2026 Hyundai Kona
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact crossover built for drivers who value practicality and smart design. With seating for five passengers, this crossover offers versatile drivetrain options across its Canadian trim lineup. Essential and Preferred trims are available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, while the Preferred with Trend Package and both N Line trims come standard with HTRAC all-wheel drive. The N Line variants stand out with a 1.6L turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while other trims feature a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. Every 2026 Kona includes LED headlights, High Beam Assist, and a 12.3-inch digital infotainment touchscreen as standard equipment.
Your Guide to the 2026 Hyundai Kona
Exterior
The exterior design of the 2026 Kona balances function with a modern look. Essential models roll on 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires, while Preferred trims upgrade to 18-inch wheels. N Line variants feature 19-inch alloy wheels and exclusive styling elements, including a sport-tuned bumper, grille, moulding, and emblems. All trims include LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, along with heated, body-colour side mirrors. The rear spoiler integrates an LED brake light, and a shark-fin antenna completes the roofline.
Upper trims add practical touches like roof side rails on Preferred models and rear privacy glass for passengers. The Preferred with Trend Package includes a power tilt and slide sunroof, premium body cladding, and a satin chrome beltline. N Line models distinguish themselves further with Seamless Horizon LED daytime running lights, body-colour cladding, black side mirrors, and a twin-tip exhaust. Active grille shutters help improve aerodynamics across the lineup, while solar windshield glass reduces interior heat buildup on sunny days.
Interior
Inside, the 2026 Kona provides a comfortable cabin with thoughtful features across all trims. Heated front seats are standard on every model, and a haptic steering wheel offers responsive feedback. The 60/40 split rear seat includes recline adjustment, and a rear centre folding armrest provides dual cupholders for passengers. A centre console with storage compartment and armrest keeps small items organized, while second-row HVAC air vents help maintain consistent temperatures throughout the cabin.
Preferred trims add a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob, along with manual front passenger seat height adjustment and a cargo area cover. The Preferred with Trend Package upgrades to leatherette seating surfaces, soft-touch door and crash pad materials, and LED interior lighting. Dual automatic temperature control with auto defogger maintains cabin comfort. N Line models feature ambient interior lighting, N Line-exclusive sport seats upholstered in suede and leather, metal sport pedals, and N Line door scuff plates. The N Line with Ultimate Package adds a power driver's seat with two-way lumbar support, ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Features
Powertrain
The 2026 Kona offers two engine options depending on trim selection. Essential, Preferred, and Preferred with Trend Package models use a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with an Intelligent Variable Transmission for smooth power delivery. The IVT system features a ratio range from 2.680 to 0.385, with a reverse ratio of 2.822 to 1.822. Essential models with this powertrain include idle stop and go technology to help reduce fuel consumption during city driving.
N Line and N Line with Ultimate Package trims step up to a 1.6L turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This engine connects to an 8-speed automatic transmission with column-mounted shift-by-wire controls and paddle shifters. Gear ratios range from 4.717 in first gear to 0.635 in eighth gear, with a reverse ratio of 3.239. Front-wheel drive is standard on Essential and Preferred trims, with optional HTRAC all-wheel drive. When equipped with all-wheel drive, these models also receive a multi-link rear suspension. All-wheel drive comes standard on Preferred with Trend Package and both N Line configurations.
Technology
Technology features in the 2026 Kona start with a 12.3-inch digital infotainment touchscreen across all trims. The system includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, along with a 6-speaker audio system and SiriusXM radio. Bluelink Connected Car System provides remote access and vehicle monitoring capabilities, while over-the-air software updates keep the system current. Four USB-C ports are distributed throughout the cabin, with two in the front and two in the rear. Essential models include a 4.2-inch gauge cluster display, while higher trims feature a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
The Preferred with Trend Package adds Digital Key functionality and wireless device charging for compatible smartphones. N Line models come with the full 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as standard equipment. The N Line with Ultimate Package tops the technology offerings with a BOSE premium audio system featuring 8 speakers for enhanced sound quality. Every Kona includes proximity key with remote start and push-button start for convenient access and operation.
Versions
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is available in five Canadian configurations, each designed to meet different needs and preferences.
- Essential — Entry trim with 2.0L engine, IVT transmission, 17-inch wheels, LED lighting, heated front seats, 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and comprehensive SmartSense safety features. Front-wheel drive standard, with optional all-wheel drive.
- Preferred — Adds 18-inch wheels, aero wipers, LED turn signals on mirrors, roof side rails, rear privacy glass, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift knob, manual passenger seat height adjustment, cargo cover, enhanced Forward Collision Assist, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
- Preferred with Trend Package — Includes all Preferred features plus power sunroof, premium body cladding, satin chrome beltline, proximity-activated smart power trunk, leatherette seating, soft-touch materials, LED interior lighting, dual automatic climate control, Digital Key, and wireless device charging. Requires all-wheel drive.
- N Line — Performance-focused trim with 1.6L turbo engine, 8-speed automatic, 19-inch wheels, N Line exterior styling, Seamless Horizon LED daytime running lights, body-colour cladding, black mirrors, twin-tip exhaust, ambient lighting, N Line sport seats in suede and leather, metal sport pedals, door scuff plates, and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. All-wheel drive standard.
- N Line with Ultimate Package — Top-tier model adding rain-sensing wipers, power driver's seat with lumbar support, ventilated front seats, auto-dimming mirror, BOSE premium 8-speaker audio, Parking Distance Warning, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Hyundai Kona
What engine options are available in the 2026 Kona?
The 2026 Kona offers two engines. Essential, Preferred, and Preferred with Trend Package trims use a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. N Line and N Line with Ultimate Package trims feature a 1.6L turbocharged engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters.
Does the 2026 Kona come with all-wheel drive?
All-wheel drive is optional on Essential and Preferred trims, which come standard with front-wheel drive. The Preferred with Trend Package, N Line, and N Line with Ultimate Package all include HTRAC all-wheel drive as standard equipment. When equipped with all-wheel drive, Essential and Preferred models also receive a multi-link rear suspension upgrade.
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