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2021 Hyundai Kona: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The only notable change for the 2021 Hyundai Kona is the new Night trim. The rest of the gas-powered lineup carries over without a redesign or major equipment updates.
About the 2021 Hyundai Kona
1st generation (2018-2023), fourth model year and final year before the 2022 mid-cycle redesign
Hyundai presents the Kona as a small SUV for urban drivers who want distinctive styling and easy maneuverability without giving up useful cargo flexibility, modern safety technology, or AWD availability. Its main differentiators are playful handling, a compact footprint that is easy to park, a stronger turbo option than many rivals offered, and an equipment-rich trim range. It favors personality and driving enjoyment over maximum rear-seat and cargo space.
The 2021 Kona lineup ranges from the straightforward SE and comfort-focused SEL to the new styling-led Night and leather-equipped Limited. Notable features include heated seats on SEL, a sunroof and premium audio on SEL Plus, and navigation, adaptive cruise control, and a head-up display at the top of the range.
What changed, by category
Styling
The new Night trim adds a dark visual theme, sport pedals, and LED headlights and taillights.
2021 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, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 7-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 7-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 6-Spd w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 7-Spd EcoShift Dual Clutch w/Shiftronic |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 27 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg | 28 mpg | 27 mpg | 28 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 33 mpg | 32 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 147 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 147 hp | 175 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 132 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 | 45.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in | 34.6 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||
| 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
How is the 2021 Hyundai Kona different from the 2020 model?
The main difference is the new Night trim. The other five trims carry over without notable equipment changes, and there is no model-wide redesign or major technology update.
Was the 2021 Hyundai Kona redesigned?
No. The 2021 Kona remains part of the first generation and is the final model year before the 2022 mid-cycle redesign.
What is special about the 2021 Hyundai Kona Night?
The Night is a new styling-focused turbo trim. It pairs a 175-hp turbo engine and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic with LED lighting, heated front seats, a power driver seat, and an eight-speaker Infinity audio system.
Did the 2021 Hyundai Kona get a new engine?
No. Its engines carry over. The Night trim uses the existing 175-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder rather than introducing a new powertrain.
Does the 2021 Hyundai Kona Night have leather seats or a sunroof?
No. The Night has cloth seating and no sunroof. Its cabin equipment includes heated front seats, a power driver seat, sport pedals, and an Infinity audio system.
2021 Hyundai Kona Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Hyundai Kona.
4.2
2021 Hyundai Kona
(350 reviews)
“Be sure to account for the cost of installing a level 2 charger at home. Range varies significantly with outside temperature”
“The Kona Ultimate is a good combination of practicality and being fun to drive. Hyundai provides good support and my Hyundais have been very reliable. I'm not a huge fan of the dual clutch and would buy manual transmission version of it in a heartbeat. Compared to my 2018, my 2021 doesn't seem quite as well-built.”