2027 Hyundai KONA Trim Levels Explained near Towson, MD
The 2027 Hyundai KONA brings a smart balance of compact SUV flexibility, confident technology, and city-friendly sizing to drivers who want everyday usefulness without unnecessary bulk. As a carry-over model, the 2027 lineup keeps the strengths that made KONA appealing: a roomy five-passenger cabin, 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, up to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and available Active On-Demand AWD for added confidence. Shoppers exploring a 2027 Hyundai KONA near Towson, MD will find four well-defined trims, each with a distinct purpose. SE and SEL Sport use a capable 2.0L MPI Atkinson inline four-cylinder with an Intelligent Variable Transmission, while SEL Premium and Limited step up to a 1.6L Turbo-GDI engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. At Jones Bel Air Hyundai, we appreciate how the KONA blends standard Hyundai SmartSense safety features, a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and practical dimensions that make daily driving feel organized and easy.
2027 Hyundai KONA Trim Comparison
| Trim Level | Focus | Powertrain | Wheels | Cabin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE | Smart everyday essentials | 2.0L with IVT | 17-inch alloys | Cloth seating |
| SEL Sport | Sportier daily comfort | 2.0L with IVT | 18-inch alloys | Heated front seats |
| SEL Premium | Turbocharged tech upgrade | 1.6T with 8-speed | 19-inch alloys | H-Tex® seating |
| Limited | Premium convenience flagship | 1.6T with 8-speed | 19-inch alloys | Ventilated H-Tex® seats |
2027 Hyundai KONA Trim Options
SE
2.0L MPI engine · 12.3-inch touchscreen · Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay · Hyundai SmartSenseThe 2027 Hyundai KONA SE is the entry point, but it does not feel stripped down. It starts with a 2.0L MPI Atkinson DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque, matched with an Intelligent Variable Transmission and SHIFTRONIC® manual shift mode. Front-wheel drive is standard, and available Active On-Demand AWD adds Snow mode to the drive mode selector. For everyday driving around Towson, the SE offers the easy maneuverability that compact SUV shoppers value, supported by a 34.8-foot turning diameter and a practical 104.7-inch wheelbase. Standard LED projector headlights, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillights, High Beam Assist, and 17-inch alloy wheels give the exterior a clean, modern look. Inside, the SE includes cloth seating, a 6-way adjustable driver’s seat, dual-level cargo floor, front and rear USB-C outlets, Bluelink® Connected Car System, OTA Software Updates, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen audio system with SiriusXM®, HD Radio®, and six speakers. Safety is especially strong, with Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Driver Attention Warning, and Smart Cruise Control w/Stop & Go all standard.
SEL Sport
18-inch alloy wheels · Heated front seats · Privacy glass · Rear center armrestThe 2027 Hyundai KONA SEL Sport builds on the SE with a more expressive look and a cabin that feels better prepared for busy daily routines. It keeps the efficient 2.0L MPI engine and Intelligent Variable Transmission, so the overall driving character remains smooth, predictable, and easy to manage in town or on the Baltimore Beltway. The visible upgrades start with 18-inch alloy wheels, Gloss Black outside mirrors, Gloss Black rear spoiler treatment, privacy glass, black roof rails, and “Aero” wiper blades. Those changes give the SEL Sport a more distinctive presence without sacrificing the KONA’s compact footprint. Inside, heated front seats, a front passenger height adjuster, illuminated sunvisor mirrors, LED interior lights, and an illuminated glove compartment add thoughtful comfort. Front auto-up/down power windows replace the driver-only setup, and rear passengers gain a center armrest with cupholders. Wireless Device Charging for supported devices is also standard on this trim, complementing the standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. The SEL Sport is a smart choice for shoppers who like the KONA’s practical foundation but want added daily comfort, bolder styling, and small conveniences that make repeated errands, commuting, and family coordination feel more polished.
SEL Premium
1.6L Turbo-GDI engine · 8-speed automatic transmission · H-Tex® seats · 19-inch alloy wheelsThe 2027 Hyundai KONA SEL Premium is the trim where performance and refinement take a meaningful step forward. Instead of the 2.0L engine, it uses a 1.6L Turbo-GDI DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder that delivers 190 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. That extra torque gives the KONA a more responsive feel when merging onto I-695, passing on I-83, or carrying passengers and cargo across daily routes. The turbo engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic torque converter transmission, shift-by-wire operation, and paddle shifters, giving the SEL Premium a more engaging and confident personality. On the outside, 19-inch alloy wheels, side mirrors with turn signal indicators, silver lower bumper molding, and black body cladding help separate this trim visually. The cabin also moves upscale with H-Tex® trimmed seats, an 8-way power driver’s seat, power driver 2-way lumbar support, premium soft-touch door panels, a passenger seatback pocket, a rear map pocket, and retractable rotary-style front cupholders. The SEL Premium still includes heated front seats, wireless charging, USB-C ports, Bluelink®, and the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. For shoppers who want the KONA’s size with stronger acceleration and richer interior materials, this trim lands in a compelling middle ground.
Limited
Power sunroof · Bose premium audio · Surround View Monitor · Remote Smart Parking Assist
The 2027 Hyundai KONA Limited is the most feature-rich version of the lineup, designed for drivers who want compact SUV convenience with premium technology and comfort. It keeps the 1.6L Turbo-GDI engine, 8-speed automatic transmission, paddle shifters, 19-inch alloy wheels, and available AWD found on the SEL Premium, then adds equipment that makes every trip feel more complete. The power tilt-and-slide sunroof brings more openness to the cabin, while the Hands-free Smart Liftgate w/Auto Open makes cargo loading easier when your hands are occupied. Inside, ventilated front seats join heated front seats, and the Limited adds a 12.3-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, Auto-Dimming EC Mirror, Ambient Lighting with user-selectable color, metal paint door handles, cargo cover, and fixed shelf-type cargo-area cover. Audio quality also improves with Bose premium audio, an external amp, and eight speakers. The technology story is especially strong thanks to Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Parking Distance Warning - Forward/Side/Reverse with Contour Warning. For shoppers who often navigate parking garages, busy shopping centers, or tight curbside spaces, the Limited’s driver-assistance and visibility features can make the KONA feel especially easy to place and control.
Which 2027 Hyundai KONA Trim is Best for Towson Drivers?
The best KONA trim depends on how you drive, what you carry, and which conveniences matter most during a normal week. Around Towson, drivers often balance neighborhood streets, campus-area traffic, York Road errands, I-695 commuting, and parking structures near offices, restaurants, and medical centers. That mix favors a compact SUV with a confident driving position, intuitive safety technology, useful cargo space, and a cabin that stays organized. The SE already covers the essentials impressively well, especially with standard Hyundai SmartSense systems and the large touchscreen. The SEL Sport is a natural upgrade for added comfort and style. The SEL Premium is the sweet spot for drivers who want turbocharged response and a more refined cabin. The Limited is the strongest choice for maximum technology, including parking support and premium audio. If you are comparing a 2027 Hyundai KONA near Towson, MD, Jones Bel Air Hyundai can help you match the trim to your route, parking needs, cargo habits, and comfort expectations.
- Choose SE for standard safety, touchscreen technology, and simple everyday value.
- Choose SEL Sport for heated seats, wireless charging, roof rails, and bolder styling.
- Choose SEL Premium for turbocharged power, H-Tex® seating, and a more engaging drive.
- Choose Limited for Surround View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, ventilated seats, Bose audio, and the most complete feature set.
