2026 Hyundai KONA: The Right-Sized SUV That Does It All
2026 Hyundai KONA: The Right-Sized SUV That Does It All
KONA is the stylish SUV that's perfectly practical
You rarely do just one thing these days, and you need a vehicle that can keep up. One minute it's a grocery run, next it's a weekend road trip, then it's the school pickup line. That's what makes the 2026 Hyundai KONA such a good pick. Smartly-sized, well-equipped, and with a starting MSRP under $26,000[1], the Hyundai KONA delivers everyday practicality without sacrificing style, tech, or comfort.
Compact exterior, spacious interior
At just 171.3 inches long, the KONA is shorter than many sedans, which makes it perfect for city traffic or tight parking lots. But its compact size doesn't compromise its interior room. With up to 126.7 cubic feet of total space, including 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, there's room for passengers, groceries, sports equipment, or whatever else your day might bring.
For more versatility, cargo space opens to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, which is enough space for outdoor gear, impulse buys from the big-box store, or oddly shaped packages.
All-season confidence, fuel-sipping turbo power
Every KONA comes with front-wheel drive (FWD), and all-wheel drive (AWD) is available across all trims. Opting for AWD adds Hyundai's Snow mode, which can help improve traction and stability in snowy weather.
The KONA's base engine is a fuel-efficient 2.0-liter four-cylinder, rated at up to an EPA-estimated 29/34/31 mpg city/highway/combined[2]. Higher trims, like the SEL Premium and Limited, swap in a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine producing up to 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. That’s a fair bit of pep, and it doesn’t result in a huge hit at the pump. Even adding AWD to this setup still nets you up to an EPA-estimated 29 mpg on the highway.
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Hyundai SmartSense technologies come standard on KONA
Every KONA is equipped with Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of advanced driver-assistance tech that includes:
Blind-Spot Collision Warning[3]: helps keep an eye on the areas you can't see and can alert you if you start to change lanes while a vehicle is in your blind spot.
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist[4]: scans the area behind you as you reverse and can detect other vehicles. The system can automatically apply the brakes if needed to help avoid a collision.
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection[5]: monitors the road ahead and warns you if it senses a potential impact. If you don’t react, it can apply the brakes to help prevent an accident.
Lane Keeping Assist[6]: it can warn you if you’re about to inadvertently drift into the lane next to you and, if necessary, may give you a gentle nudge to correct course.
Lane Following Assist[7]: uses lane markings to help keep your KONA centered in its lane, which can be especially helpful on longer trips.
Step up to the top-of-the-line Limited trim (under $35,000 MSRP[8]) for even more value-packed tech, including:
Remote Smart Parking Assist[9]: allows you to move the KONA forward and backward into parking spots using the key fob from outside the vehicle.
Highway Driving Assist[10]: on clearly marked highways can help your KONA to maintain a set distance from the vehicle in front, as well as help it stay in the center of its lane.
Blind-Spot View Monitor[11]: uses side-mounted cameras to display a live video feed of your blind spots in the digital instrument panel when you use your turn signal. It helps you gauge your distance from the curb while parallel parking, too.
High-tech cabin with high-value features
Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™[12] come standard, and starting with the SEL Premium trim, so does a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Heated front seats come standard on the SEL Sport trim and up, too, and the Limited trim includes ventilated seats to keep you cool during hot summer afternoons.
The Limited trim includes a power tilt-and-slide sunroof and built-in sunshade, making the interior feel even larger. Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 Touch[13] comes standard on the SEL Convenience and Limited trims, which enables your compatible phone to function as a key. All you have to do is, well, get in and go. It’s that simple.
Meet America's best warranty
KONA also comes standard with America’s Best Warranty[14], comprised of a suite of warranty programs, including a 5-year or 60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. Beyond that, a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty covers your KONA's engine and transmission, and you get 5 years (unlimited miles) of 24-hour roadside assistance.
With the right size outside, more than enough room inside, tech features galore, and a price that’s hard to beat, the KONA truly is a right-sized SUV that does it all.
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[1] MSRP excludes freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. Freight charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost. Accessory items shown may vary according to model and illustration.
[2] 2026 KONA SE – FWD: 29 City/34 Hwy/31 Combined MPG; HTRAC AWD: 27 City/29 Hwy/28 Combined. SEL Sport – FWD: 28 City/35 Hwy/31 Combined MPG; HTRAC AWD 26 City/29 Hwy/27 Combined. SEL Premium - FWD: 26 City/31 Hwy/28 Combined MPG; HTRAC AWD: 25 City/28 Hwy/26 Combined MPG. Limited – FWD: 26 City/31 Hwy/28 Combined MPG; HTRAC AWD: 25 City/28 Hwy/26 Combined MPG. All figures are EPA estimates and for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle's condition.
[3] Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) may assist the driver by warning via audio, visual and haptic feedback of other cars in the blind spot region. It senses the rear side territory of the vehicle when it is traveling over 20 mph. There are limitations to the function, range, detection and clarity of the system. It will not detect all vehicles or objects in the blind spot. Its operation depends on the size, distance, angle and relative speed difference between your car and other cars. BCW may not operate if sensors are obscured in any way. Do not rely exclusively on BCW. BCW is a supplemental system and the driver must still be attentive and exercise caution when driving. It is the driver's responsibility to be aware of the surroundings and ensure it is clear before changing lanes or directions. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[4] Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) may alert the driver of a potential collision by providing an audible and haptic warning and/or applying braking. RCCA is active when the vehicle is in reverse and operating at low speeds. Never rely exclusively on RCCA. RCCA cannot prevent all collisions and may not provide alerts or braking in all conditions. Always look over your shoulder and use your mirrors to confirm rear clearance. There are limitations to the function, detection, range and clarity of the system. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[5] Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection (FCA-Ped) is intended to be a supplement to safe driving practices. The system is not designed to detect certain stationary objects such as trees or poles, and may not detect all vehicles or pedestrians under certain conditions. The system is a driver assistance system and is not a substitute for safe driving. The driver is responsible for being attentive and maintaining control of the vehicle, and should not wait for the system's alerts before braking as there may not be sufficient time to brake safely. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[6] Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) may assist the driver by warning via audio, visual and haptic feedback if your vehicle drifts out of its driving lane without signaling. LKA will not work under all circumstances. It operates above 40 mph and only when it is able to detect painted lane markings. It cannot function if the lane markings cannot be seen clearly. If the lines cannot be seen clearly due to poor road conditions, weather, or lighting conditions, it may not function. It also may not function on very rough roads, when walls, curbs or concrete barriers are close by, or if following another car too closely. Since it "sees" the lane markings using a camera in the upper windshield area, it is imperative this area be clear and free of blockage such as stickers, dirt, snow, tinting material, markings and labels. LKA is not a substitute for safe driving practices, but is a supplemental assist only. The driver is responsible for always maintaining command and control of the vehicle and must keep hands on the wheel at all times. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[7] Lane Following Assist (LFA) helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road. LFA will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. LFA is a supplemental assist, and does not replace the need for extreme care and attention by the driver. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[8] MSRP excludes freight charges, tax, title, and license fees. Freight charges and actual dealer prices may vary. Vehicles displayed may contain optional equipment at additional cost. Accessory items shown may vary according to model and illustration.
[9] Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) can remotely help park the vehicle. However, several factors can impact RSPA performance. RSPA may not function correctly if one or more of the parking sensors is damaged, dirty or covered or if weather conditions (heavy rain, snow or fog) interfere with sensor operation. Always inspect the parking area with your own eyes. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[10] Highway Driving Assist (HDA), is for highway use only and can help keep the vehicle centered in its lane while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead only when the lane markings are clearly visible on the road and should not be used in poor weather, heavy or varying traffic, or on winding or slippery roads. HDA will not work under all circumstances and will not prevent loss of control. Driver remains responsible to slow or stop the vehicle to avoid a collision. See Owner’s Manual for further details and limitations.
[11] Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM) assists driver in changing lanes by providing a live view of the blind spots on either side of the vehicle and an audible alert if another vehicle is detected. Turn signal must be activated and other system limitations apply. Do not rely exclusively on BVM. It is the driver's responsibility to be aware of the surroundings and ensure it is clear before changing lanes or directions. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.
[12] Apple CarPlay is compatible with certain Apple devices. For a full list of compatible devices, please visit apple.com/ios/carplay. CarPlay is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Android Auto is compatible with Android phones running Android 6.0 or higher. Android Auto may not be available on all devices and is not available in all countries or regions. Additional apps may be required. Android and Android Auto are trademarks of Google LLC.
[13] Digital smartphone key requires a compatible smartphone and an appropriately equipped Hyundai vehicle. Not all smartphones are compatible. Hyundai vehicle must be equipped with smart key with push button start, wireless device charging, and Audio Video Navigation System 5.0 (or newer) or Display Audio 2.0. Tap to lock/unlock function works on front doors only. Requires MyHyundai with Bluelink app and active Bluelink account. Please visit www.MyHyundai.com for information on compatible devices. Features and specifications subject to change. See your Owner’s Manual for additional details and limitations.
[14] America's Best Warranty claim based on total package of warranty programs. See dealer for LIMITED WARRANTY details. See your Hyundai dealer and HyundaiUSA.com/Assurance for details and limitations regarding. Hyundai’s Powertrain Limited Warranty, New Vehicle Limited Warranty and Roadside Assistance program.