Everything You Need to Know About the Hyundai Kona

If you’re in the market for a small SUV that combines easy maneuverability with impressive technology, available AWD, advanced safety features, and a surprisingly spacious interior, the 2026 Hyundai Kona should be top of your list.

The Kona has become one of Hyundai’s most distinctive SUVs, offering an alternative to larger models like the Tucson and Santa Fe. The Kona is great for drivers who want SUV versatility without stepping up to a larger vehicle, while also offering a winning combination of style, technology, efficiency, and available performance.

And with four available trim levels, including two new trims for 2026, there’s a Kona for all driving needs and budgets.

What Is the Hyundai Kona?

The Hyundai Kona is a five-passenger subcompact SUV designed for drivers who want the versatility of an SUV in a smaller, easier-to-maneuver package.

At 171.3 inches long, the Kona is compact enough for city driving and tight parking spaces while still providing seating for five and a useful cargo area. HTRAC All-Wheel Drive is available across the gas-powered Kona lineup, giving drivers the option to add additional traction when road conditions demand it.

For 2026, Hyundai also expands the Kona lineup with the SEL Sport and SEL Premium trims, giving shoppers more options when picking their Kona.

Hyundai Kona Performance and Efficiency

The Hyundai Kona offers two gas-engine choices depending on trim.

The standard engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. For drivers looking for additional performance, the SEL Premium and Limited trims offer a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque.

Front-wheel drive is standard, while HTRAC All-Wheel Drive is available on all four Kona trims, giving shoppers the flexibility to choose the drivetrain that best fits their driving needs.

Fuel economy varies by trim and drivetrain. The most efficient configurations—the SE and SEL Sport with front-wheel drive—are EPA-rated at up to 28 city/35 highway/31 combined MPG. With HTRAC AWD, those trims are rated at 26 city/29 highway/27 combined MPG.

The turbocharged SEL Premium and Limited achieve up to 26 city/32 highway/28 combined MPG with FWD and 24 city/29 highway/26 combined MPG with AWD.

That makes the Kona particularly interesting for drivers who want the versatility and available traction of an SUV without automatically moving into a larger, heavier vehicle.

Hyundai Kona Technology

Technology is one of the areas where the 2026 Kona stands out.

Every Kona trim comes equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM and HD Radio.

Depending on the trim, available technology includes:

• 12.3-inch navigation system
• Bose premium audio with eight speakers
• Wireless device charging
• Digital gauge cluster
• Bluelink+ connected services
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
• Surround View Monitor
• Blind-Spot View Monitor
• Remote Smart Parking Assist
• Proximity key with push-button start
• Remote start
• Available sunroof

The Limited trim takes the technology package even further with features such as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, Bose premium audio, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist, and additional parking-assistance technology.

Hyundai Kona Safety Features

Safety is another major part of the Kona’s appeal.

Hyundai equips the 2026 Kona with a broad collection of driver-assistance technologies through its Hyundai SmartSense suite. Standard features include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, junction-turning, and direct-oncoming detection
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Safe Exit Warning
• Driver Attention Warning
• Rear Occupant Alert
• High Beam Assist

These features are designed to provide assistance in situations such as changing lanes, maintaining lane position, detecting potential frontal collisions, and backing out of parking spaces. As with all driver-assistance systems, they are supplemental technologies and don’t replace attentive driving.

The 2026 Kona also earned a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ designation, the highest award in the IIHS safety program. The designation applies to the gas-powered 2026 Kona and excludes the Kona Electric.

What Sets the Kona Apart From Other Hyundai SUVs?

One of the biggest questions shoppers have is: Why choose a Kona instead of another Hyundai SUV?

The answer largely comes down to size and purpose.

Kona vs. Tucson

The Tucson is a larger compact SUV designed for shoppers who need more overall space. The Kona, meanwhile, provides a smaller footprint that can be easier to maneuver and park while still offering seating for five and available AWD.

If you primarily drive around town, commute to work, or want an SUV without the size of a traditional compact SUV, the Kona may be a better match.

Kona vs. Santa Fe

The Santa Fe moves into a larger SUV category, offering more passenger and cargo space and a different focus for families and drivers who need greater capacity.

The Kona is the more compact option. Its smaller dimensions make it particularly appealing to drivers who prioritize maneuverability and an urban-friendly footprint, or don’t need extra passenger space.

Kona vs. Elantra

The Elantra is a sedan, while the Kona provides the higher seating position, hatchback-style cargo flexibility, and available AWD that many SUV shoppers are looking for.

For someone deciding between a small car and a small SUV, the Kona offers a great middle ground.

Hyundai Kona Trim Levels

For 2026, the Kona is offered in four primary gas-powered trims:

Kona SE

The SE serves as the entry point to the Kona lineup and includes features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, and available HTRAC AWD.

Kona SEL Sport

New for 2026, the SEL Sport adds sporty design elements and additional convenience features. It also moves to the available 190-horsepower turbocharged engine.

Kona SEL Premium

The SEL Premium adds more premium equipment, including features such as an upgraded digital instrument display, H-Tex leatherette seating, available turbocharged performance, and additional convenience technology.

Kona Limited

The Limited represents the top of the gas Kona lineup, adding premium features such as Bose audio, navigation, ventilated front seats, Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist, and additional parking-assistance technology.

If you need help determining which trim level would be best for you, our friendly staff are ready to help!

Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona Right for You?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona is worth considering if you’re looking for:

• A compact SUV that’s easy to maneuver
• Seating for five
• Available all-wheel drive
• An available turbocharged engine
• A large 12.3-inch touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Advanced driver-assistance technology
• Available premium audio and navigation
• A choice of four gas-powered trims
• A smaller alternative to SUVs such as the Tucson and Santa Fe

It’s also an especially interesting option for shoppers who want the practicality of an SUV without jumping into a larger vehicle.

Explore the Hyundai Kona at Diehl Hyundai of Massillon

Researching the Kona is one thing, but you don’t truly get the feel until you’re sitting behind the wheel.

If you’re considering a Hyundai Kona, our sales team can help you compare available trims, drivetrain options, colors, features, and current inventory. We can also help you determine which Kona configuration makes the most sense for your daily commute, family needs, budget, and driving preferences.

Ready to see what the Hyundai Kona can do for you?

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