2026 Hyundai Kona Versions and Trims Guide
2026 Hyundai Kona Versions and Trims Guide
Posted on March 30, 2026
The Kona has grown up. Hyundai's subcompact crossover evolved into a serious contender with dual personalities - one electric, one turbocharged. The 2026 lineup splits into two distinct powertrain families: a 64.8 kWh electric model and gasoline-powered trims including a sport-tuned N Line variant. If you're shopping for a compact crossover that fits Guelph's pairing of urban commuting and weekend highway runs, the Kona's breadth of choice is worth understanding.
The lineup spans five gasoline trims and three electric configurations. The key decision is powertrain first, then trim level - because the electric and gasoline versions serve different buyer profiles entirely.
2026 Kona Trim Lineup Overview
The 2026 Kona offers eight distinct configurations. The gasoline side includes the 2.0L Essential, 2.0L Preferred, 2.0L Preferred with Trend Package, N Line, and N Line with Ultimate Package. The electric side offers the EV Preferred, EV Preferred with Trend Package, and EV Preferred with Ultimate Package.
All-wheel drive is optional on the Essential and Preferred trims, standard on the Preferred with Trend Package and both N Line variants. The N Line trims use a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic instead of the base 2.0L engine and IVT transmission.
The electric models are front-wheel drive only and use a 150 kW electric motor with a 64.8 kWh battery. All Kona trims seat five and offer 723 litres of cargo volume with rear seats up, expanding to 1,803 litres with seats folded.
Every trim includes LED headlights, Hyundai SmartSense safety features, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, and heated front seats. The differences come down to drivetrain choice, power output, and convenience features.
Base Trim: 2.0L Essential
The 2.0L Essential delivers the core Kona experience. It uses a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive optional.
Fuel economy on the FWD Essential is rated at 7.5 L/100 km combined (8.1 city, 6.8 highway). The AWD version returns 8.5 L/100 km combined (8.8 city, 8.1 highway).
Standard equipment includes a 4.2-inch colour TFT instrument cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, proximity key with push-button start, and remote start.
Safety features are comprehensive: Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Following Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance-Assist, Safe Exit Warning, High Beam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go, Driver Attention Warning, and Rear Occupant Alert.
The Essential rides on 17-inch alloy wheels and includes LED automatic projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, and heated body-colour side mirrors with turn signals.
Mid-Range: 2.0L Preferred and Preferred with Trend Package
The 2.0L Preferred builds on the Essential with upgraded interior materials and convenience features. It uses the same 2.0L engine and IVT transmission, available in FWD or AWD. Fuel economy for the FWD Preferred is rated at 7.6 L/100 km combined (8.4 city, 6.7 highway). The AWD version returns 8.6 L/100 km combined (9.0 city, 8.1 highway).
The Preferred adds front power windows with auto up/down on both sides. The instrument cluster remains the 4.2-inch TFT unit, but infotainment and safety features match the Essential.
The 2.0L Preferred with Trend Package is AWD-only and adds: power tilt-and-slide sunroof, leatherette seating surfaces, soft-touch door and dash materials, LED interior lighting, height-adjustable front passenger seat, Digital Key, wireless device charging, and proximity-activated smart liftgate. Fuel economy matches the AWD Preferred at 8.6 L/100 km combined.
The Trend Package transforms the cabin from functional to refined. The leatherette seats and soft-touch materials make a noticeable difference on longer drives, and the smart liftgate is useful when your hands are full.
Top Trim: N Line and N Line with Ultimate Package
The N Line is where the Kona shifts from practical crossover to sport-tuned machine. It uses a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder producing 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque - a significant jump from the base 2.0L engine. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic, and AWD is standard.
Fuel economy is rated at 9.0 L/100 km combined (9.4 city, 8.4 highway) - slightly higher than the 2.0L trims, but that's the trade-off for extra power. The N Line also gets dual exhaust tip, 18-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, and a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster.
The N Line with Ultimate Package adds ventilated front seats, power driver's seat with lumbar support, LED ambient interior lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, smooth horizon LED daytime running lights, BOSE premium audio system with eight speakers, Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Parking Distance Warning (forward, side, and reverse), Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (reverse), and Highway Driving Assist.
The Ultimate Package is built for buyers who want the full suite of advanced driver-assist features. Highway Driving Assist combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering. Remote Smart Parking Assist lets you park the Kona using the key fob from outside the vehicle.
The N Line trims are for buyers who want the Kona to feel sharper and more responsive. The turbocharged engine delivers noticeable punch when merging onto Highway 401, and the sport suspension tightens up handling without making the ride harsh.
EV Preferred and EV Preferred Packages
The EV Preferred uses a 150 kW electric motor producing 201 hp, paired with a 64.8 kWh battery. It's front-wheel drive only and supports Level 2 AC 11 kW charging and Level 3 400V DC fast charging. The battery includes a heating system for cold-weather performance, and the charge port door is heated and opens with a push.
The EV Preferred includes the same safety features as the gasoline trims, plus regenerative braking and a column-mounted shift-by-wire gear selector. Drive modes include Comfort, Eco, and Sport. The interior features a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, 12.3-inch infotainment with navigation, heated front seats, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and proximity key with remote start.
The EV Preferred with Trend Package adds: power sunroof, leatherette seats, soft-touch materials, LED interior lighting, Digital Key, wireless charging, and smart liftgate.
The EV Preferred with Ultimate Package adds ventilated front seats, power driver's seat with lumbar support, LED ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, smooth horizon LED daytime running lights, BOSE premium audio, Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Parking Distance Warning, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Highway Driving Assist.
The electric Kona is for buyers who want zero tailpipe emissions and lower operating costs. Charging at home overnight covers daily commuting needs, and DC fast charging adds flexibility for longer trips. The 201 hp motor delivers instant torque, making the EV Preferred feel quicker off the line than gasoline models.
Which Trim Should You Buy?
If you want the lowest entry price and don't need all-wheel drive, the 2.0L Essential FWD delivers the full safety suite and modern tech.
If you want AWD for winter traction and a more refined interior, the 2.0L Preferred with Trend Package is the sweet spot. It adds the sunroof, leatherette seats, and smart liftgate - features that make the Kona feel more upscale.
If you want the sportiest version with the most power, the N Line with Ultimate Package delivers 190 hp, sport suspension, and the full suite of advanced driver-assist features.
If you want electric and can charge at home, the EV Preferred with Trend Package offers the best balance of features and value. The Ultimate Package is worth considering if you want advanced parking and highway assist features.
The Kona's strength is choice. You can get a practical, fuel-efficient crossover, or you can spec a turbocharged, tech-loaded version with nearly every feature Hyundai offers. The team can walk you through the differences between the gasoline and electric models, explain the Trend and Ultimate packages, and help you decide which drivetrain makes sense for your driving patterns.