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 evaluation.
Even higher, it was the newly added Kona Hybrid Elite variant, which for underneath $40,000 plus on-road prices has a fairly 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 possibility dumped, and the present non-turbo 2.0-litre MPi engine and this petrol-electric 1.6-litre hybrid now on the books. And it additionally means there aren’t any all-wheel drive variations of the Kona anymore.
| Mannequin | Value 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) |
Should 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 possibility the N Line bundle 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 in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
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What’s the Hyundai Kona like on the within?
There haven’t been any main adjustments to the cabin remedy 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 straightforward 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 incorrect at the very least as soon as whenever you’re attempting to do a reverse-parallel park in visitors…
The blinker is on the proper aspect (proper!) with the sunshine controls, and the wipers are on the left speak. Sure, there’s a rear wiper, too.
In entrance of the motive force there’s additionally an honest measurement display with digital instrumentation together with a central color display exhibiting journey info and another particulars, however the digital-clock-style shows on both aspect 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 properly – and loads of straightforward performance to the menus.
Like another vehicles which have software program as a promoting level, this one is a bit of easier to study, and you will see there’s a stage of ease with regards to attending to grips with many of the menus on display.
Most of us will simply join our cellphone and barely delve deeper, certainly… however it would be best to get to phrases with the protection menus in the event 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 best way of full digital controls, and there are bodily buttons and dials under the display to function the local weather management, seat heating, media administration and extra.
A wi-fi cellphone charger exists in that area as properly, 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 best way in the event you want only a huge 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 self-importance 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 simply need assistance.
Within the second row you will see that there’s extra space than you most likely anticipate for such a small automobile, with simply sufficient room again there for somebody 6’0” tall to slip in behind a equally sized grownup with a bit of little bit of area to spare.
There’s no huge transmission tunnel, however the area will most likely be higher suited to 2 fairly than three occupants. In case you have kiddos there are ISOFIX youngster 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 mild and a number of purchasing bag hooks, which is superb, and a few little small storage nooks. Plus you get a cargo cowl! It’s all very intelligent by way of area.
| Dimensions | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|
| Size | 4350mm (4385mm with N Line pack) |
| Width | 1825mm |
| Peak | 1585-1590mm |
| Wheelbase | 2660mm |
| Cargo capability | 407L (rear seats up) 1241L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Hyundai Kona strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The petrol model of the Kona is an honest little operator, however the hybrid is the interesting alternative for plenty of personal consumers who desire a fuel-miser. It’s not simply mild on the juice, although – it has a superb 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 |
| Gasoline financial system (claimed) | 3.9L/100km |
| Gasoline financial system (as examined) | 4.7L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 38L |
| Gasoline 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 wonderful.
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 combined testing leading to a displayed common of 4.7L/100km. Nonetheless good!
To see how the Hyundai Kona strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
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 most likely 300 different new vehicles (SERIOUSLY!), I discovered it to be a really pleasant 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 superb quantity of torque whenever you want it and smoothness to the expertise.
It could actually drive in absolutely electrical mode in some conditions, so that you would possibly really discover that it is going to be silent and clean in its operation, past your expectations.
On longer journeys and at excessive speeds whenever you would possibly anticipate petrol-only energy, it would nonetheless change between petrol and EV at tempo – and also you barely even discover it.
The factor in regards to 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 could be 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 enable the automobile to be pushed identical 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 the event you set it into Degree 3 regen mode it gained’t come to an entire cease, it would simply sluggish progressively. Within the different modes, it’s much more lenient.
There’s a slight impact on the brake pedal really feel, as is usually the case with hybrid and electrified automobiles. That unusual preliminary pedal development sensation could be odd in the event 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 properly.
One factor you may not like in regards to the steering system is the lively lane preserving help, which might intervene by nudging you round in your lane at excessive speeds specifically. 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 digicam system and it is going to be painful in the event you don’t like annoying chimes. It’s overbearing, and it’s important to flip it off each single time you drive the automobile in the event you don’t prefer it.
You may mute the pace signal recognition system by holding down the mute button on the steering wheel, which is able to cease it from binging at you as properly.
It’s a charmer to drive. Superb certainly.
To see how the Hyundai Kona strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
What do you get?
Okay, right here’s the spec rundown to see if the Elite grade is the suitable choose for you, based mostly on all the vary.
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2026 Hyundai Kona commonplace gear highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels (NEW)
- Automated reflector LED headlights
- Automated 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
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Over-the-air updates
- Bluelink linked automobile providers
- 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
- Peak-adjustable entrance seats
- 2-way driver lumbar modify
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 Good Parking Help
- LED indicators
- Full-width entrance mild 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 Rest 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 a giant step as much as get into the Hybrid Premium variant, nevertheless it actually is a mega improve by way of spec.
To see how the Hyundai Kona strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
Is the Hyundai Kona protected?
I wouldn’t say it’s ‘unsafe’, nevertheless it does have a four-star ANCAP ranking from 2023.
| Class | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 80 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 84 per cent |
| Susceptible street person safety | 64 per cent |
| Security help | 62 per cent |
Customary security gear throughout the vary consists of:
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Bike owner detection
- Junction help
- Blind-spot help
- Clever Pace Restrict Help
- Multi-collision brake
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Secure exit warning
- Reversing digicam
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
If you’d like extra security spec, Premium variants upgrades issues to a giant extent by including:
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Parking Collision Avoidance Help Reverse
- Encompass-view digicam
- Aspect parking sensors
Numerous small SUV rivals have a surround-view digicam of their $40k variant… some even have the tech within the high-$20k vary.
The Kona comes with seven airbags – twin entrance, entrance aspect, a entrance centre airbag, and curtain protection for each rows of seats.
To see how the Hyundai Kona strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
How a lot does the Hyundai Kona value to run?
Hyundai just lately added a conditional guarantee program to its possession promise. Should 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 |
| Whole 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 house owners to move again in for upkeep, as a result of there’s additionally an incentive to maintain you servicing in-house: in the event 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 methodology, 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 in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability instrument
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 unsure the Elite grade is strictly the suitable 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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