- The 2026 Hyundai Kona is available in four trims with two engine choices, including a turbocharged 1.6-liter option that produces 190 horsepower.
- Kelley Blue Book named the 2026 Hyundai Kona its Subcompact SUV Best Buy Award winner for its combination of spacious interior, technology, and class-leading warranty.
- Pricing for the 2026 Kona starts around $26,000 and tops out around $35,000 for a fully loaded SUV.
Finding a subcompact SUV that checks every box (practical cargo space, modern technology, strong safety ratings, and a warranty that beats the competition) usually means accepting a few significant compromises somewhere along the way. The 2026 Hyundai Kona refuses to play that game.
It delivers on all of those fronts at a starting price that keeps it accessible, and the fact that it’s taken home the Kelley Blue Book Subcompact SUV Best Buy Award again this year says everything you need to know.
2026 Hyundai Kona Overview
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is a small crossover SUV available in SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited trim levels. Its distinctive front grille, streamlined headlights, and sculpted body lines create a sporty and sophisticated silhouette that sets it apart from other subcompact SUVs. The well-known Hyundai Kona dynamic stance is further accentuated by a selection of 17-inch, 18-inch, or 19-inch alloy wheels depending on trim.
Built on a platform intended for electric vehicles, the 2026 Hyundai Kona adopts some EV design elements.
EV Elements Include:
- Light Bar Spanning
- Vertical Grille,
- Bumper, Fender, and Rocker Chunky Cladding
Performance & Power
The 2026 Hyundai Kona SE and SEL Sport trims are powered by a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. SEL Premium and Limited trims step up to a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. An all-wheel-drive system is available on every version of the 2026 Kona.
The eight-speed automatic responds promptly and contributes to the turbo engine’s confident power delivery at all speeds. Hyundai’s AWD system distributes torque to the rear wheels when conditions demand it, improving traction on wet roads and light off-road surfaces. For buyers who want the most out of the 2026 Hyundai Kona driving experience, the SEL Premium is the clear upgrade point where the powertrain genuinely transforms the character of the vehicle.
Fuel Economy
Lower 2026 Hyundai Kona trims, with the base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, are rated at up to 31 mpg combined with front-wheel drive, or up to 28 mpg combined with AWD. Models with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine return up to 28 mpg combined with FWD and 26 mpg combined with AWD.
0-60 MPH
With the base 2.0-liter engine, the 2026 Hyundai Kona reaches 60 mph from a standstill in about 9.2 seconds. Turbocharged SEL Premium and Limited trims cut that time by roughly two seconds, bringing 0-60 mph down to approximately seven seconds. If acceleration matters to you, the turbo is the version to drive.
A Clearly Comfortable Interior
The 2026 Hyundai Kona interior takes a clear step forward in comfort. It features a cleaner and more open cabin design, smart storage areas, and soft-touch materials. Also, available H-Tex seating surfaces give the 2026 Kona a more premium feel. The 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback allows the cargo area to expand considerably.
Interior color options include Black and Gray, with exterior paint choices spanning nine colors across the lineup. For a timeless, polished look, shades like Atlas White and Abyss Black Pearl are available. Bolder tones such as Neoteric Yellow and Soultronic Orange Pearl make a more expressive statement. Additional options include Mirage Green, Denim Blue Pearl, Ultimate Red Metallic, and Ecotronic Gray Pearl.

Available Comfort Features:
- Heated Front Seats
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Eight-Way Power Driver’s Seat
2026 Kona Limited Trims Add:
- Power Tilt-and-Slide Moonroof
- Bose Premium Audio System
- Hands-Free Smart Liftgate
- Ventilated Front Seats
Touchscreen Technology
The 2026 Hyundai Kona base SE trim comes standard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and Hyundai’s Bluelink Connected Car System. A wireless charging pad is standard starting with the SEL Sport, and the SEL Premium adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen serves as the central hub for infotainment. Bose premium sound systems on higher trims deliver immersive audio through an external amplifier and eight strategically placed speakers. Buyers can also add Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, which allows smartphone access to lock, unlock, and start their 2026 Hyundai Kona.
Safety
The 2026 Hyundai Kona earns a 4-star NHTSA safety rating alongside an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. That combination of standard driver assistance technology and strong crash test performance makes the Hyundai Kona one of the best-protected vehicles in its segment at any price point.

2026 Kona Standard Safety Features:
- Pedestrian & Cyclist Detection
- Forward Collision Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Following Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Safe Exit Warning
- Driver Attention Monitor
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Automatic High-Beam Assist
Additional Safety Features:
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Parking Sensors
- Surround-View Camera
- Navigation-Based Adaptive Cruise Control
- Hyundai’s Highway Driving Assist System
2026 Hyundai Kona Price
The least-expensive 2026 Kona is the SE, which starts at approximately $25,500. From there, the 2026 Kona lineup builds progressively with each trim, giving buyers a clear path from an entry-level daily driver to a fully loaded subcompact SUV. Overall, you can expect the price of a 2026 Hyundai Kona to fall somewhere between $26,000-$33,000.
Price by Trim
The prices listed below for the 2026 Hyundai Kona are strictly estimated. We highly recommend visiting your local Hyundai dealer in person to ensure 100% accurate prices.
SE: $25,500
SEL Sport: $26,674
SEL Premium: $28,550
Limited: $32,650
Hyundai Warranty
The powertrain warranty coverage for the 2026 Hyundai Kona is the best in the industry. It applies across all four trims, meaning even the most affordable SE buyer drives home with the same peace of mind as someone in a fully loaded Limited. For buyers who place a high value on long-term ownership confidence, the Hyundai warranty is a legitimate differentiator in a crowded segment.
Hyundai Backs The 2026 Kona With:
- 5-year/60,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Limited Warranty
- 7-year unlimited-mile Anti-Perforation Warranty
- 5-year/unlimited-mile 24/7 roadside assistance
Test Drive a 2026 Hyundai Kona at Tulsa Hyundai
The 2026 Hyundai Kona makes a genuinely compelling case for anyone who wants a smartly designed, well-equipped small SUV without overextending their budget. From the punchy turbocharged engine on the upper trims to the generous cargo room and best-in-class warranty that comes on every single one, there’s a lot to appreciate here. Come visit us at Tulsa Hyundai to see the full lineup in person, compare trim levels side by side, and get behind the wheel for yourself.
If you’re not interested in the 2026 Hyundai Kona, then check out our plethora of other Hyundai vehicles. We carry the Hyundai Sonata, Hyundai Venue, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Palisade, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and the Hyundai Ioniq 6. We have an extensive certified pre-owned inventory where we’ll help you find something you enjoy.
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