2026 Hyundai Kona

Price Range: $25,500 - $34,150

Excellent

The 2026 Hyundai Kona is a satisfying extra-small crossover SUV. We give it high scores for its roomy interior, generous list of features and sophisticated technology features. Besides a lack of power from the base engine and an occasionally bumpy ride, there isn't much to complain about.Read full review

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Hyundai Kona for Sale

Pricing

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$25,908

44 for sale near you

Prices based on sales in VA thru 3/2/26

Final assembly in South Korea

2026 Hyundai KONA

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Pros

Roomy interior for people and cargo
Comes standard with many technology and driver assist features
Offers some upscale features absent from rivals
All-wheel drive is available on every trim

Cons

Underwhelming acceleration from base engine
Ride can get a little unsettled or bouncy over bumps

What's new

More standard safety features
New SEL Sport and SEL Premium trim levels
SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line and N Line S variants are canceled
Part of the second Kona generation introduced in 2024

Overview

Written by automotive expert Christian Wardlaw

3/9/2026

If you like the way the Hyundai Kona looks, chances are you'll like most other things about it. The 2026 Hyundai Kona is a crossover SUV that sits between the Venue and Tucson. It's an appealing option if you find the Venue a bit too entry-level but don't quite want the size (or expense) of the Tucson. We like that it comes with lots of driver assistance technologies and has a roomy interior with plenty of cargo space compared to rival crossovers. The base engine is a bit weak, but a more powerful turbocharged engine comes on the Kona's higher trim levels. Overall, this is one of our editors' favorite extra-small SUVs.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$132/mo

$183/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

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Edmunds spotlight: How Hyundai adds value to the Kona

In addition to the Kona's inherent worthiness, it is a compelling value. Accessible prices make it attainable, and if you buy one new and change your mind, you can swap it for a different Hyundai model within three days of your purchase (Hyundai's Shopper Assurance program). Beyond that, the Kona is covered by an impressive warranty of five years or 60,000 miles for the vehicle and 10 years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain. Additionally, Hyundai gives you 24-hour access to complimentary roadside assistance for five years with no mileage limit.

Competitors to consider

While the Kona is our favorite small SUV, we realize it might not be everyone's cup of tea. You could save some money by choosing the value-packed Chevrolet Trax, and Buick offers a pair of stylish alternatives in the Buick Encore GX and Buick Envista. For an equally long warranty and similar technology, consider the Kia Seltos. If safety is a top priority, the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30 match up well with the Kona according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's crash test ratings.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Clint Simone

Excellent

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2026 Hyundai Kona on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Driving experience

6.1/10

How does the Hyundai Kona drive? The Kona is available with two four-cylinder options. Our test car featured the upgraded turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. At our test track, our Kona accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, putting it among the quickest options in its competitive class. It also performed well in our emergency braking tests.

On the handling front, however, the Hyundai leaves a lot to be desired. Its suspension is quite soft and springy, translating to lackluster handling and a lot of body roll that sap any sort of fun you might otherwise have. That said, the Kona is certainly suitable for easy commuting. The transmission shifts smoothly and promptly.

When it comes to advanced driving aids, the Kona is one of the better-equipped cars in its class. A blind-spot monitor and lane-keeping assist are standard, and features like a 360-degree parking camera and adaptive cruise control are optional. Upper trims even come with a key with buttons that allow you to guide the Kona into or out of a parking spot while you're outside the car.

Comfort

8.5/10

How comfortable is the Hyundai Kona? The Kona's cabin is one of the best among all of the extra-small SUVs. Inside it's quiet on the road, even on the highway, and the seats are comfortable (though we did wish for a bit more leg support) across both rows. And it's one of the few vehicles in its class to offer features like ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel.

But where it truly excels is its back seat, where ample legroom and headroom make it a suitable space even for adults. And it makes it easier to fit large car seats without requiring the front passenger to park their knees in the dashboard.

In-cabin tech

9.7/10

How’s the tech? The Kona's available twin 12.3-inch displays look fantastic, and even better, the 12.3-inch center touchscreen display is standard. The menus structure is shallow and easy to use, and wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity is standard as well. Everyone's devices can stay juiced up at the same time with two USB ports in each row, and the Kona's optional wireless charging pad.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

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2026 Hyundai Kona pricing in Ashburn, VA

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2026 Hyundai KONA

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Build & Price

Buying Tips for the 2026 Hyundai Kona for March

Here are some tips to help you get the best deal on a 2026 Hyundai Kona:

The Edmunds True Market Value generally indicates that buyers are paying around 4.5% less than the sticker price. This translates to savings of roughly $1,280 to $1,481 across different trims. Make sure to use this information to negotiate a better price with the dealer.
Hyundai is offering special financing rates that can save you money over the life of the loan. Qualified buyers can get an APR as low as 3.49% for 36 to 60-month terms, which is a significant discount off the market rate of around 7%.
For new Hyundai Konas, there's a sizable inventory available with 2,699 to 7,000 new units depending on the trim. The high inventory levels provide you with more leverage in negotiations, as dealers are likely more flexible on pricing to move these vehicles off their lots.
If you're considering leasing, the median monthly payment is around $384 with about $2,884 due at signing for a 36-month term with a 12,000 mile per year allowance. This information can help you decide if leasing is a more affordable option for your budget.

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Storage & cargo

9/10

How’s storage and cargo? The Kona's cargo area offers 25.5 cubic feet of space with all of the seats in use. Fold down the second row and that area expands to 63.7 cubes overall. We love the clever cargo cover that can stow in place if you need to load in taller items. The center console area is completely open, so it can handle purses and other medium-size items quite well. If you want things covered, there is a small glovebox and center storage bin.

Value

8.3/10

Is the Hyundai Kona a good value? The Hyundai Kona is typically a little more expensive than competitors such as Chevy Trailblazer and VW Taos, but not by much. And for the money, the Kona offers a nice blend of performance, efficiency and strong build quality. Everything in the cabin feels well built. We think the best-value version of the Kona is the SEL with Convenience package. If you're looking for a subcompact SUV that feels a step or two above what it costs, the Kona offers a well-rounded list of features.

Its warranty is also fantastic, with five years/60,000 miles of basic coverage and 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

MPG

5/10

How’s the fuel economy? Our test Kona had the available 1.6-liter engine and all-wheel drive. In that configuration, the EPA estimates the Kona will get 26 mpg in combined city/highway driving. We did a bit better on our real-world evaluation route, averaging 27.6 mpg, so it's fair to say the EPA's estimate is realistic. Though many other extra-small crossovers, such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, are more efficient, most of them don't offer more powerful engine upgrades like the Kona's. The Kona with the base 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive gets a more competitive EPA-estimated 31 mpg combined.

X factor

7/10

The Hyundai Kona is all about passenger space and practicality. While its design is quirky, there's not much else about the way this SUV drives that's particularly memorable. Still, if you're into technology features, the Kona will certainly impress.

2026 Hyundai Kona trim level differences

The 2026 Hyundai Kona is a small crossover SUV available in SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium and Limited trim levels. The SE and SEL Sport have a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. A 190-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is standard with the SEL Premium and Limited trims, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. An all-wheel-drive system is optional with each version of the Kona. Compare the 2026 Hyundai Kona trim levels in-depth.

Which Kona trim does Edmunds recommend?

The Kona's standard engine isn't particularly satisfying, so we recommend upgrading to the SEL Premium for its turbocharged powertrain. Add all-wheel drive, and you'll get a more sophisticated rear suspension for improved ride and handling qualities.

Hyundai Kona Reviews

Owner Reviews

3.8

26 reviews

5(50%)

4(19%)

3(8%)

2(4%)

1(19%)

Owners Say

The overall sentiment for the 2026 Hyundai Kona is mixed. Owners like its sporty look, spacious interior, and technology features, saying it feels comfortable and is good for long trips. However, some find the technology glitchy, with issues like poor voice recognition and slow windshield wipers. Many mention the car's safety features are annoying with constant alerts, and some are disappointed with the gas mileage and missing features like a spare tire.

This summary is AI-generated from the text of owner reviews

See all 26 reviews of the Hyundai Kona

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Most Helpful Owner Review

Got what I wanted

Jim, 11/11/2024

2025 Hyundai Kona SEL Convenience 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT)

Great crossover the ride is more comfortable than I anticipated. The noise level in the cabin is excellent. The only thing I would say about the vehicle is the horsepower. But then again, I’m not racing the car love this car all the features.

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2026 Hyundai Kona, so we've included review for other years of the Kona since its last redesign.

Helpful shopping links

2026 Hyundai Kona video

These Are the Best SUVs On Sale Today | Edmunds’ Top Small, Midsize, Large and Luxury SUVs

If you’re looking for a new SUV, you’ve come to the right place — in this video, Edmunds’ Nick Yekikian rounds up our favorite SUVs currently on sale. From small to large and affordable to luxurious, these are the best SUVs you can buy right now.

2026 Hyundai Kona Features & Specs

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$25,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	31 MPG
Cost to Drive	$132/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	25.5 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles

See all features & specs

Reliability

The 2026 Hyundai Kona has a 5 years / 60,000 miles basic warranty and no recalls.

Recalls

There are no recalls for the 2026 Hyundai Kona

Warranty

5 years / 60,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 7 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles

Where the Hyundai Kona ranks:

#1 in X-Small SUVs

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2026 Hyundai KONA

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Safety

Key safety features on the Kona include:

Back-up camera
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning
Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	4 / 5
Driver	4 / 5
Passenger	4 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	15.1%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Good
Side Impact Test – Original	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated	Good
Roof Strength Test	Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Not Tested

FAQ

Is the Hyundai Kona a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2026 Kona both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2026 Kona gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 26 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Kona has 25.5 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Hyundai Kona. Learn more

What's new in the 2026 Hyundai Kona?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2026 Hyundai Kona:

More standard safety features
New SEL Sport and SEL Premium trim levels
SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line and N Line S variants are canceled
Part of the second Kona generation introduced in 2024

Learn more

Is the Hyundai Kona reliable?

To determine whether the Hyundai Kona is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Kona. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Kona's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2026 Hyundai Kona is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2026 Kona and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2026 Kona gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 26 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2026 Kona is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2026 Hyundai Kona?

The least-expensive 2026 Hyundai Kona is the 2026 Hyundai Kona SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $25,500.

Other versions include:

SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $25,500
SEL Sport 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 9/25 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,675
SEL Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $26,825
SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $27,000
SEL Sport 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 9/25 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,175
SEL Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,325
SEL Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $28,425
SEL Premium 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 9/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $28,550
SEL Premium 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $29,925
SEL Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 9/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $30,050
Limited 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $32,535
Limited 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 12/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $32,650
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $34,035
Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 12/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $34,150

Learn more

What are the different models of Hyundai Kona?

If you're interested in the Hyundai Kona, the next question is, which Kona model is right for you? Kona variants include SE 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT), SEL Sport 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 9/25 (2.0L 4cyl CVT), SEL Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT), and SE 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Kona models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2026 Hyundai Kona

Pricing

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive

Edmunds spotlight: How Hyundai adds value to the Kona

Competitors to consider

Edmunds Expert Rating

Driving experience

Comfort

In-cabin tech

Buying Tips for the 2026 Hyundai Kona for March

Storage & cargo

Value

MPG

X factor

2026 Hyundai Kona trim level differences

Which Kona trim does Edmunds recommend?

Hyundai Kona Reviews

Owner Reviews

Owners Say

Most Helpful Owner Review

2026 Hyundai Kona video

2026 Hyundai Kona Features & Specs

Reliability

Recalls

Warranty

Where the Hyundai Kona ranks:

Check a dealer's price

Safety

Key safety features on the Kona include:

NHTSA Overall Rating 4 out of 5 stars

IIHS Rating

FAQ

Is the Hyundai Kona a good car?

What's new in the 2026 Hyundai Kona?

Is the Hyundai Kona reliable?

Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2026 Hyundai Kona?

What are the different models of Hyundai Kona?