Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Kona

HTRAC All Wheel Drive

Kona’s available HTRAC All Wheel Drive is engineered to deliver traction and composure when roads are wet, slick, or unpaved, without sacrificing the light, nimble feel you appreciate in town. The system helps transfer power for stability when accelerating on low-grip surfaces and works with Hyundai SmartSense features to support driver confidence in challenging conditions. Pair HTRAC AWD with the available 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder and 8-speed automatic, and Kona becomes a compact SUV that tackles weekend adventures and weekday commutes with equal ease. For shoppers who frequently travel through changing weather, HTRAC AWD is a standout reason to put the 2026 Hyundai Kona on your shortlist.

1.6L Turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder

The available 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine—standard on SEL Premium and Limited—adds energetic acceleration and confident highway merging. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters for quick manual control when you want a more engaging drive. Around town, tuning keeps takeoffs smooth and predictable, while the transmission’s gearing helps the turbo stay responsive without constant downshifts. Drivers who prefer a more relaxed, efficient feel can choose the 2.0L MPI 4-cylinder on SE and SEL Sport. This thoughtful powertrain strategy lets you match Kona’s character to your priorities, whether that’s spirited performance, everyday efficiency, or a mix of both.

12.3-inch Touchscreen with Navigation

The available 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation becomes the command center of the Kona cabin, delivering maps, media, and key vehicle information in a crisp, high-contrast layout. It pairs seamlessly with the standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster so your directions, alerts, and settings are always in view. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keep your apps within easy reach, while available Wi-Fi hotspot capability supports passengers’ streaming and work on the go. The layout is intuitive, with logical menus and responsive inputs, so you spend less time tapping and more time focusing on the road. Add available Bose® Premium Audio and your podcasts, playlists, and calls sound clear and rich—perfect for daily commuting and long weekend drives alike.

Hyundai SmartSense Safety Suite

Hyundai SmartSense equips every Kona with an impressive set of standard driver-assistance features. Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go helps ease heavy traffic by maintaining distance and even restarting after a brief stop. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection and Direct Oncoming (FCA-JT DO) can apply braking when it detects a potential forward collision, including protection scenarios when turning left. Lane Following Assist (LFA) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) work together to help center Kona in its lane, while Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) help with lane changes and backing out of busy spaces. Limited elevates the experience with Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Surround View Monitor (SVM), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Parking Distance Warning with Contour Warning, and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), adding confidence in tight or complex situations.

Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)

Available on Kona Limited, Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA) lets you move the vehicle in and out of a parking spot while you stand outside—ideal for narrow garages or crowded lots. With a press and hold on the Smart Key, Kona can pull forward or back into a space, then exit it for you later, minimizing door dings and awkward squeezes. RSPA works in concert with Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse/Forward/Side (PCA-R/F/S) to help detect obstacles and apply light braking if needed. It is the kind of daily-use convenience you quickly begin to rely on, especially when paired with SVM for a 360-degree bird’s-eye camera view that simplifies tricky parking scenarios.