23 MPG combined is what you get with the 2023 Hyundai Kona N. Some performance enthusiasts will gladly accept that in exchange for the hot hatch’s unique blend of practicality and outright fun. This isn’t a vehicle for those obsessed with saving every penny; it’s for drivers who prioritize an engaging driving experience above all else, even if that means more frequent fill-ups.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Kona N gets 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway. The lower city figure shouldn’t come as a surprise. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine begs to be revved, and the quick-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch transmission encourages spirited driving around town. Stop-and-go traffic only makes fuel consumption worse. However, the 27 MPG highway rating is respectable, making the Kona N a viable option for longer commutes or weekend road trips, if you can resist using the turbo’s boost all the time.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Hyundai Kona N at $2,500. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 45% of those miles in the city and 55% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price at the time of estimation. Remember that your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you purchase, and gas price changes. Given the Kona N’s performance, it’s likely that owners will drive it hard, and it’s entirely plausible to exceed the $2,500 estimate.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standardized test, but real-world fuel economy can change quite a bit. Kona N owners have reported that achieving the EPA’s 23 MPG combined rating is possible, but it takes work. Hard acceleration and frequent use of the “N Grin Shift” feature (which provides a temporary boost in power) will definitely lower fuel efficiency. But, driving conservatively and using cruise control on the highway can help you get close to or even a little better than the EPA’s estimates. The KONA MPG across all years shows a range of values depending on engine and model variant.

How it compares

The Kona N’s fuel economy is a mixed bag when you compare it to other performance vehicles in its class. The Volkswagen GTI, gets a respectable 28 MPG combined with its manual transmission; the automatic gets 27. The Subaru WRX, offers standard all-wheel drive and manages about the same 22 MPG combined. The Mini Cooper JCW is around 26 MPG combined. The Honda Civic Type R doesn’t offer a direct comparison because it’s in a higher class, but even it gets 24 MPG combined. While the Kona N isn’t the most fuel-efficient choice, it’s also not drastically worse than its competitors. People who want the Kona N’s combination of SUV practicality and hot-hatch performance probably care less about fuel economy than someone looking at all Hyundai fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One way to get better fuel economy in the Kona N is to be careful with the gas pedal. Avoid hard acceleration and brake smoothly. The turbocharged engine responds well to small throttle inputs, and you might be surprised how much gas you can save by driving more slowly.

Choose the right drive mode. “N” mode is fun, but switching to “Eco” or “Normal” mode can lower fuel consumption, especially in the city. These modes change how the throttle responds and how the transmission shifts for better efficiency.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, which makes the engine work harder, using more gas. Check your tire pressure often and keep it at the recommended level on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Don’t idle. If you’re stopped for more than a minute or two, turn off the engine. Modern engines restart quickly, and idling wastes gas. This is especially true in cities with lots of stops.