“Great little car for a small family. Larger/taller people have a hard time being comfortable in it. Cargo space is sufficient but not huge. Great on gas. And features are great.”
2018 Hyundai Kona: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2018 was the Kona itself: it was an all-new subcompact crossover for the U.S., built on a new compact platform and positioned below the Tucson.
About the 2018 Hyundai Kona
1st generation (2018-2023), first U.S. model year
Hyundai positioned the Kona as a compact crossover for active urban lifestyles: small enough for crowded streets, but with elevated seating, useful cargo flexibility, and SUV-style ground clearance. Its main differentiators were bold exterior design, responsive road manners, strong smartphone integration, and a range spanning efficient 2.0-liter models and quicker turbocharged versions. FWD and AWD configurations covered everyday commuting as well as drivers wanting added all-weather traction.
The 2018 Kona was a city-friendly crossover with elevated seating, flexible cargo space, and four trim levels. SE and SEL used a 147-hp engine, while the two upper trims paired a 175-hp turbo engine with a quick-shifting automatic; the top equipment grade stood out with navigation, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and expanded driver-assistance features.
What changed, by category
Structural
The Kona debuted in the U.S. on a new compact platform as Hyundai’s subcompact crossover below the Tucson. The range had four trim levels.
Powertrain
SE and SEL used a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic. The two upper trims used a 175-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. Every trim was sold with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
Styling
The Kona introduced a bold crossover body with an elevated seating position and city-friendly dimensions.
Safety
SEL included blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warnings. The top equipment grade included forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, and automatic high beams.
Tech
Every trim had a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top equipment grade used an 8-inch navigation touchscreen and also included a head-up display, wireless phone charging, and Infinity audio.
2018 Hyundai Kona specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6L | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6L |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Auto, 7-Spd DCT | Auto, 7-Spd DCT |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 45.8 cu-ft | 45.8 cu-ft | 45.8 cu-ft | 45.8 cu-ft |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| LED Tail Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2018 the first year for the Hyundai Kona in the U.S.?
Yes. The 2018 Kona was the model’s first U.S. year and the start of its first generation, giving Hyundai a smaller crossover positioned below the Tucson.
What engines did the 2018 Hyundai Kona have?
The 2018 Kona had two engines. SE and SEL used a 147-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic, while the two upper trims used a 175-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Did every 2018 Hyundai Kona have all-wheel drive?
No. Front-wheel drive was offered alongside all-wheel drive, and each of the four 2018 trims was sold in both forms.
Did the 2018 Hyundai Kona have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Every 2018 Kona trim had a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the top equipment grade used a larger 8-inch screen with built-in navigation.
Which 2018 Hyundai Kona had the broadest technology and driver-assistance package?
The top equipment grade had the broadest technology and driver-assistance package for 2018. It included navigation, a head-up display, wireless phone charging, Infinity audio, forward collision avoidance with pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, and driver attention warning.
2018 Hyundai Kona Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Hyundai Kona.
4.3
2018 Hyundai Kona
(270 reviews)
“I am satisfied with the comfort and fuel economy of the HYUNDAI Kona after making a 2,800 mile trip recently.”
“The Hyundai Kona is a solid compact SUV. It has great styling, plenty of infotainment and safety features. Good handling. It feels like you're driving a car not a truck. The interior is comfortable. It has great sound system. The MPG is good too. Overall, a great vehicle. Highly recommended.”