Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai KONA the right choice for Lafayette, IN drivers?

Dec 18, 2025

Dorsett Hyundai – Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai KONA the right choice for Lafayette, IN drivers?

Confidence is a top priority for many compact SUV shoppers, and that is where the 2026 Hyundai KONA’s available HTRAC All Wheel Drive earns serious consideration. If you commute on I-65, navigate campus streets, or head out to nearby trails on weekends, understanding how HTRAC AWD behaves in real conditions around Lafayette, IN helps you choose your ideal configuration. Below, we break down how the system works, the trims to target, and what to expect in day-to-day driving, from rain-soaked mornings to snow-dusted evenings.

HTRAC AWD is designed to enhance traction and stability, distributing torque to help reduce wheel slip and support control when surfaces get unpredictable. In the 2026 KONA, it works hand-in-hand with Hyundai SmartSense features to provide a steady, reassuring feel without dulling the SUV’s nimble character. You can pair HTRAC AWD with both available powertrains: the smooth 2.0L MPI 4-cylinder and the energetic 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder matched to an 8-speed automatic. If you drive hilly routes or prefer brisk highway passing, the turbo engine and AWD pairing delivers a confident, planted ride you will appreciate year-round.

Beyond traction, Kona’s technology suite supports confident decisions in changing conditions. Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go eases start-and-stop traffic, Lane Following Assist helps keep you centered, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection and Direct Oncoming can apply braking when it detects a potential collision. On Limited, Surround View Monitor gives you a 360-degree camera view, Blind-Spot View Monitor shows a live feed in the instrument cluster, and Remote Smart Parking Assist can move the vehicle in or out of tight spaces while you stand nearby. Together, these systems complement HTRAC AWD by addressing common pain points—low visibility, tight parking, and stressful traffic.

Inside, Kona makes long drives and tough weather days easier with intuitive technology and comfort features. The available 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation pairs naturally with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, so your directions and alerts are always front and center. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keep your apps within reach, and available Wi-Fi hotspot capability supports passengers who need to stay connected. If you share your vehicle, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch can turn a compatible smartphone into your key—helpful when carpool schedules change on the fly.

Choosing the right trim is straightforward. SE and SEL Sport deliver the essentials with wireless phone integration, Smart Cruise Control, and a 12.3-inch digital cluster. SEL Premium adds the 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder, 19-inch alloy wheels, H-Tex® seating surfaces, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Limited is the most comprehensive, layering on the 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, SVM, BVM, HDA, RSPA, and available Bose® Premium Audio. If you want the broadest driver-assist coverage with HTRAC AWD, Limited is your one-and-done solution.

For drivers who face mixed conditions—wet leaves, slush, gravel shoulders—Kona’s HTRAC AWD helps you feel secure without sacrificing the efficient, city-savvy nature of a small SUV. If your routes stay mostly dry and flat, Front Wheel Drive remains a practical choice. Consider a test drive in both configurations to feel the difference in takeoff traction, mid-corner stability, and highway tracking. A short loop that includes a few stoplights, a cloverleaf on-ramp, and a bumpy side street will tell you everything you need to know.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Which trims can I get with HTRAC AWD?

Every 2026 KONA trim offers available HTRAC All Wheel Drive. Focus on SEL Premium or Limited if you also want the 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder and advanced driver-assist features.

Does HTRAC AWD change how Kona feels in daily driving?

HTRAC AWD is engineered to add traction and stability when needed but stay unobtrusive when roads are dry. Most drivers notice extra calmness pulling away on slick surfaces and more settled tracking when the weather turns.

Is Kona’s tech easy to use in bad weather?

Yes. The available 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and standard 12.3-inch digital cluster present crisp, high-contrast graphics. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ reduce cord clutter, and features like SVM and BVM on Limited improve awareness in low-visibility conditions.

When you are ready to compare configurations, Dorsett Hyundai can set up a route that mimics your commute and weekend drives. Our showroom is serving Effingham, Evansville, and Lafayette with knowledgeable product specialists and a stress-free process that puts your needs first. Try HTRAC AWD and Front Wheel Drive back to back, ask about safety tech demos, and explore how Kona’s connected features fit your life—so you can choose with confidence.