2026 Hyundai Kona: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is a light update, not a redesign. The most important change is that stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and upgraded forward-collision assistance are standard on every trim.
About the 2026 Hyundai Kona
2nd generation (introduced for 2024), third model year; trim reshuffle and lineup-wide safety update
Hyundai positions the Kona as a city-friendly small SUV that provides more passenger room, cargo flexibility, technology, and visual character than its compact footprint suggests. Its core strengths are easy maneuverability, a roomy cabin for the class, a large standard touchscreen, broad driver-assistance coverage, and the presence of both economy-focused and turbocharged gasoline powertrains. FWD and AWD examples serve commuting, errands, and light all-weather use.
The SE focuses on everyday essentials, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 147-hp engine. The new SEL Sport adds heated seats and gloss-black exterior details, while the renamed SEL Premium pairs more comfort features with a 190-hp turbo engine. The Limited remains the most fully equipped gasoline Kona, with ventilated front seats, Bose audio, a wide sunroof, advanced parking cameras, and remote parking assistance.
What changed, by category
2026 Hyundai Kona specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, GDI, 1.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, IVT w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, IVT w/Shiftronic | Automatic, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 29 mpg | 26 mpg | 28 mpg | 26 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 31 mpg | 35 mpg | 31 mpg |
| Horsepower | 147 hp | 190 hp | 147 hp | 190 hp |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft | 132 lb-ft | 195 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 63.7 cu-ft | 63.7 cu-ft | 63.7 cu-ft | 63.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 38.2 in | 38.2 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | ||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Rear Air Conditioning | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2026 Hyundai Kona redesigned?
No, the 2026 Hyundai Kona was not redesigned. It remains part of the second generation introduced for 2024, with a reshuffled trim lineup and updates to standard safety equipment.
What safety features became standard on every 2026 Kona?
Every 2026 Kona gained stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and upgraded forward-collision assistance. The collision system added junction-turning and direct-oncoming detection.
How did the 2026 Hyundai Kona trim lineup change?
The SEL Sport joined the 2026 lineup, and the former SEL continued under the SEL Premium name. The N Line, N Line S, and SEL Convenience trims were dropped.
What is the difference between the 2026 Kona SEL Sport and SEL Premium?
The SEL Sport uses the 147-hp 2.0-liter engine and emphasizes practical comfort with heated seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless charging, and gloss-black trim. The SEL Premium steps up to the 190-hp turbo engine, H-Tex synthetic-leather seats, a power driver seat, a digital instrument display, and ambient lighting.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona substantially different from the 2025 model?
No, the 2026 Kona is not substantially different from the 2025 model. Its main gains are stronger standard safety equipment, a larger center-console tray, and a reorganized trim lineup rather than a new design or major mechanical overhaul.