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2026 Hyundai Kona
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Review and specifications

2026 Hyundai Kona

The redesigned Kona feels more mature and substantial than the original model. This generation is larger, with more room for passengers and cargo. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder is shy on power and gets loud and buzzy when pushed, but it's mated to a well-tuned CVT that performs simulated upshifts. The up-level 1.6-liter turbo-four produces more oomph, but suffers from some low-speed hiccups. Front-wheel drive comes standard with all-wheel drive available. We found the firm ride more comfortable than before but the Kona has lost some handling sharpness, although it did well in our emergency handling test. Most controls are easy to use, including the touchscreen infotainment system. The twist-type electronic gear selector on higher trims takes some getting used to, but with practice it can be operated without looking at it. Upscale features such as a power driver's seat and power liftgate are available.

Market value
$25,600
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2026
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability 2/5
Data updated June 4, 2026

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
4-door SUV
Drive type
AWD
Transmission
Automatic, 8-speed
Category
Subcompact SUVs
Generation began
2024

Pricing

Current retail median
$25,600
Retail value range
$23,550 - $30,875
Original MSRP range
$25,500 - $34,150
Trade-in range
$22,225 - $29,980

Ratings

Road test score
76/100
Reliability
2/5

Fuel economy

EPA city
26 MPG
EPA highway
29 MPG
EPA combined
27 MPG
Tested city
18 MPG
Tested highway
36 MPG
Tested overall
26 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,475
Cruising range
330 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.8 sec
0-60 mph
9.8 sec
60-0 mph braking
127 ft
Avoidance speed
54.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
171 in
Width
72 in
Height
62 in
Wheelbase
105 in
Weight
3,265 lb
Maximum load
860 lb
Towing capacity
0 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
5.5 in
Front leg room
43.5 in
Rear head room
3.5 in
Rear leg room
29.5 in
Cargo volume
28 cu ft
Luggage
2+3+0

Environmental impact

Air pollution score
6/10
Greenhouse gas score
5/10
SmartWay
No

Brand context

About Hyundai

<p>From low-cost sedans to three-row electric SUVs, Hyundai has a model for almost every kind of customer. Most new Hyundai vehicles are stylish, functional, and competitively priced, but the brand overall ranks around the middle in Consumer Reports’ reliability and owner satisfaction ratings. Performance for individual models and years varies widely, with some standouts and a few laggards. The core Hyundai lineup includes low-cost compact Elantra and midsized Sonata sedan. SUVs include the subcompact Kona and compact Tucson, plus the midsized Santa Fe and larger Palisade, both of which offer hybrid powertrains and three-row seating. In our testing, most Hyundai models are available with a hybrid drivetrain, which adds power and smoothness while improving fuel economy. The Ioniq electric models are high-tech, well-designed, and can charge quite rapidly at public DC fast charging stations.</p>

Vehicle ID: 37474 First published: December 4, 2025 Updated: June 4, 2026

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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