MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Hyundai Kona N

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Hyundai Kona N

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
4Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE HYUNDAI KONA N

The Hyundai Kona N is a performance-oriented subcompact SUV aimed squarely at driving enthusiasts who want hot-hatch energy in a slightly more practical package. Sitting at the top of the Kona lineup, it blends an aggressive turbocharged powertrain with everyday crossover utility. It targets younger buyers and performance-minded drivers who refuse to sacrifice fun for function.

VERDICT

The 2023 Hyundai Kona N earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally celebrate the Kona N as one of the most engaging and characterful vehicles in the subcompact SUV segment, praising its sharp handling and punchy turbocharged performance. Most consider it a genuinely fun driver's car wearing crossover clothes. Practicality is viewed as adequate rather than outstanding, but enthusiasm for its performance personality is consistently high across professional assessments.

READ MORE REVIEWSExpert reviewsEdmundsCar and DriverCheck recalls at NHTSARead our full Kona N review

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

OverallNot rated
FrontalNot rated
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 14.1%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18649

Index breakdown

Crash protection63.8/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record19/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Frontal impact // NCAP // NHTSA
Side impact // NCAP // NHTSA

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE24V528000

Risk: A loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update engine control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning September 9, 2024. Some interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed September 3, 2024. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service at

Reported 2024-07-12

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

4 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 3Power Train 1Electrical System 1Steering 1Suspension 1Unknown Or Other 1

Other Kona N years

Rivals in SUV (2023)

2023 Tesla Model X Later ReleaseSUV100Exceptional2023 Tesla Model Y Later ReleaseSUV100Exceptional2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early ReleaseSUV100Exceptional2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later ReleaseSUV100Exceptional2023 Buick EnvisionSUV96Exceptional2023 Kia EV6SUV96Exceptional
Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 18649), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Hyundai Kona N 2023. Class rank 19 of 139 in SUV 2023. Methodology · Disclosure