With 32 MPG combined, the 2022 Hyundai Kona FWD 1.6L is a good choice for city drivers and first-time car buyers who want something affordable and easy to maneuver, even if it’s not the roomiest or most exciting car to drive. It’s designed for navigating busy city streets and fitting into small parking spaces, not for long highway trips. The fuel economy is great for saving money on gas, and the turbocharged engine still provides decent power.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Kona 1.6L turbo gets 29 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. The lower city MPG reflects the kind of stop-and-go driving it was designed for. It’s not surprising that the highway MPG is a bit higher, since the Kona’s small size and efficient engine are well-suited for cruising at speed. The 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission works well and keeps the turbo engine in its best power range. While not the smoothest transmission available, it pairs well with the engine and improves overall efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA says that owners of the 2022 Hyundai Kona FWD 1.6L can expect to pay about $1,350 per year for fuel. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using national average gas prices. Fuel costs can change a lot depending on local gas prices and how you drive. If you drive a lot more or less than 15,000 miles per year, or if you live in a state with high gas taxes, your fuel expenses will be different.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides an estimate, but real-world fuel economy will depend on how you drive, the terrain, the weather, and how much weight you’re carrying in the car. Driving fast, braking hard often, and carrying heavy loads will all reduce fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance, like keeping your tires properly inflated and changing the oil on time, is important for maintaining good fuel economy. Don’t expect to always get 32 MPG on every tank.

How it compares

The 2022 Kona 1.6L’s fuel economy is competitive for a subcompact SUV. For example, a similar Mazda CX-30 with its standard 2.5L engine gets about 28 MPG combined. The Nissan Kicks, while not turbocharged, gets an EPA-estimated 31 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway because it is lightweight and has a smaller engine. A Toyota C-HR is similar to the Kona, with 29 MPG combined. The C-HR and Kicks are much slower than the Kona, so a lot of buyers are willing to trade some MPG for the extra power from the turbo. All Hyundai fuel economy data shows a strong showing. The KONA MPG across all years shows the 2022 is fairly typical.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Be gentle with the gas pedal. The Kona’s turbocharged engine responds well to light pressure. Avoid accelerating quickly and braking hard, because these habits waste gas. Predict traffic and keep a steady speed as much as possible to get the best fuel economy.

Check your tire pressure often and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s side door. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which lowers fuel economy. Tire pressure changes with the weather, so adjust as needed.

If you’re going to be stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern cars are designed to restart quickly, so you won’t hurt the engine. Excessive idling wastes fuel and creates pollution.

Use cruise control on the highway. When driving at a steady speed on the highway, use cruise control to keep a consistent pace. This can help you avoid accidentally speeding up or slowing down, which can both hurt fuel economy.