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2019 Hyundai Kona: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2019 Hyundai Kona is that automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and a driver attention warning became standard on every gas-powered trim. Hyundai also added the limited-production Iron Man Edition, while the engines, transmissions, and basic body design carried over.
About the 2019 Hyundai Kona
1st generation (2018-2023), second model year; safety-focused update with a new limited-production special edition.
Hyundai positioned the Kona as a city-friendly subcompact crossover for active lifestyles. Its compact footprint and nimble handling made it easy to maneuver, while its upright cabin, folding rear seat, and useful cargo area provided more versatility than a small car. Bold styling, standard smartphone integration, two distinct gasoline powertrains, and FWD or AWD configurations helped distinguish it from less expressive competitors in the small-SUV class.
The 2019 Kona ranges from the straightforward SE, with a 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone integration, to more comfort-focused versions with a turbocharged engine and leather seating. The top regular trim adds navigation, a head-up display, wireless charging, and rear parking sensors. The Iron Man Edition builds on that high-tech equipment with Marvel-themed lighting, graphics, upholstery details, and exterior design.
What changed, by category
Safety
Forward collision avoidance with automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and a driver attention warning became standard on every gas-powered Kona trim.
Tech
Every trim gained a second front USB port. The Limited also gained an Infinity eight-speaker audio system and an auto-dimming mirror with HomeLink and a compass.
Styling
The new limited-production Iron Man Edition added Marvel-themed exterior details, accent lighting, display graphics, seat embossing, and dashboard artwork. All trims also received softer front-door armrests and inserts.
2019 Hyundai Kona specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Auto, 7-Spd DCT w/Shiftronic | Auto, 7-Spd DCT w/Shiftronic | Auto, 7-Spd DCT w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD | FWD / AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 195 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 | 45.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||
| 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
What is the biggest difference between the 2019 Hyundai Kona and the 2018 model?
The biggest difference is that the 2019 Kona makes automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assistance, and a driver attention warning standard across the gas-powered range. The engines, transmissions, and basic body design did not change.
Did every 2019 Hyundai Kona get automatic emergency braking?
Yes. Every gas-powered 2019 Kona trim received forward collision avoidance with automatic emergency braking as standard equipment, along with lane keeping assistance and a driver attention warning.
Was the Hyundai Kona Iron Man Edition new for 2019?
Yes. The limited-production Iron Man Edition joined the Kona lineup for 2019 with a turbocharged engine and extensive Marvel-themed lighting, exterior details, cabin graphics, and upholstery touches. Its changes were visual and technology-focused rather than a mechanical performance upgrade.
Did the 2019 Hyundai Kona get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2019 Kona carried over its gasoline engines and transmissions from 2018. SE and SEL models use a 2.0-liter engine with a six-speed automatic, while the higher turbocharged trims use a 1.6-liter engine with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Is the 2019 Hyundai Kona a meaningful upgrade over the 2018 model?
Yes, mainly for standard safety equipment. The 2019 model brings three important driver-assistance systems to every gas-powered trim, plus a second front USB port and softer front-door trim, but it is not a redesign and its powertrains carry over.
2019 Hyundai Kona Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2019 Hyundai Kona.
4.3
2019 Hyundai Kona
(344 reviews)
“Excellent car for a first car. Standard safety features including blue tooth so I did not have to worry about her talking in the phone. Great value for the money I spent!!!”
“Looks sharp. Runs great. Excellent gas mileage. Great value for the money. Matte finish looks terrific but a bit difficult to maintain.”