2026 Hyundai Kona

About the only way Hyundai could make us more enthusiastic about the 2026 Kona would be to beef up the horsepower in the base engine. Otherwise, we can’t find a nit to pick. In fact, we like it so much that we named it our Kelley Blue Book Subcompact SUV Best Buy Award winner again. Besides being easy on the eyes, it’s competent, fuel efficient, and claims the best warranty in the industry. But wait, there’s more. Its tidy footprint allows the Kona to wiggle into tight parking slots in spite of offering one of the roomier interiors in the segment. Win, win, win, win, win.

We review the 2026 Hyundai Kona Electric separately.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact SUVs, including the Hyundai Kona.

Hyundai curtailed the SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line S, and N Line grades in favor of the SEL Sport and SEL Premium, realigning standard features in the process. A larger center console tray is standard across the board, as is adaptive cruise control and junction turning assist. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster becomes standard on the SEL Premium trim.

For our money, the entry-level SE is quite well stocked regarding technology and convenience features. Although stepping up to the SEL Sport grade gains such sought-after features as heated front seats, bigger 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear air vents, making the jump to the SEL Premium trim really rounds out the offerings. In addition to the SEL Sport’s extras, the SEL Premium brings a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, the turbo engine, and 19-inch wheels. Adding all-wheel-drive to any model will set you back about $1,500.

The Kona’s starting price is on par with its competition that’s mostly in the $25,000 to $27,000 range. These rivals include the Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and Mazda CX-30. It’s worth noting that although the Crosstrek and CX-30 are priced above the Kona, they both come standard with all-wheel drive.

Before buying a new Kona SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. The Kona’s resale values are above the class average. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The Kona’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, which is about average for this class. Getting from a standstill to 60 mph takes a relaxed 9.2 seconds. This isn’t the slowest contender, though. For example, the Honda HR-V requires more than 9.5 seconds. Hyundai further limits the thrills by pairing this engine with a continuously variable automatic transmission engineered for optimum fuel economy rather than performance.

For more spirit, the SEL Premium and Limited trims use a turbocharged 190-hp engine, which allow these Kona models to hit 60 mph about two seconds sooner. Hyundai links this more muscular engine with a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission.

Generally, we find the Kona to be pleasant, efficient, and relatively roomy for a small SUV. The seats are supportive enough to keep the fatigue factor low, even on trips of eight hours or more. The steering is responsive, while the brakes provide a decent amount of feel.

Fuel Economy

The Kona’s fuel efficiency is in line with the competition. The popular base engine/all-wheel-drive combination results in 28 mpg during combined city/highway driving. A comparable Honda HR-V returns 27 mpg combined, while the Subaru Crosstrek manages 29 mpg combined.

With front-wheel drive (FWD), the Kona achieves 31 mpg combined. And the more powerful engine runs to 28 mpg combined (front-wheel drive) or 26 mpg combined (all-wheel drive).

“Less is more” comes to mind when we survey the Kona’s cabin. Hyundai keeps it simple but effective. The 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard in every new Kona, while upper trims gain a matching 12.3-inch digital driver information display. The two screens sit side by side, spreading across half of the dashboard. Covered by one long glass panel, they appear as one continuous display.

The Kona is a 5-seater. Well, a comfortable 4-seater with a small middle rear spot. Rear legroom of 38.2 inches puts the Kona up there with the more spacious members of this class. Cargo capacity is also better than average. There’s 25.5 cubic feet behind the second row, opening out to a maximum of 63.7 cubic feet when they’re folded down. That’s more than the Honda HR-V.

The Kona’s radical and futuristic looks may have something to do with this generation’s initial design sparked (pardon the pun) by the EV version. The “chicken or the egg” conundrum springs to mind when talking Kona styling. In our mind, Hyundai seems to have first penned the EV’s looks and then adapted it to the combustion version. That said, Hyundai has still managed to retain pleasing and sensible proportions. The Kona’s tidy size is a joy when parking. It’s ideal in crowded conditions like city parking garages.

12.3-inch display
All 2026 Hyundai Kona models boast a big and crisp 12.3-inch touchscreen, an impressive size for this class. Starting with the SEL Premium trim, there is a secondary 12.3-inch digital display for the instrument cluster.

All-wheel drive
This is optional in all Kona variants (except the EV), providing optimum grip and traction in the wet and dry. All-wheel-drive models also get a multi-link rear suspension, which brings improved ride quality and is a win-win in our book.

Hyundai Bluelink
These remote services include automatic collision notification, roadside assistance, remote start/climate settings, stolen vehicle location/slowdown, and panic notification.

Over-the-air updates
The Kona can improve even after it’s been purchased, thanks to over-the-air updates (OTA) providing software enhancements.

Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Cable-free phone integration is standard across the Kona lineup, which we’re pleased to see.

Dual-zone automatic climate control
Beginning with the SEL Sport trim, dual-zone automatic climate control is standard. A set-it-and-forget-it system, it separates the cooling and heating function into right and left zones. Once the temperature for each zone is set, the system maintains that temperature automatically.

The most popular engine choice with the Kona is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit making 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Not a massive amount of muscle, but no worse than most of this subcompact SUV class. The automatic transmission here is of the continuously variable variety.

The SEL Premium and Limited models have a turbocharged 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine generating a much sportier 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque. This connects to a traditional 8-speed automatic transmission. However, if performance is your must-have, we suggest you check out the Mazda CX-30.

Front-wheel drive is the default setup, with all-wheel drive available as an option with either engine.

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

The Kona SUV enjoys class-leading warranties. Hyundai’s excellent coverage includes a 5-year/60,000-mile (whichever happens first) basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Safety Ratings

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the Kona its highest accolade: Top Safety Pick+. It earned an overall score of four stars out of a possible five from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian/cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance.