The All New 2026 Hyundai Kona: Specifications & What’s New

2026 Hyundai Kona white SUV

It’s here! The all-new 2026 Hyundai Kona has arrived.

As a popular small crossover SUV, the Kona returns with a spacious interior, tech-savvy features, and advanced driver-assistance systems that Hyundai drivers appreciate most.

This two-row SUV stands out for its roomy versatility, impressive standard features, and strong reputation for dependability. The 2026 Kona continues to shine as a practical and stylish choice for everyday driving and weekend adventures.

To compare model years, maintenance needs, or specifications from previous Kona models, explore everything right here.

Or continue to read on and discover the specifications and what’s new for the 2026 Kona below.

New Features

Overview

  • Part of the second-generation Kona introduced in 2024
  • 2026 updates focus on trims and standard safety features

Trim Changes

  • New trim levels added: SEL Sport and SEL Premium
  • Discontinued trims: SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line, N Line S

Safety and Convenience

  • Adaptive cruise control is now standard on all trims
  • Additional standard safety features added across the lineup

Recognition

Already gaining praise, the 2026 Kona has been awarded Top Safety Pick+ by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). While the all-new Kona is still being reviewed, let’s explore highlights of what has been appreciated most of the prior year models including:

Best Trim

We recommend the SEL Premium.

Starting at around $28,550, the 2026 Hyundai Kona SEL Premium offers the best combination of power, premium features, and modern technology for the price. Highlights include:

Performance & Mechanical

  • Engine: 1.6L Turbocharged GDI 4-Cylinder Engine
    • Horsepower: 190 hp
    • Torque: 195 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic Transmission (8AT)
  • Shifting: Column-mounted Shift-by-Wire with Paddle Shifters
  • Drive Modes: Drive Mode Select (Normal, Sport, Snow)
  • Wheels: 19-inch Alloy Wheels (Larger than SE/SEL Sport)
  • Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) Standard; HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Available

Technology & Connectivity

  • Digital Displays: Panoramic Curved Display that includes:
    • 12.3-inch Infotainment Touchscreen
    • 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster (An upgrade from the 4.2-inch cluster on lower trims)
  • Smartphone Integration: Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
  • Charging: Wireless Device Charging
  • Audio: AM/FM/SiriusXM/HD Radio Audio System with 6 speakers
  • Connectivity: Bluelink+ Connected Car System

Interior & Comfort

  • Seating Material: H-Tex® Leatherette-Trimmed Seats (Simulated leather)
  • Driver Seat: 8-way Power Driver Seat with 2-way Power Lumbar Support
  • Heated Seats: Heated Front Seats
  • Climate Control: Dual-Zone Automatic Temperature Control
  • Steering Wheel: Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
  • Lighting: Ambient Interior Lighting
  • Convenience:
    • Proximity Key with Push Button Start
    • Remote Start (via key fob)
    • Rear A/C Vents (for 2nd row)

Safety & Driver Assistance (Hyundai SmartSense)

  • Adaptive Cruise Control: Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go
  • Front Collision: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction-Turning Detection
  • Blind Spot: Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
  • Rear Traffic: Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
  • Lane Assist: Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA)
  • High Beams: High Beam Assist (HBA)
  • Monitoring: Driver Attention Warning (DAW)

Trims Levels MSRP

  • SE: $25,350 MSRP
  • SEL Sport: $26,675 MSRP
  • SEL Premium: $28,550 MSRP
  • Limited: $32,650 MSRP

Performance

Gasoline Engine (Standard: SE, SEL Sport)

  • Engine: Smartstream 2.0-liter Multi-Point Injection (MPI) 4-cylinder engine (Atkinson-cycle).
  • Horsepower: 147 hp at 6,200 rpm.
  • Torque: 132 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm.
  • Transmission: Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
  • Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive (FWD) is standard; HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is available.
  • Towing Capacity: Hyundai does not recommend towing with the Kona.

Turbo Engine (Available: SEL Premium, Limited)

  • Engine: Smartstream 1.6-liter Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 4-cylinder engine.
  • Horsepower: 190 hp at 6,000 rpm.
  • Torque: 195 lb-ft of torque between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm.
  • Transmission: 8-speed Automatic Transmission (8AT).
  • Shifting: Column-mounted Shift-by-Wire with steering wheel Paddle Shifters.
  • Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive (FWD) is standard; HTRAC All-Wheel Drive (AWD) is available.

Fuel Economy Estimates (EPA Estimated, FWD)

  • 2.0L MPI Engine (SE, SEL Sport): 29 mpg city / 34 mpg highway / 31 mpg combined.
  • 1.6L Turbo Engine (SEL Premium, Limited): 26 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined.

Acceleration

Drive Modes and Handling

  • Drive Mode Select: Standard across all trims, includes Normal, Sport, and Snow modes.
  • AWD Models: HTRAC All-Wheel Drive system includes an independent multi-link rear suspension design (FWD models use a torsion beam).

Technology

Infotainment and Displays

  • Integrated display panel standard on all trims
  • 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on all trims
  • Digital instrument cluster:
    • 4.2-inch on SE and SEL Sport
    • 12.3-inch on SEL Premium and Limited
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard on all trims
  • Built-in navigation standard on Limited trim

Digital Access

  • Proximity Key with Push Button Start standard on all trims
  • Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch available on Limited trim for smartphone or smartwatch locking, unlocking, and starting

Charging and Power

  • Front and rear USB-C charging ports standard on all trims
  • Wireless charging pad available on SEL Sport, standard on SEL Premium and Limited

Audio Systems

  • Standard: 6-speaker AM/FM/SiriusXM/HD Radio system
  • Premium: 8-speaker Bose system standard on Limited trim

Driver Assistance and Safety Technology (Hyundai SmartSense)

  • Standard features (all trims):
    • Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection
    • Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW)
    • Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
    • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
    • Lane Following Assist (LFA)
    • Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop and Go
    • Driver Attention Warning (DAW)
    • High Beam Assist (HBA)
  • Advanced features (Limited trim only):
    • Surround View Monitor (SVM) for 360-degree view
    • Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM) displays camera feed in instrument cluster
    • Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) for remote parking

Convenience Features

  • Power driver seat with lumbar support standard on SEL Premium and Limited
  • Heated front seats standard on SEL Sport and above
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control standard on SEL Sport and above

  

2026 Hyundai Kona interior seats 2026 Hyundai Kona back exterior view 2026 Hyundai Kona white SUV side profile view 2026 Hyundai Kona interior front view and infotainment system

Appearance

Exterior Features

Exterior Design

  • Modern, bold, upright SUV silhouette
  • Black body cladding on wheel arches and lower body
  • Satin chrome accents on Limited trim
  • Integrated rear spoiler with high-mounted LED stop light

Lighting

  • Horizon LED Daytime Running Light across the front
  • Vertically stacked LED projector headlights
  • LED combination taillights with streamlined design

Wheels

  • 17-inch alloy wheels standard on SE
  • 18-inch black alloy wheels standard on SEL Sport
  • 19-inch alloy wheels standard on SEL Premium and Limited

Convenience Features

  • Hands-Free Smart Power Liftgate standard on Limited trim

Exterior Dimensions

  • Overall Length: 171.3 inches
  • Overall Width: 71.9 inches
  • Wheelbase: 104.7 inches
  • Overall Height (FWD): Approximately 62.2 inches (varies up to 62.6 inches by trim and wheel size)
  • Overall Height (AWD): Approximately 63.2 inches (varies up to 63.6 inches by trim and wheel size)
  • Minimum Ground Clearance (FWD): 6.7 to 6.9 inches (varies by trim)
  • Minimum Ground Clearance (AWD): 8.1 to 8.3 inches (varies by trim)

Exterior Colors

  • Abyss Black Pearl
  • Cyber Gray Metallic
  • Ecotronic Gray Metallic
  • Ultimate Red Metallic
  • Mirage Green
  • Atlas White
  • Soultronic Orange Pearl
  • Denim Blue Pearl

Interior Features

Interior Design

  • Open concept cabin with horizontal dashboard
  • Column-mounted Shift-by-Wire gear selector on 1.6L turbo models
  • Seating capacity: 5 passengers

Displays and Controls

  • 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen standard on all trims
  • Panoramic digital display on SEL Premium and Limited trims
  • Physical climate controls

Seating and Comfort

  • Cloth seats on SE and SEL Sport
  • H-Tex Leatherette-trimmed seats on SEL Premium and Limited
  • Heated front seats on SEL Sport and above
  • Ventilated front seats on Limited trim
  • 60/40 split fold-down rear seats with two-stage recline

Cargo and Storage

  • Behind rear seats: ~25.5 cubic feet
  • Maximum with seats folded: ~63.7 cubic feet
  • Dual-level cargo floor with hidden storage

Interior Dimensions

  • Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
  • Front Headroom: 39.9 inches
  • Rear Headroom: 38.3 inches
  • Front Legroom: 41.7 inches
  • Rear Legroom: 38.2 inches
  • Front Shoulder Room: 56.8 inches
  • Rear Shoulder Room: 55.2 inches
  • Passenger Volume: 99.0 to 101.2 cubic feet

Interior Color Options

  • Black (Cloth or H-Tex)
  • Gray (Cloth or H-Tex)

Safety

Safety Awards

Collision Avoidance Features (Hyundai SmartSense)

  • Standard on all trims
  • Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA)
    • Detects vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists
    • Includes junction turning detection to reduce collision risk when turning left
  • Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) standard
  • Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) available
    • Can apply brakes during unsafe lane changes
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCCA) standard
    • Alerts driver and can brake automatically when reversing

Driver Assistance Features

  • Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) standard
  • Lane Following Assist (LFA) standard
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go standard
  • Driver Attention Warning (DAW) standard
  • High Beam Assist (HBA) standard
  • Highway Driving Assist (HDA) available on Limited trim

Parking and Convenience Safety

  • Safe Exit Warning (SEW) standard
  • Advanced Rear Occupant Alert (ROA) standard
  • Parking Distance Warning (PDW) standard
  • Rear View Monitor (RVM) standard
  • Surround View Monitor (SVM) available on Limited trim
  • Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM) available on Limited trim
  • Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) available on Limited trim
  • Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist Rear (PCA-R) available

Airbags and Vehicle Structure

  • Total of 7 airbags:
    • Driver and front passenger airbags
    • Driver knee airbag
    • Front seat mounted side airbags
    • Side curtain airbags for front and rear seats
  • Reinforced safety frame structure included

Hyundai Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

New Vehicle Limited Warranty

  • 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Limited Warranty

  • 10 years or 100,000 miles

Anti-Perforation

  • 7 years/unlimited miles

24/7 Roadside Assistance

  • 5 years/unlimited miles

Complimentary Maintenance

  • 3 years or 36,000 miles

View Warranty & Extended Protection Plans: The Hyundai Warranty

FAQS

Trim Levels & Pricing

What trim levels are available for the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is available in four trims:

  • SE
  • SEL Sport
  • SEL Premium
  • Limited

What is the starting MSRP for the 2026 Hyundai Kona?

  • SE FWD: $25,350 (excluding destination charges)
  • Limited AWD: approximately $34,150 (excluding destination charges)

Is there a 2026 Hyundai Kona Electric model?
Yes. The fully electric 2026 Kona Electric is available with separate pricing and range specifications.

Engine & Performance

What engine options does the 2026 Hyundai Kona offer?

  • 2.0L MPI 4-cylinder (SE and SEL Sport trims)
  • 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder (SEL Premium and Limited trims)

How much horsepower and torque does the 2.0L engine produce?
The 2.0L MPI engine produces about 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).

How much horsepower and torque does the 1.6L turbo engine produce?
The 1.6L turbo engine produces about 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel Economy

What is the estimated MPG for the 2026 Kona 2.0L FWD?

  • 29 MPG city
  • 34 MPG highway
  • 31 MPG combined

What is the estimated MPG for the 2026 Kona 1.6L Turbo AWD?

  • 25 MPG city
  • 28 MPG highway
  • 26 MPG combined

Interior, Seating & Cargo

How many passengers can the 2026 Hyundai Kona seat?
The 2026 Kona seats up to five passengers across two rows.

What is the cargo capacity of the 2026 Kona?

  • Behind rear seats: 25.5 cubic feet
  • With rear seats folded: up to 63.7 cubic feet

Is All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on the 2026 Kona?
Yes. Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD system is available on all trims.

What is the towing capacity of the 2026 Kona?
The Kona is not recommended for towing; Hyundai does not provide an official tow rating.

Technology & Convenience

What size screens come standard in the 2026 Kona?
All models have a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display.
Higher trims like Limited offer an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, creating a combined panoramic display.

Does the 2026 Kona have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims.

Are premium convenience features available on the 2026 Kona?
Yes. Higher trims offer:

  • Hands-free smart liftgate with auto open
  • Heated and ventilated front seats
  • Bose Premium Audio system
  • Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch

Safety & Driver Assistance

What driver assistance features come standard on the 2026 Kona?
Standard Hyundai SmartSense features include:

  • Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
  • Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist
  • Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go
  • Blind-Spot Collision Warning

What is the expected safety rating for the 2026 Kona?

  • Received a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA
  • Recognized as an IIHS safety pick (previous model)

Ready to Test Drive a Hyundai in Memphis, TN? Shop Wolfchase Hyundai Today!

Interested in test driving the all-new 2026 Hyundai Kona in Memphis, TN? Let Wolfchase Hyundai get you started.

The 2026 Kona delivers versatile performance, modern technology, and stylish. This compact SUV’s design is perfect for daily drives, weekend adventures, and everything in between. Explore our current inventory and discover the latest deals on this popular small crossover.

At Wolfchase Hyundai, we make it simple and stress-free to find the right Kona for your needs. Our team will guide you through trims, features, and financing options so you can drive home with confidence.

Shop online, browse our inventory, or visit Wolfchase Hyundai today and claim your 2026 Kona before it’s gone!

Disclaimer by Wolfchase Hyundai:

Wolfchase Hyundai believes the information and specifications on this website to be correct at the time of publishing.

Model specifications provided may vary based on selected trim, options, and installed accessories. Specifications, standard features, options, fabrics, accessories, colors, and other features related to the vehicles are subject to change without notice. Values are based on MSRP and exclude taxes, fees, and adjustments. Please visit certified dealers for more accurate pricing.

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