2026 Hyundai Kona Review

The 2026 Hyundai Kona makes a confident statement with its distinctive exterior design. The refreshed front fascia features a bold grille flanked by sleek LED headlights that create a modern, purposeful look. Sharp character lines trace the body, emphasizing the Kona's athletic proportions, while available wheel designs ranging from 17 to 19 inches add visual impact. The rear styling has been refined with updated LED taillights and a wider stance that conveys stability and sophistication.

Inside, the dashboard layout prioritizes both aesthetics and functionality, with controls positioned exactly where you'd expect them. Ambient lighting on higher trims allows you to customize the cabin mood, while the overall design language feels contemporary without trying too hard to impress.

Space efficiency is another area where the Kona excels. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the interior feels surprisingly roomy. Rear passengers enjoy 39.9 inches of headroom and 41.7 inches of legroom—enough for adults to sit comfortably on longer drives. 

Cargo capacity is equally impressive, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when you fold them down. Clever storage solutions throughout the cabin keep smaller items organized and accessible.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers two distinct powertrains, allowing you to choose the driving character that best matches your preferences. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, representing a nine-horsepower improvement over the previous year. 

The turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine transforms the Kona's character entirely. With 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque on tap, this powerplant provides genuinely spirited performance. The turbo engine pairs with a refined eight-speed automatic transmission that delivers quick, seamless shifts. This combination makes the Kona feel agile and responsive, turning routine drives into something more engaging. It's the engine we'd recommend for buyers who enjoy a more dynamic driving experience.

Both engines offer the choice between front-wheel drive and Hyundai's HTRAC all-wheel drive system. Kona all-wheel drive intelligently distributes power between the axles to maximize traction and stability. It also enhances the Kona's composure in spirited cornering.

Fuel efficiency remains impressive across the lineup. The base engine achieves up to 29 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive—excellent numbers for a vehicle with this much capability and interior space. Even the turbocharged engine maintains respectable efficiency at 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, proving that performance doesn't require sacrificing economy.

The 2026 Hyundai Kona showcases technology that enhances rather than complicates your driving experience. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen serves as your central command center, offering intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration make your favorite apps and services readily available.

The Hyundai Bluelink connected car system adds a layer of convenience that modern drivers appreciate. Remote start lets you cool down the cabin before entering on hot Arizona days. Remote lock and unlock provides peace of mind and convenience. Vehicle status checks let you monitor important information from your smartphone. 

Wireless device charging, standard on all trims except the base model, eliminates the need for charging cables. Four USB ports throughout the cabin ensure passengers can keep their devices powered, while Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and audio streaming.

The Limited trim's premium Bose audio system deserves special mention. With eight speakers and a dedicated external amplifier, this carefully tuned system delivers exceptional sound quality. 

Hyundai equips every 2026 Kona with an impressive suite of advanced safety technologies. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist monitors the road ahead and can automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision. The system includes pedestrian detection, cyclist detection, and junction turning assistance, providing protection in various traffic scenarios. This proactive approach to safety helps prevent accidents before they occur.

Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist work together to reduce driver stress. A Driver Attention Monitor watches for signs of drowsiness or distraction, alerting you when it's time to take a break.

The Limited trim elevates safety further with Highway Driving Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering to reduce driver workload during highway cruising. A 360-degree surround-view camera system and front/rear parking sensors are available to take the work out of parking. An available blind-spot view monitor displays a live video feed of your blind spot in the gauge cluster when you activate the turn signal. 

The 2026 Kona lineup has been thoughtfully restructured to focus on buyers who appreciate quality and features. While the SE trim serves as the entry point with impressive standard equipment, North Scottsdale buyers will likely gravitate toward the more premium offerings that showcase what the Kona can truly deliver.

The SEL Sport builds on the foundation with enhanced styling details and comfort features that elevate the daily driving experience. Heated front seats provide welcome warmth on cooler desert mornings, while wireless device charging adds modern convenience. The larger console tray offers practical storage, and LED interior lighting creates a more sophisticated cabin atmosphere. This trim strikes an excellent balance between features and value.

The SEL Premium represents the sweet spot for buyers seeking both performance and luxury. H-Tex leatherette seating surfaces are easier to maintain than cloth and feel more upscale. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster creates a cohesive dual-screen environment with the touchscreen, providing a tech-forward cockpit that rivals luxury brands. This trim also unlocks access to the turbocharged engine, making it ideal for drivers who want engaging performance alongside premium amenities.

The Limited trim delivers the full Kona experience with equipment that justifies its position at the top of the lineup. Ventilated front seats combat Arizona's intense heat, while the power-tilt-and-slide sunroof lets you enjoy beautiful weather when conditions are perfect. The hands-free smart liftgate opens automatically when it detects the key fob, making loading cargo effortless when your hands are full. Combined with the premium Bose audio system, advanced safety package, and refined interior appointments, the Limited proves that a subcompact SUV can deliver genuine luxury.

For Scottsdale drivers, the Kona's combination of refinement and practicality makes perfect sense. It's compact enough to navigate busy shopping districts and parking structures with ease, yet substantial enough for weekend getaways exploring Arizona's diverse landscapes. The powerful climate control system handles extreme summer heat effortlessly, while the available all-wheel drive provides added confidence during monsoon season. The Kona's efficient size also translates to lower operating costs compared to larger SUVs.

Hyundai supports the Kona with industry-leading warranty coverage that demonstrates genuine confidence in their product. The 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and 7 years of roadside assistance provide comprehensive protection and peace of mind. This level of coverage is rare in the automotive industry and adds substantial value to your ownership experience.

At North Scottsdale Earnhardt Hyundai, we invite you to discover what makes the 2026 Hyundai Kona exceptional. Schedule a test drive to experience the turbocharged performance, explore the intuitive technology, and see how the refined interior creates a premium driving environment. Our team is ready to help you find the perfect Kona configuration for your lifestyle and answer any questions you may have. Visit us today and experience the difference that thoughtful engineering and attention to detail can make.