It had been some time since I’d pushed the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, and it was an absolute delight to get again into one for a assessment.
Even higher, it was the newly added Kona Hybrid Elite variant, which for beneath $40,000 plus on-road prices has a reasonably first rate quantity of package for the money.
It additionally delivers a (principally) likeable drive expertise, good gasoline consumption, and stunning area, too.
Is it inexpensive sufficient, although? Learn on to seek out out and have your say within the feedback.
How a lot does the Hyundai Kona value?
The Hyundai Kona vary has been simplified, with the turbo-petrol choice dumped, and the prevailing non-turbo 2.0-litre MPi engine and this petrol-electric 1.6-litre hybrid now on the books. And it additionally means there are not any all-wheel drive variations of the Kona anymore.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Hyundai Kona 2.0 | $32,700 (+$200) |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona 2.0 Elite | $35,700 (NEW) |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona Hybrid | $36,700 (+$200) |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona Hybrid Elite | $39,700 (NEW) |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona 2.0 Premium | $41,700 (+$2200) |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium | $45,700 (+$2200) |
When you’re curious why these Premium fashions obtained such a bump in worth, it’s all the way down to the usual inclusion of a sunroof.
Oh, and sure, you possibly can nonetheless choice the N Line package deal on the Elite (for an additional $3500) and Premium ($3000), however the base grade can’t be had with it anymore.
To see how the Hyundai Kona strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
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What’s the Hyundai Kona like on the within?
There haven’t been any main adjustments to the cabin therapy for this mannequin vary, however the end and the standard of the supplies is all of a really excessive commonplace.
Within the Elite there are some nice inclusions, such because the perforated leather-based seat trim and electrical adjustment and heating up entrance .
The supplies are good, and so are the controls.
On the steering wheel there are tactile dials and buttons which might be very simple to get your head round, although the gear selector poking off the steering column would possibly take a bit extra studying. Twist it forwards for Drive, backwards for Reverse, and push the button on the finish for Park – and inform me you gained’t get that fallacious not less than as soon as if you’re attempting to do a reverse-parallel park in visitors…
The blinker is on the proper facet (proper!) with the sunshine controls, and the wipers are on the left discuss. Sure, there’s a rear wiper, too.
In entrance of the driving force there’s additionally an honest dimension display screen with digital instrumentation together with a central color display screen exhibiting journey data and another particulars, however the digital-clock-style shows on both facet of it look a bit poxy.
The 12.3-inch touchscreen media system with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is nice, and there’s sat-nav as effectively – and loads of simple performance to the menus.
Like another automobiles which have software program as a promoting level, this one is a bit less complicated to be taught, and you can find there’s a stage of ease with regards to attending to grips with many of the menus on display screen.
Most of us will simply join our cellphone and barely delve deeper, absolutely… however you’ll want to get to phrases with the security menus in case you don’t like bing-bongs!
The inside is also extraordinarily sensible for a small automobile like this – fortunately the model hasn’t gone the way in which of full digital controls, and there are bodily buttons and dials beneath the display screen to function the local weather management, seat heating, media administration and extra.
A wi-fi cellphone charger exists in that area as effectively, in addition to a drive mode dial, and behind there’s a big centre console space with adjustable cupholders, so you possibly can transfer them out of the way in which in case you want only a large flat area.
A lined centre console bin with a detachable tray is situated between the entrance seats, and within the doorways you’ll discover sizeable pockets for bottles and a bit extra.
Overhead are illuminated vainness mirrors with adjustable/sliding solar visors (sure!), and there’s an auto-dimming rear-vision mirror, plus an SOS name button for these moments that you just need assistance.
Within the second row you can find that there’s more room than you in all probability count on for such a small car, with simply sufficient room again there for somebody 6’0” tall to slip in behind a equally sized grownup with a bit little bit of area to spare.
There’s no monumental transmission tunnel, however the area will in all probability be higher suited to 2 somewhat than three occupants. When you have kiddos there are ISOFIX little one seat anchor factors for the window seats and three top-tethers, too.
The entrance seatbacks have mesh map pockets with arduous plastic finishes (good for teenagers that kick), whereas the doorways home decent-sized pockets. Between the seats is a flip-down armrest with cupholders.
Additional facilities embody a set of USB ports and directional air vents. Good…
Boot area is class-competitive within the Kona at 407 litres with the rear seats up, and there’s a few good inclusions within the boot.
There’s a flat load in area, which is super-helpful for loading in heavy or awkward packages, and beneath that flat ground you’ll discover a space-saver spare wheel, which is a pleasant plus.
On the sides of the boot space, there’s a gentle and a number of procuring bag hooks, which is great, and a few little small storage nooks. Plus you get a cargo cowl! It’s all very intelligent when it comes to area.
| Dimensions | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|
| Size | 4350mm (4385mm with N Line pack) |
| Width | 1825mm |
| Top | 1585-1590mm |
| Wheelbase | 2660mm |
| Cargo capability | 407L (rear seats up) 1241L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Hyundai Kona strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The petrol model of the Kona is an honest little operator, however the hybrid is the interesting alternative for plenty of non-public patrons who desire a fuel-miser. It’s not simply gentle on the juice, although – it has a very good quantity of grunt!
| Specs | Hyundai Kona Hybrid Elite |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L 4cyl hybrid |
| Engine outputs | 77kW 144Nm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 32kW 170Nm |
| System outputs | 104kW 265Nm |
| Battery | 1.32kWh lithium-ion |
| Transmission | 6-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Drive kind | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1410kg |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 3.9L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 4.7L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 38L |
| Gas requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 88g/km |
| Emissions commonplace | Euro 5 |
| Braked towing capability | 1300kg |
There are some headline particulars there that may ease the thoughts – it doesn’t want premium gasoline, and the claimed effectivity is superb.
Within the real-world? It’s nonetheless fairly good. However I didn’t fairly get as little as that claimed quantity, with my week of blended testing leading to a displayed common of 4.7L/100km. Nonetheless good!
To see how the Hyundai Kona strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How does the Hyundai Kona drive?
I’ve all the time been a fan of the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, and being reacquainted with it after having pushed in all probability 300 different new automobiles (SERIOUSLY!), I discovered it to be a really gratifying expertise.
It may not be as perky or peppy as Hyundai’s bigger Tucson and Santa Fe hybrids – they each have turbocharged petrol engines as an alternative of a non-turbo like this Kona – it’s nonetheless a really pressing and responsive powertrain.
The electrical motor help is clear from the second you set off, with a very good quantity of torque if you want it and smoothness to the expertise.
It could possibly drive in absolutely electrical mode in some conditions, so that you would possibly truly discover that it is going to be silent and clean in its operation, past your expectations.
On longer journeys and at excessive speeds if you would possibly count on petrol-only energy, it should nonetheless change between petrol and EV at tempo – and also you barely even discover it.
The factor concerning the Hyundai hybrid system is that the electrical motor is definitely sandwiched into the transmission, so you’ll find yourself feeling shifts occur, even in EV mode – which is usually a little bit peculiar at first.
It additionally has an EV-like regenerative braking setup, with completely different modes to regulate the texture of that have.
There’s even a single-pedal driving mode that may permit the automobile to be pushed similar to an EV through the use of the left paddle (press and maintain and it’ll cease the automobile for you on regen energy). In any other case, in case you set it into Degree 3 regen mode it gained’t come to an entire cease, it should simply gradual step by step. Within the different modes, it’s much more lenient.
There’s a slight impact on the brake pedal really feel, as is commonly the case with hybrid and electrified automobiles. That unusual preliminary pedal development sensation will be odd in case you’re not used to it.
It additionally has a number of drive modes together with Eco, Sport and Snow, they usually do have an effect on the powertrain behaviour and in addition the steering weighting.
Talking of, the steering is definitely pleasant. There’s a reassuring stage of weight to the steering really feel, and it adjustments path admirably effectively.
One factor you may not like concerning the steering system is the lively lane preserving help, which might intervene by nudging you round in your lane at excessive speeds particularly. That may get in your nerves, however there’s a steering wheel button to show it off.
The protection techniques in any other case are cheap, though there’s a driver monitoring digital camera system and it is going to be painful in case you don’t like annoying chimes. It’s overbearing, and you need to flip it off each single time you drive the automobile in case you don’t prefer it.
You may mute the velocity signal recognition system by holding down the mute button on the steering wheel, which can cease it from binging at you as effectively.
It’s a charmer to drive. Excellent certainly.
To see how the Hyundai Kona strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
What do you get?
Okay, right here’s the spec rundown to see if the Elite grade is the proper decide for you, primarily based on the complete vary.
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2026 Hyundai Kona commonplace gear highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels (NEW)
- Computerized reflector LED headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- Darkish gray roof rails
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- Distant begin
- 4.2-inch instrument cluster display screen
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Over-the-air updates
- Bluelink related automobile companies
- Leather-based-appointed steering wheel
- Leather-based-wrapped shifter (2.0 solely)
- Paddle shifters (Hybrid solely)
- Shift by Wire (Hybrid solely)
- ‘Open-type’ centre console (Hybrid solely)
- Twin-zone local weather management with rear air vents
- LED inside lighting
- Fold-down rear armrest
- Top-adjustable entrance seats
- 2-way driver lumbar alter
The Kona Elite provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Rear privateness glass
- Silver-painted skid plates
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Leather-based upholstery
- Heated entrance seats
- 10-way energy driver’s seat
- 8-way energy passenger seat
- Paddle shifters
- Shift by Wire
- ‘Open-type’ centre console
- Elecrochromic rear-view mirror
The Kona Premium provides:
- Distant Sensible Parking Help
- LED indicators
- Full-width entrance gentle bar
- Sunroof with energy sunshade
- Acoustic laminated/photo voltaic windshield
- Energy tailgate
- 12.3-inch digital instrument clusters
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- 8-speaker Bose sound system
- Ambient lighting
- Fabric headliner
- ‘Premium Leisure entrance seats
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Driver’s seat reminiscence
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
To me, the additional $6000 appears like an enormous step as much as get into the Hybrid Premium variant, but it surely actually is a mega improve when it comes to spec.
To see how the Hyundai Kona strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
Is the Hyundai Kona secure?
I wouldn’t say it’s ‘unsafe’, but it surely does have a four-star ANCAP score from 2023.
| Class | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 80 per cent |
| Little one occupant safety | 84 per cent |
| Weak highway person safety | 64 per cent |
| Security help | 62 per cent |
Commonplace security gear throughout the vary contains:
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Bike owner detection
- Junction help
- Blind-spot help
- Clever Velocity Restrict Help
- Multi-collision brake
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Secure exit warning
- Reversing digital camera
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
In order for you extra security spec, Premium variants upgrades issues to an enormous extent by including:
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Parking Collision Avoidance Help Reverse
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Aspect parking sensors
Quite a few small SUV rivals have a surround-view digital camera of their $40k variant… some even have the tech within the high-$20k vary.
The Kona comes with seven airbags – twin entrance, entrance facet, a entrance centre airbag, and curtain protection for each rows of seats.
To see how the Hyundai Kona strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
How a lot does the Hyundai Kona value to run?
Hyundai not too long ago added a conditional guarantee program to its possession promise. When you service your new Hyundai with the model’s community of workshops, you possibly can entry a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee plan.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Hyundai Kona Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres (commonplace) 7 years, limitless kilometres (conditional) |
| Roadside help | Lifetime (service-activated) |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Common annual service value | $528 |
| Complete capped-price service value | $2640 |
If not, you continue to get 5 years and limitless kilometres of guarantee cowl. The hybrid mannequin’s battery pack is roofed by an eight-year, 160,000km guarantee.
Hyundai is clearly attempting to get homeowners to go again in for upkeep, as a result of there’s additionally an incentive to maintain you servicing in-house: in case you do, you’ll get your roadside help topped up every time.
Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, and you may both do the capped-price, pay-as-you-go technique, averaging about $528 per go to, or you possibly can prepay your servicing for 3 years ($1560), 4 years ($2353) or 5 years ($2977).
To see how the Hyundai Kona strains up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Hyundai Kona
I actually just like the Hyundai Kona.
With the hybrid powertrain it’s a likeable and habitable alternative, and whereas I’m undecided the Elite grade is strictly the proper worth for the usual package on supply, it does supply a pleasant mid-point within the lineup.
I’d discover it arduous to not be upsold into the Premium, although.
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