New Hyundai Kona Review

The new look of the 2026 Hyundai Kona in Phoenix combines a sporty aesthetic with an aerodynamic emphasis. There are vertically-oriented inlets to help air flow through. Hyundai’s protective armor design has been updated on the fascias front and back. There are skid plates, new wheel designs and new colors. The Kona EV model has been refreshed as well with similar updates. New daylight running lights and headlights are reshaped for a more striking look. The Limited adds rain-sensing wipers and automated high beams.

True to the Hyundai emphasis on quality, the standard SE cabin impresses critics with its soft touches, nice materials, and refined fit and finish. Owners appreciate how well it is organized, how uncluttered it feels, and how ergonomic the cockpit is.

Labeled a small SUV, this Hyundai nonetheless manages to have 94 cu ft of passenger space. Legroom for the rear seats is a spacious 35.2 inches. The cargo hold measurements exceed 19 cu ft. Furthermore, if the second row is folded, the hold measures 45.8 cu ft. Ground clearance for all models is an ample 6.7 inches.

The presence of essential dash technologies makes it seem as if there is nothing to be added there. The standard 8-inch display comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Hyundai Kona SEL Sport is another good value, adding push button start, HD radio and satellite radio, and a monitor for the blind spot and reverse cross traffic. It also has heated side mirrors and a safe exit warning.

BlueLink includes a remote starter and many other important extras. The Kona Limited cabin has leather-trimmed seats, the full 10.25 navigation touch screen, and a terrific Harman Kardon audio system.

You can learn more about 2026 Hyundai Kona trim levels in this extended review.

As for performance, the Hyundai SE and SEL Sport trim levels are powered by a 2-liter four-cylinder Atkinson engine. This produces a solid 147 horsepower. It allows the SUV to claim 29 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, and 31 combined.

The SEL Premium and Limited have a more powerful engine, but they can still claim 28 mpg combined. A 1.6T four-cylinder engine generates 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. It’s fun to drive, and it doesn’t punish Phoenix drivers at the gas station.

That’s quite a package. The Hyundai all-wheel drive system adds Active On-Demand capability that knows when wheels need more traction. It can redirect power to the wheels to keep the ride smooth on snow or sand.

The 100-percent electric powertrain has a combined output of 133 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. This gives the Hyundai Kona EV an estimated range of 200 miles. With that much power, the Kona EV has more thrust than many regular engine choices.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2026 Kona its top award: Top Safety Pick Plus. This small SUV has all the bases covered. Driver assistance standards include a forward collision warning, a pedestrian warning, an emergency autobrake, lane keep assist, lane following assist, and a driver attention alert.

2026 Hyundai Kona's come with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. There are many advanced features such as smart cruise control and highway driving assist that reduce the driver’s stress. Hyundai driver assistance just keeps getting better and better.

Find your new Kona at Earnhardt Hyundai - San Tan and discover what these features can do for you. Schedule a test drive today.