Car and Driver has an in-depth test of the 2018 Kona Ultimate AWD. This test is not in the magazine, but anyone can access it through their website.
It is by far the most detailed test and in comparison to the Kia Soul, Mazda CX 3, Honda HRV and Nissan Roque Sport.
They claim a 0 to 60 time of 6.6 seconds with the AWD Ultimate. This is close to VW GTI territory.
They complain that the DCT transmission "stumbles" during slow speed, parking lot maneuvering. We have a Limited FWD and I didn't experience this at all.
Check it out, but make sure to search for the "in-depth" test.