kona or Niro SUVs can choose to enhance their vehicle with a large 10.25-inch touchscreen display and an eight-speaker sound system for superior audio quality. For optimal connectivity, cars equipped with larger touchscreens will feature wired smartphone integration instead of wireless options; satellite radio and navigation systems are also available as additional amenities. The Hyundai Kona goes one step further by offering Blue Link - giving drivers complete remote access through a downloadable app on their device!

Hyundai Kona and Niro SUVs offer unbeatable convenience with features like keyless entry, push-button starts, power adjustable front seats for the ultimate comfort plus added warmth on chilly days. The extra vibrancy of a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster gives drivers unprecedented access to their vehicle's info - making every journey effortless!

Safety

The Kona and Niro SUVs have proven themselves to be reliable in terms of safety, with both earning top marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. They achieved a "Good" score across all six major categories of evaluation, as well as being deemed excellent at preventing vehicle-to-vehicle collisions. The vehicles also earned an impressive second best rating when it came to avoiding pedestrian accidents - truly showcasing their superb protection capabilities!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration compared the 2022 Kona and Niro SUVs and found a difference in their overall safety ratings - five stars for the Kona, four stars for the Niro. Interestingly enough, both were given similar individual scores: 4/5 for frontal crashes & rollovers; 5/5 for side collisions. So how did one gain an extra star? The answer is unique to each of these safe-but-different vehicles!

The list for the 2022 Kona is far longer when it comes to standard driver aids. Buyers get forward-collision mitigation, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and rear occupant alert along with driver drowsiness monitoring. Higher trim levels add high beam assist, blind-spot monitoring, and a sophisticated adaptive cruise control system.

The Kia Niro offers a variety of driver-assistance features, from rearview cameras to lane-keeping assist. Starting with the LXS model and going up, you can take advantage of blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams and forward collision mitigation - all designed to make your driving experience safer than ever before! Plus some models come equipped with attention monitoring technology plus added parking sensors for extra peace of mind.

Which is the Best Value?

Are you looking for your next car? The 2022 Kona may be just the one. You can get a gas-powered version of this hot ride at an accessible starting price point – around $21,150! But if more juice is what you're after, take a look at its higher powered cousin - the electric model which starts closer to $37K. If neither quite fits your budget or needs, consider checking out another favorite from the same family–the Niro with both plug-in hybrid and EV iterations available beginning near 25k and 40k respectively.

Shopping for a 2022 SUV just got easier! With so many factors to consider when buying, let us help guide you; starting with the entry-level models of the Kona and Niro. Base prices have been compared allowing buyers insight into what they can expect out of their ideal vehicle - without breaking the bank!

A new Kona will lose about $12,200 of its value over the course of five years while the Niro will lose around $14,500. Although the Niro loses more, it is also worth more originally. In five years, buyers can anticipate that they could resell either a 2022 Kona or 2022 Niro for about the same amount.

With the Kona, you'll be getting a great deal on an efficient and affordable SUV. But if your goal is to save even more money in the long run with remarkable performance, then look no further than its hybrid counterpart - the Niro! This vehicle will only cost about half of what you'd pay for a Kona—just around $4,750 over five years – so it's really hard to beat this bargain.

Although the initial cost of maintaining a 2022 Kona is high, coming in at close to $3,750 for its first five years, it's not as costly compared to running and repairing a Niro - estimated at almost 800 dollars more. Small repairs are no exception either; both cars require about $680 for maintenance fees.

Buyers will also be paying financing fees, insurance, and state fees during this time period. Combining all the factors, it will cost Kona drivers around $0.41 per mile to drive their SUV while the Niro will cost around $0.43. These figures assume that each vehicle is driven 15,000 miles annually.

 

Which is Better?

When contrasting the 2022 Kia Niro and the 2022 Hyundai Kona, it is difficult to pick a clear winner. They are both economical choices having a strong list of standard features. Neither of them is particularly fun to drive when looking at entry-level models, but they make up for it by being practical and convenient. Buyers also get impressive warranty coverage with either SUV.

The 2022 Kona is an upscale SUV, especially for the price offering fantastic fuel economy for a gas-powered vehicle, and buyers can also consider an electric version if that better suits their needs. For many drivers, the extensive list of standard driver assistance features gives the Kona an advantage over the Niro. If having a thrilling experience is the ultimate goal, the Kona N is an appealing option to explore.

Then there comes the 2022 Niro, having a bit more cargo space and a slightly larger second row when compared to the Kona. Some would argue that the Niro also has a smoother ride. When buyers consider the exceptional fuel economy, it appears to be a formidable competitor. Although the entry-level model is missing out on driver aids, buyers only need to go up one trim level to find them.

If you're the type to appreciate something new, then check out what Hyundai has been cooking up with their all-new 2022 Kona! With its cutting edge design and thrilling performance capabilities, it's sure to kick your gear into high. But if room is more of a priority for you, look no further than the stylishly spacious 2022 Niro by Kia - it'll provide plenty of comfort wherever life takes you.