2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona lineup includes SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited trims, each with its own visual tone. SE keeps the look clean and purposeful with a modern small-SUV stance, while SEL Sport sharpens the profile with a more athletic appearance and larger wheel-and-tire setup. SEL Premium moves into a more polished lane with 19-inch wheels and elevated exterior detail, and Limited gives the Kona its most refined finish with premium convenience features and a more upscale road presence. Wheel sizing progresses from 17-inch on SE to 18-inch on SEL Sport, then 19-inch designs on upper trims, giving shoppers a clear path from practical to more assertive.

The 2026 Kona offers two distinct gas powertrains. SE and SEL Sport use a 2.0L MPI-Atkinson 4-cylinder engine rated at 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, a sensible pairing for drivers who prioritize steady efficiency and everyday drivability. SEL Premium and Limited step up to a 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, bringing stronger midrange pull and a more eager character when merging, passing, or climbing through hilly Western Pennsylvania roads.

Kona’s appeal is not brute size; it is precision. The available HTRAC AWD system gives the 2026 Kona added composure when pavement turns slick, while front-wheel drive configurations keep the drive efficient and light on their feet. Fuel economy is strong across the lineup: Kona SE is EPA-estimated at 29 city, 34 highway, and 31 combined MPG with FWD, or 27 city, 29 highway, and 28 combined MPG with AWD. SEL Sport reaches an EPA-estimated 28 city, 35 highway, and 31 combined MPG with FWD, while its AWD rating is 26 city, 29 highway, and 27 combined MPG. SEL Premium and Limited, with the turbocharged engine, are rated at 26 city, 31 highway, and 28 combined MPG with FWD, or 25 city, 28 highway, and 26 combined MPG with AWD.

Inside, the 2026 Hyundai Kona feels more substantial than its compact footprint suggests. The cabin offers up to 101.2 cubic feet of passenger volume on select trims, along with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That makes the Kona useful for groceries, luggage, sports gear, and the oddly shaped things that never seem to fit neatly anywhere. Technology is just as central: a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay®, wireless Android Auto™, and available upgrades such as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless device charging, Bose® Premium Audio, and H-Tex® seating surfaces give the Kona a cabin that feels crisp, current, and uncluttered.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona backs its sharp design with serious safety engineering. Hyundai lists features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go among available or standard technologies depending on trim. The 2026 Kona was also named a 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+, reinforcing its strength as a compact SUV for commuters, new drivers, small families, and anyone who wants daily confidence without moving into a larger vehicle. At Mike Kelly Hyundai in Butler, PA, we help drivers compare Kona trims, drivetrains, technology, and safety features with the kind of clarity that makes the right choice stand out quickly.