Does the 2026 Hyundai KONA’s HTRAC All Wheel Drive make a real difference for winter driving near Bloomington, IN?

Sep 19, 2025

Dorsett Hyundai – Does the 2026 Hyundai KONA’s HTRAC All Wheel Drive make a real difference for winter driving near Bloomington, IN?

When winter weather hits, confidence matters. If you’re weighing whether the 2026 KONA’s available HTRAC All Wheel Drive is worth it for central Indiana driving, here’s what to know. HTRAC AWD is engineered to monitor traction continuously and can redistribute torque to the wheels with grip, helping you pull away from slick stoplights, maintain composure in slushy corners, and navigate rutted snow on neighborhood streets. The system’s tuning is subtle and fast-acting—you don’t need to fiddle with modes for typical winter conditions. You just feel planted as the drivetrain prioritizes stability and traction in the background.

Pair HTRAC with KONA’s available 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder and 8-speed automatic, and you get an agile SUV that’s quick to respond on dry pavement yet reassuring when temperatures drop. Safety confidence builds from there with standard Hyundai SmartSense, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection and Direct Oncoming (FCA-JT DO), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA). On Limited, systems like Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Surround View Monitor (SVM), and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) help on packed-lot winter days when visibility and maneuvering are toughest.

Inside, winter-friendly comforts make a difference too. Upper trims offer heated front seats and H-Tex® seating surfaces, and the available heated steering wheel takes the sting out of chilly mornings. Remote start via Bluelink+ can precondition the cabin from your compatible smartphone, and with available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, you can leave the physical key at home—handy when you’re juggling gloves, bags, and coffee. The 12.3-inch touchscreen display is bright and responsive, and wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ mean your winter playlist and navigation are always at the ready, without cable clutter.

Wondering about the real-world difference between FWD and HTRAC AWD in a small SUV? The advantages show up in moments that matter: pulling away from a stop on a snow-dusted hill, turning onto an unplowed residential street, or correcting a minor slip before it becomes a bigger slide. HTRAC AWD isn’t a substitute for winter tires, but it is a powerful complement. For drivers who live on slightly inclined roads, start early for work, or frequently drive in mixed urban and rural conditions, the upgrade can feel like a daily stress reducer for months each year.

If you’re test-driving in dry weather, you can still evaluate HTRAC’s benefits. On a mixed route, pay attention to how the system settles the vehicle over broken or uneven surfaces and how composed KONA feels exiting tight corners. Then compare with a front-wheel-drive KONA on the same loop. The difference can be subtle on a bone-dry day but becomes pronounced as conditions degrade. Our advice: choose the drivetrain based on your worst typical weather, not your best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is HTRAC AWD available on all 2026 KONA trims?

Yes, HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available across the lineup, so you can pair all-weather traction with the powertrain and feature set you prefer.

Do I still need winter tires with HTRAC AWD?

While HTRAC helps with traction and stability, winter-rated tires significantly improve braking and grip in deep cold. For frequent snow and ice, the combination is ideal.

Does the AWD system affect ride quality or interior space?

KONA was engineered to accommodate HTRAC AWD without compromising seating for five or cargo flexibility. Ride quality remains composed and quiet, with AWD engaging seamlessly.

Can I test HTRAC AWD during a demo drive if roads are clear?

Ask your specialist to plan a route with uneven surfaces, tight turns, and varied speeds. Even in dry conditions, you can feel how the system enhances composure and confidence.

If you’re comparing drivetrains, bring your everyday winter scenarios to your showroom visit. The team at Dorsett Hyundai can help you test both configurations on a route that mirrors your commute and weekend plans. One drive can highlight how HTRAC All Wheel Drive supports calm, controlled progress when weather tests your schedule. From the tech you touch—like wireless smartphone integration and the 12.3-inch touchscreen—to Hyundai SmartSense safety and the available turbo engine, KONA is built to make winter simpler and every other season more fun. We are proudly serving Bloomington, Effingham, and Evansville, and we’re happy to help you tailor a KONA build for year-round confidence.