Trims and Powertrains

The 2026 Hyundai Kona’s lineup consists of four trims: SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited. The SE and SEL have a naturally aspirated 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that works with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The SEL Premium and Limited move up to a 190-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. All trims get standard front-wheel drive (FWD) by default, with all-wheel drive (AWD) as an option.

The SE and SEL Sport carry EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings of 26 to 29 mpg in the city and 29 to 35 mpg on the highway, depending on the drivetrain. The SEL Premium and Limited are rated for 25 to 26 mpg around town and 28 to 31 mpg on the open road. The Kona’s cargo space ranges from 25.5 cubic feet behind the back seats to 63.7 cubic feet behind the first row.

Standard Features

The base Kona SE is focused on the essentials, getting fabric upholstery, proximity keyless entry, push-button ignition, air conditioning, LED combination headlights and taillights, a 4.2-inch digital gauge cluster, four USB ports (two per row), a dual-level cargo floor, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The SEL Sport adds more comfort and convenience amenities, including heated front seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated side mirrors with integrated LED turn-signal indicators, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED cabin lighting, second-row air vents, wireless device charging, roof rails, and 18-inch alloy wheels with a black finish.

The SEL Premium is even more upscale, thanks to H-Tex leatherette upholstery, an eight-way power driver's seat, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, ambient interior lighting, and 19-inch wheels. The Kona Limited reigns at the top of the hierarchy with a power sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a digital key, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Advanced Driver Aids and Safety Technology

The 2026 Kona comes standard with SmartSense, an advanced driver-assistance suite with forward collision-avoidance assist (with pedestrian/cyclist/junction-turning/driver-oncoming detection), blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention warning, safe exit warning, rear occupant alert, speed limit assist, and automatic high beams. The Limited has a surround-view monitor, a blind-spot view monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and front/side/rear parking sensors. All trims also get a set of airbags, stability control, traction control, downhill brake control, hill-start assist control, and a rearview monitor with parking guidance.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 12.3-inch touchscreen is used to manage the infotainment tasks in the ’26 Kona. The system’s components are wireless smartphone integration (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay), Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Only Limited comes with navigation and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. All trims are set up with access to Bluelink connected services. For audio, the Limited is given an eight-speaker Bose setup as an upgrade to the unbranded six-speaker system found in the lower trims.