What to Know About the 2027 Hyundai KONA

Jones Bel Air Hyundai - What to Know About the 2027 Hyundai KONA

The 2027 Hyundai KONA continues to make a strong case for drivers who want a small SUV with bold design, everyday versatility, smart technology, and confident efficiency. As a carry-over model from the previous model year, the 2027 KONA keeps the qualities that have helped it stand out in the compact SUV segment, while making a few targeted updates to feature availability. At Jones Bel Air Hyundai, we are proud to help shoppers explore the KONA lineup, compare trims, and find a configuration that fits daily driving needs, serving Towson, Owings Mills, and Clarksville.

For many shoppers, the appeal of the KONA starts with balance. It is compact enough to feel easy to park and maneuver, yet it offers useful passenger space, a flexible cargo area, and an available all-wheel drive system for added confidence. The 2027 KONA also brings a modern cabin experience, standard driver-assist technology, and two distinct gas engine options depending on trim. Whether your priority is fuel economy, turbocharged power, technology, or premium comfort, the KONA lineup gives you a clear path to the features that matter most.

2027 Hyundai KONA Overview

The 2027 Hyundai KONA is classified as a small SUV, but its design and packaging help it feel more substantial than its footprint suggests. Its overall length of 171.3 inches and wheelbase of 104.7 inches support a stable, confident stance, while the cabin provides seating for five and generous interior measurements. Front leg room measures 41.7 inches, while rear leg room comes in at 38.2 inches, making the KONA practical for commuting, errands, weekend plans, and daily family use.

Cargo flexibility is another major advantage. With the rear seats in place, the 2027 KONA provides 25.5 cubic feet of cargo room. Fold the rear seats down, and cargo capacity expands to 63.7 cubic feet. That means the KONA can handle grocery runs, luggage, sports gear, small furniture, and other everyday items with ease. A dual-level cargo floor is standard across the lineup, adding another layer of practicality for organizing your space.

Performance and Powertrain Choices

The 2027 KONA offers two gas engine choices. SE and SEL Sport trims use a 2.0L MPI Atkinson inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission and is a smart match for drivers who value smooth response and strong fuel economy. SEL Premium and Limited trims step up to a 1.6L turbocharged GDI inline 4-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Front-wheel drive is standard, while Active On-Demand all-wheel drive is available. Drive Mode Select is included, with Normal and Sport modes on front-wheel drive models. All-wheel drive models add Snow mode, giving drivers another setting for low-traction conditions. Steering is handled by column-mounted motor-driven power steering, and the KONA has a tight 34.8-foot turning diameter, which helps make it feel agile in parking lots, downtown streets, and neighborhood roads.

• 2.0L engine: Standard on SE and SEL Sport, offering 147 horsepower and an efficient driving character.
• 1.6L turbo engine: Standard on SEL Premium and Limited, delivering 190 horsepower for stronger acceleration.
• Front-wheel drive: Standard across the lineup for efficient everyday driving.
• Available all-wheel drive: Adds confidence and includes Snow mode through Drive Mode Select.
• Transmission choices: IVT on 2.0L models and an 8-speed automatic on turbocharged models.

Fuel Economy That Fits Daily Driving

Efficiency is one of the reasons many shoppers consider the Hyundai KONA. With the 2.0L engine and front-wheel drive, the 2027 KONA is rated at 28 city, 35 highway, and 31 combined mpg. With all-wheel drive, that same engine is rated at 26 city, 29 highway, and 27 combined mpg. The turbocharged 1.6L engine is rated at 26 city, 32 highway, and 28 combined mpg with front-wheel drive, or 24 city, 29 highway, and 26 combined mpg with all-wheel drive.

Those figures give shoppers useful flexibility. If maximum efficiency is the goal, the 2.0L front-wheel drive configuration is especially appealing. If more power is preferred, the turbocharged engine delivers extra performance while still maintaining practical fuel economy. Regular unleaded fuel is recommended for both engines, which helps keep ownership simple.

Exterior Design and Everyday Function

The 2027 KONA keeps its expressive design, including standard LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, automatic headlights, and High Beam Assist. Wheel sizes vary by trim, with 17-inch alloy wheels on SE, 18-inch alloy wheels on SEL Sport, and 19-inch alloy wheels on SEL Premium and Limited. The look changes slightly across trims, giving shoppers a choice between a more practical entry point and a more upscale appearance.

Several exterior features improve convenience. Heated outside mirrors are included from SEL Sport and above, while turn signal indicators on the side mirrors are included on SEL Premium and Limited. Roof rails are standard on SEL Sport and above, supporting additional cargo flexibility when paired with proper accessories. The Limited trim adds a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, a hands-free smart liftgate with auto open, and satin chrome accents for a more premium finish.

Interior Comfort, Cargo Space, and Technology

Inside, the 2027 KONA blends clean design with helpful technology. Every trim includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen audio system with AM/FM, SiriusXM, HD Radio, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, and six speakers. Front and rear USB-C outlets are standard, making it easier to keep devices charged on the go. A rear view monitor with parking guidance is also standard, while the Limited trim adds a Surround View Monitor for enhanced visibility around the vehicle.

Seat materials and comfort features build as you move up the trim range. Cloth seating is standard on SE and SEL Sport. SEL Premium and Limited add H-Tex trimmed seats. Heated front seats begin with SEL Sport, while ventilated front seats are included on Limited. The Limited trim also adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bose premium audio, an auto-dimming mirror, ambient lighting, and a fixed cargo cover.

• Standard touchscreen: A 12.3-inch display comes on every 2027 KONA trim.
• Wireless smartphone integration: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard.
• USB-C access: Dual front and dual rear USB-C outlets support modern charging needs.
• Premium audio: Bose audio with eight speakers is included on Limited.
• Flexible cargo area: Rear seats fold to expand space from 25.5 to 63.7 cubic feet.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Hyundai gives the 2027 KONA a strong foundation of standard safety and driver-assist features. Every trim includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning, and direct oncoming detection. Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and High Beam Assist are also standard.

The safety package helps make the KONA feel reassuring in a wide range of driving situations. Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go is standard on SE, SEL Sport, and SEL Premium. The Limited trim adds advanced convenience features such as Remote Smart Parking Assist and Parking Distance Warning for forward, side, and reverse detection with contour warning. Combined with standard stability systems, anti-lock braking, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system with individual tire indicator, the KONA is designed to support awareness and control.

Trim Highlights

The 2027 KONA lineup is organized to make comparison straightforward. SE starts with strong standard technology and safety. SEL Sport adds popular comfort and style features. SEL Premium brings the turbocharged engine, larger wheels, H-Tex seating, and added cabin refinement. Limited sits at the top with premium audio, advanced parking assistance, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, and additional driver visibility technology.

• SE: A value-focused starting point with standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a full set of driver-assist features.
• SEL Sport: Adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, roof rails, rear privacy glass, wireless device charging, and rear center armrest with cupholders.
• SEL Premium: Adds the 1.6L turbo engine, 19-inch alloy wheels, H-Tex trimmed seats, paddle shifters, soft-touch door panels, and enhanced front seat comfort.
• Limited: Adds premium features such as Bose audio, Surround View Monitor, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, sunroof, hands-free smart liftgate, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Key 2027 Updates to Know

Because the 2027 KONA is a carry-over model, most features continue from the previous model year. Two noteworthy updates stand out. Idle Stop and Go is dropped from the SE trim. Ambient lighting, previously available on SEL Premium and above, is now included on the Limited trim. For shoppers comparing model years or trim levels, these changes are worth reviewing during a test drive or vehicle walkaround.

Overall, the 2027 KONA remains a compelling small SUV for drivers who want a modern cabin, confident available all-wheel drive, strong standard safety technology, and a choice between efficient and turbocharged performance. Its size makes it easy to live with, while its feature content helps it feel well equipped for daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the 2027 Hyundai KONA redesigned?

The 2027 Hyundai KONA is a carry-over model, which means it largely continues the design, powertrains, and feature structure from the previous model year with a few equipment updates.

What engines are available for the 2027 Hyundai KONA?

The 2027 KONA offers a 2.0L MPI 4-cylinder engine on SE and SEL Sport trims and a 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine on SEL Premium and Limited trims.

Does the 2027 Hyundai KONA offer all-wheel drive?

Yes. Front-wheel drive is standard, and Active On-Demand all-wheel drive is available across the lineup. AWD models also include Snow mode through Drive Mode Select.

How much cargo space does the 2027 Hyundai KONA have?

The 2027 KONA provides 25.5 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats and up to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Which 2027 KONA trim has the most premium features?

The Limited trim offers the most premium equipment, including Bose premium audio, Surround View Monitor, ventilated front seats, a sunroof, ambient lighting, and a hands-free smart liftgate.

Is the 2027 Hyundai KONA a good small SUV for technology?

Yes. Every 2027 KONA includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, USB-C outlets, Bluelink connected services, and over-the-air software updates.

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