Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Kona

190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine

The available 190-hp turbocharged 1.6L GDI 4-cylinder unlocks the fun side of Kona. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, this powertrain brings confident merging, smooth passing, and relaxed highway cruising. Throttle response is crisp without being jumpy, and the transmission’s tuning helps keep the engine in its sweet spot, so it feels eager yet refined. On winding back roads or crowded interchanges, you’ll appreciate how readily the Kona builds speed and how composed it feels mid-corner. Add in smart calibration across drive modes and you have a compact SUV that turns everyday miles into more engaging moments. This blend of efficiency-minded engineering and accessible power makes the 2026 Hyundai Kona an appealing choice for drivers who want extra punch without sacrificing comfort.

HTRAC All Wheel Drive

Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive increases your confidence when the weather turns or the pavement ends. The system actively monitors wheel slip and driver inputs, distributing power front-to-rear to help maintain traction and stability. On wet roads, HTRAC helps you feel planted and predictable; on lightly snow-covered streets, the extra grip supports smoother starts and more composed corner exits. HTRAC also complements Kona’s nimble chassis, helping you put power down with fewer wheelspin interruptions. For drivers who split time between city commuting and weekend escapes, the HTRAC option is a straightforward way to add peace of mind and capability with little compromise to the SUV’s agile character.

12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation

The available 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation is the centerpiece of Kona’s cockpit. Maps, audio, and vehicle information are displayed with crisp clarity and quick responsiveness, making every command feel intuitive. Voice guidance and road previews help you anticipate turns, while smart search and saved destinations minimize distractions. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ make it easy to bring your apps along, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability helps passengers stay connected on the move. With the available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster working in tandem, you can view key trip data and driver-assistance status without hunting through menus. The result is a driver’s seat that feels modern and organized, with information exactly where you expect it.

Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch

Available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch turns your compatible smartphone into your key, so you can unlock doors, start the engine, and even share access without handing off a physical fob. It’s a practical convenience when your hands are full or when you need to grant temporary access to a trusted driver. Built to integrate with compatible Apple®, Google, and Android™ devices, Digital Key 2 Touch also helps reduce the “Where did I put my keys?” scramble. Combined with the Proximity Key with push button start and remote start, Kona’s approach to access and convenience makes getting in and going feel effortless and modern.

Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)

Available on Limited, Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) lets your Kona back into or pull out of a parking space while you stand outside and hold the Smart Key button. In tight parking garages, narrow driveways, or when clearance is just a little too close for comfort, RSPA becomes a practical helper. The system works alongside features like Surround View Monitor (SVM) and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist - Reverse/Forward/Side (PCA-R/F/S) to add awareness and gentle corrective braking if needed. Together, these technologies transform tricky parking moments into simple, low-stress tasks, reinforcing Kona’s everyday usability in crowded environments.