Dusting off the memories of a thrilling ride, I slid back into the driver’s seat of the Hyundai Kona Hybrid. It felt like reuniting with an old friend, a reunion promising pure driving pleasure.
Even sweeter? It was the brand-spanking-new Kona Hybrid Elite. Ringing in under $40K (plus on-road costs), this spunky SUV delivers a delightful dose of features for your hard-earned dough.
It also delivers a (mostly) likeable drive experience, good fuel consumption, and surprising space, too.
Is it affordable enough, though? Read on to find out and have your say in the comments.
How much does the Hyundai Kona cost?
The Hyundai Kona’s undergone a makeover, streamlining its lineup for a sleeker driving experience. Say goodbye to the turbo-petrol engine; the Kona now embraces a simpler powertrain strategy, focusing on the reliable 2.0-litre MPi and the efficient 1.6-litre hybrid. Adventurers, take note: the all-wheel-drive Kona has also been retired, signaling a shift towards a more focused, front-wheel-drive future.
| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | | 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) |
The price jump on those Premium models? Blame it on the sunshine – now standard with a sunroof.
Want to spice up your Elite or Premium trim? The N Line package is still in the mix, adding $3500 or $3000 to the price, respectively. Sadly, the base model is now excluded from the N Line fun.
To see how the Hyundai Kona lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
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What is the Hyundai Kona like on the inside?
The cabin remains largely unchanged, yet it’s a testament to enduring quality. The materials exude a premium feel, a subtle reminder that luxury lies in the details.
Sink into the Elite’s embrace: perforated leather seats, sculpted for comfort, offer the luxury of electric adjustment and the warmth of a heated touch.
The materials are good, and so are the controls.
The steering wheel offers intuitive control through readily accessible dials and buttons. However, the gear selector, a stalk extending from the column, demands a touch of acclimation. A forward twist summons Drive, a backward tug engages Reverse, and a simple press of the end-button locks it in Park. Confess, though: won’t you fumble that choreography at least once while attempting a reverse-parallel park under the judging eyes of rush hour?
Forget fumbling! Right where your fingers expect, the blinker lever dances alongside the light controls. And wipers? A comforting reach away on the left stalk. Oh, and a secret weapon against rear window grime: a rear wiper, ready for action.
The driver faces a vibrant digital cockpit anchored by a central color display brimming with trip data. However, the flanking digital readouts, styled with a retro clock face, feel like a low-resolution afterthought in an otherwise modern landscape.
Dive into a world of seamless connectivity with the vibrant 12.3-inch touchscreen media system. Effortlessly sync your smartphone via wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and navigate with pinpoint accuracy using the integrated satellite navigation. The intuitive menus ensure a user-friendly experience, putting a universe of entertainment and information at your fingertips.
Unlike its tech-heavy rivals, this car’s software feels refreshingly intuitive. Navigating the on-screen menus is surprisingly straightforward, a welcome simplicity in a world of overcomplicated interfaces.
Hate those annoying notification chimes? Before you mindlessly sync your phone, dive into the safety settings. Silence the bing-bongs and reclaim your sanity.
Stepping inside is a breath of fresh air. Unlike so many modern interiors drowning in touchscreens, this car smartly retains physical controls. Hallelujah! You get real buttons and dials for climate, seat warmers, and music – meaning no more fumbling through endless menus just to crank up the heat. For a compact car, it’s surprisingly user-friendly and refreshingly practical.
Nestled within the cockpit are thoughtful touches: a wireless charging pad keeps your phone juiced, while a drive mode selector puts performance at your fingertips. Behind these, a cavernous center console awaits, featuring adaptable cupholders that vanish when you need a sprawling, uninterrupted surface.
Nestled between the front seats, a lidded centre console bin hides a removable tray – your secret stash spot. Door pockets swallow bottles whole, with room to spare for road-trip essentials.
Above, vanity mirrors blaze with customizable brilliance, complete with sun visors that glide into place. An auto-dimming rearview mirror offers serene nighttime driving, and for emergencies, a one-touch SOS button connects you to assistance.
Forget cramped quarters! The second row boasts surprisingly generous legroom, even for a six-footer settling in behind someone of similar stature. Think spacious comfort, not sardine can.
Forget squeezing three across the back. This space is best enjoyed by two, offering ample room for comfort. Little ones in tow? No problem. Secure window seats come equipped with ISOFIX anchors, and three top-tethers provide extra peace of mind.
Forget frantic backseat kicks! The front seatbacks boast tough, kid-proof mesh map pockets trimmed in resilient plastic. And speaking of storage, the door pockets offer surprisingly generous space. Need a break? A flip-down center armrest emerges, complete with convenient cupholders for on-the-go refreshment.
Further amenities include a set of USB ports and directional air vents. Nice…
The Kona doesn’t skimp on cargo space. Pack it up! You get a solid 407 litres with the rear seats up, plus thoughtful extras that make hauling a breeze.
Forget wrestling with bulky cargo! This vehicle boasts a genius flat-load floor, making light work of even the most awkward and heavy packages. And the best part? Hidden beneath that perfectly flat surface lies a space-saver spare wheel – a thoughtful touch offering peace of mind on every journey.
The boot isn’t just a space; it’s a smartly designed command center. Flanking the cargo area, a bright light illuminates your haul, while a squadron of shopping bag hooks stands ready to secure groceries. Cleverly concealed nooks swallow smaller items, preventing them from rolling around. And to top it off, a cargo cover provides discreet protection for your valuables. It’s space optimization at its finest.
| Dimensions | Hyundai Kona | | — | — | |Length| 4350mm (4385mm with N Line pack) | |Width| 1825mm | |Height| 1585-1590mm | |Wheelbase| 2660mm | |Cargo capacity| 407L (rear seats up) 1241L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Hyundai Kona lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What’s under the bonnet?
Forget the standard Kona. While the petrol version is adequate, the hybrid is where it’s at. For savvy drivers craving serious fuel efficiency, this is the Kona to covet. But it’s not just about saving money at the pump – it packs a surprising punch, too, offering plenty of get-up-and-go when you need it.
| Specifications | Hyundai Kona Hybrid Elite | | — | — | |Engine| 1.6L 4cyl hybrid | |Engine outputs| 77kW 144Nm | |Electric motor outputs| 32kW 170Nm | |System outputs| 104kW 265Nm | |Battery| 1.32kWh lithium-ion | |Transmission| 6-speed dual-clutch auto | |Drive type| Front-wheel drive | |Weight| 1410kg | |Fuel economy (claimed) | 3.9L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 4.7L/100km | |Fuel tank capacity| 38L | |Fuel requirement| 91-octane regular unleaded | |CO2 emissions| 88g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 5 | |Braked towing capacity| 1300kg |
"Consider those anxieties put to rest: this beauty sips regular fuel, not the pricey stuff, and boasts fuel efficiency that’ll make you question the gas gauge’s accuracy."
Real-world figures? Still impressive. I didn’t quite hit the claimed rock-bottom number, but a week of mixed driving conditions yielded a stellar 4.7L/100km. Thumbs up!
To see how the Hyundai Kona lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How does the Hyundai Kona drive?
After test-driving what feels like a small nation’s worth of new cars (seriously, I’ve lost count somewhere north of 300!), I recently slid back into the driver’s seat of a Hyundai Kona Hybrid. Let me tell you, it felt like reuniting with an old friend – a surprisingly delightful reunion, at that.
While not as punchy as its turbocharged Tucson and Santa Fe hybrid siblings, the Kona Hybrid boasts a surprisingly eager and responsive powertrain.
"The electric motor whispers its power the instant you touch the pedal, delivering a surge of torque precisely when you crave it, all while smoothing the ride into a seamless, exhilarating glide."
Prepare to be amazed. Sometimes, this vehicle whispers along on pure electricity, delivering an unexpectedly serene and seamless driving experience.
Instead of a purely petrol-fueled roar at high speeds, the engine dances a seamless tango between gasoline and electric power, a transition so fluid you’ll hardly feel the shift.
Hyundai’s hybrid system throws a curveball. Unlike the seamless glide you’d expect in EV mode, you’ll actuallyfeelthe transmission shift. It’s because the electric motor’s snuggled right into it. Prepare for a quirky, almost anachronistic sensation in an otherwise modern machine.
It also has an EV-like regenerative braking setup, with different modes to adjust the feel of that experience.
Imagine piloting this machine with justonepedal. Engage the single-pedal driving mode and the left paddle transforms into your deceleration command center. A sustained press summons regenerative braking, smoothly bringing you to a halt. Prefer a more gradual slowdown? Level 3 regen offers precisely that, gently easing your pace. Other modes? They grant even greater coasting freedom, letting momentum be your guide.
The brake pedal whispers a different story – a common quirk in the electric car world. That initial bite might feel unfamiliar, a subtle recalibration your foot needs to learn.
Dial it in: Eco, Sport, and Snow modes aren’t just labels; they’re dynamic personalities. Feel the powertrain transform as you chase fuel efficiency in Eco, unleash raw power in Sport, or grip the slick terrain with confidence in Snow. Each mode reshapes the steering and responsiveness, putting you in command of any driving scenario.
The steering? A revelation. It possesses a weighty confidence, a reassuring heft that telegraphs the road’s nuances directly to your fingertips. Turn the wheel, and the car responds with an eagerness that borders on telepathy, carving through corners with unexpected grace.
The lane-keeping assist system is a mixed bag. While it aims to keep you centered, its constant corrections at higher speeds can feel like a backseat driver wrestling for control. Thankfully, a quick tap of a button liberates you from its robotic embrace.
Beyond the expected safety features lies a driver monitoring system – one with a personality as persistent as it is intrusive. Prepare for a chorus of chimes each drive unless you preemptively silence its overzealous watchfulness. Consider yourself warned: disabling it becomes a ritual.
Silence the insistent speed sign alerts! Simply hold the mute button on your steering wheel and enjoy a peaceful drive. No more distracting "bings!"
It’s a charmer to drive. Very good indeed.
To see how the Hyundai Kona lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
What do you get?
Is the Elite grade your golden ticket? Let’s dissect the specs and see if it reigns supreme across the entire lineup.
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2026 Hyundai Kona standard equipment highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels (NEW)
- Automatic reflector LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- Dark grey roof rails
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- Remote start
- 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Over-the-air updates
- Bluelink connected car services
- Leather-appointed steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped shifter (2.0 only)
- Paddle shifters (Hybrid only)
- Shift by Wire (Hybrid only)
- ‘Open-type’ centre console (Hybrid only)
- Dual-zone climate control with rear air vents
- LED interior lighting
- Fold-down rear armrest
- Height-adjustable front seats
- 2-way driver lumbar adjust
The Kona Elite adds:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Rear privacy glass
- Silver-painted skid plates
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Leather upholstery
- Heated front seats
- 10-way power driver’s seat
- 8-way power passenger seat
- Paddle shifters
- Shift by Wire
- ‘Open-type’ centre console
- Elecrochromic rear-view mirror
The Kona Premium adds:
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- Projector LED headlights
- LED indicators
- Full-width front light bar
- Sunroof with power sunshade
- Acoustic laminated/solar windshield
- Power tailgate
- 12.3-inch digital instrument clusters
- Satellite navigation
- 8-speaker Bose sound system
- Ambient lighting
- Cloth headliner
- ‘Premium Relaxation front seats
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Driver’s seat memory
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
Jumping to the Hybrid Premium might seem like a $6,000 leap, but it’s more like teleporting to a whole new level of features.
To see how the Hyundai Kona lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
Is the Hyundai Kona safe?
I wouldn’t say it’s ‘unsafe’, but it does have a four-star ANCAP rating from 2023.
| Category | Hyundai Kona | | — | — | |Adult occupant protection| 80 per cent | |Child occupant protection| 84 per cent | |Vulnerable road user protection| 64 per cent | |Safety assist| 62 per cent |
Standard safety equipment across the range includes:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Cyclist detection
- Junction assist
- Blind-spot assist
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- Multi-collision brake
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- Safe exit warning
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
If you want more safety spec, Premium variants upgrades things to a big extent by adding:
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Parking Collision Avoidance Assist Reverse
- Surround-view camera
- Side parking sensors
Forget forking over a fortune for a bird’s-eye view. While some compact SUVs flaunt surround-view cameras even in their surprisingly affordable $20,000 models, others make you pay a premium. Is that extra visibility worth emptying your wallet?
Cradled in a cocoon of safety, the Kona boasts a comprehensive seven-airbag system. From dual front airbags embracing driver and passenger, to side cushions deflecting impact, and a central shield preventing collision, every angle is guarded. Curtain airbags cascade along both rows, enveloping passengers in a protective haven.
To see how the Hyundai Kona lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
How much does the Hyundai Kona cost to run?
Hyundai’s new ownership program offers peace of mind. Keep your new Hyundai serviced at an authorized Hyundai workshop and unlock a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. It’s Hyundai’s way of saying, "We’ve got you covered, kilometer after kilometer."
| Servicing and Warranty | Hyundai Kona Hybrid | | — | — | |Warranty| 5 years, unlimited kilometres (standard) 7 years, unlimited kilometres (conditional) | |Roadside assistance| Lifetime (service-activated) | |Service intervals| 12 months or 15,000km | |Capped-price servicing| 5 years | |Average annual service cost| $528 | |Total capped-price service cost| $2640 |
Even if the road less traveled leads to unexpected detours, relax five years of unlimited-kilometer warranty coverage have your back. Better yet, the hybrid model’s battery is shielded by an eight-year, 160,000km warranty, ensuring electrifying peace of mind.
Hyundai’s dangling a carrot to keep you coming back to the dealership. Service with them, and they’ll sweeten the deal with a roadside assistance refill, ensuring you’re never stranded. It’s a clever way to build loyalty and keep those service bays humming.
Keep your ride running smoothly! Routine servicing is a must every 12 months or 15,000km, but how you pay is up to you. Opt for the flexibility of our capped-price, pay-as-you-go plan, averaging around $528 per visit. Or, unlock peace of mind (and potential savings!) by prepaying for your servicing: a three-year plan costs $1560, a four-year plan is $2353, and a five-year plan comes in at $2977. Choose the option that best suits your budget and driving habits!
To see how the Hyundai Kona lines up against the competition, check out ourcomparison tool
childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Hyundai Kona
I really like the Hyundai Kona.
The hybrid powertrain transforms this car from mundane to marvelous, a genuinely pleasant daily driver. While the Elite trim’s value proposition feels slightly off-key given the standard features, it carves out a comfortable middle ground within the model range.
I’d find it hard not to be upsold into the Premium, though.
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