The subcompact SUV market is one of the hottest markets out there, and automakers know they must make their vehicles stand out if they want to pick up a big share of that market. Hyundai does just that with their Kona - by offering a vehicle that has a futuristic exterior design and high-tech interior.
The Hyundai Kona is the brand’s second-smallest SUV - slotted just above the Hyundai Venue and below the compact Tucson in Hyundai's SUV lineup. The 2026 Kona is part of the second-generation Kona that came out for the 2024 model year. The Kona's sophomore year sees a few changes, which are mainly in trim levels. The Kona proves to be a favorite vehicle in a segment that consists of the likes of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Bronco Sport, Honda HR-V, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Set off by its front fascia's slim lighting accents, the 2026 Kona has a distinctive and modern appearance that emits a cool and spunky vibe. And that front fascia isn't just for looks either. It features active grille shutters to help reduce aerodynamic drag when driving on the highway. Angular lines can be seen on the side of the Kona along with black wheel arches. Adding a sporty flair to the Kona is a rear-lip spoiler.
The Kona is available as either a front-wheel-drive vehicle or an all-wheel-drive vehicle. As mentioned, trim levels have changed for 2026. Gone are the SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line and N Line S trim levels, while two new trim levels have been added: the SEL Sport and SEL Premium. The Kona is offered with one of two engines, depending on trim. The base and the new SEL Sport use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a CVT transmission. It's good for 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. The new SEL Premium and the Limited trims receive a more potent turbocharged 1.6-liter engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission making 190 hp and 195 lb-ft. Hyundai did offer an all-electric version of the Kona, but it has been dropped for 2026.
Inside the Kona is a sleek, modern interior that features a straightforward but ahead-of-its-time design. The gear shifter is on a stalk behind the steering wheel, freeing up the center console for plenty of storage, which is perfect for that Venti Starbucks and cell phone as well as for handbags, purses, or other large items. For the driver, all the instruments and controls are designed around two 12.3-inch displays on the dashboard. The infotainment system runs an updated version of Hyundai's user interface and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The dash in front of the passenger is a storage shelf which adds to the Kona's utility. As Hyundai does so well, they make their vehicles feel more expensive than they are by adding in extra features and the Kona is no exception with ambient lighting strips sprinkled throughout the cabin, heated and ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel.
Other unique features available on the Kona are a remote parking system which is accessed using the key fob, a blind-spot camera, lane centering assistance, front cross-traffic warning, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and a safe-exit alert system. Many of these features, such as the remote parking system, are not even offered on the competitor’s vehicles.
Pricing for the Kona starts at $27,100 for the base SE, while the top-of-the-line Limited comes in at $34,135. The tester, a Kona Limited AWD, dressed in Cyber Gray with a gray interior came with an MSRP of $36,385.
On the road, the Kona is a nice driver, with plenty of get-up-and-go with the turbo motor. 0 to 60 mph times are in the mid 7-second range. As with most vehicles in this segment, the small size makes for a busy ride as bumps and road imperfections are felt in the cabin. Visibility out of the Kona is impressive thanks to the low dashboard and narrow windshield pillars. Fuel economy is decent at 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Those figures increase slightly with the base engine.
Putting the Kona to work means it can take in 25.5 cubic feet of stuff. Lower the back seat and that increases to 63.7 cubic feet - making the Kona one of the roomiest models in its class for cargo.
Since its inception in 2017, the recipe for the Kona has always been to provide a car that is simple, efficient and practical. The 2026 builds on that but now adds a bit of style to the pot, making today's Kona a spunky, cool looking, nicely packaged runabout vehicle.