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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 below $40,000 plus on-road prices has a reasonably respectable quantity of equipment for the money.
It additionally delivers a (largely) likeable drive expertise, good gasoline consumption, and shocking area, too.
Is it inexpensive sufficient, although? Read on to search out out and have your say within the feedback.
How a lot does the Hyundai Kona price?
The Hyundai Kona vary has been simplified, with the turbo-petrol possibility 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 aren’t any all-wheel drive variations of the Kona anymore.
| Model | Price 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) |
If you’re curious why these Premium fashions acquired such a bump in value, it’s right down to the usual inclusion of a sunroof.
Oh, and sure, you’ll be able to nonetheless possibility 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 traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
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What is the Hyundai Kona like on the within?
There haven’t been any main modifications to the cabin therapy for this mannequin vary, however the end and the standard of the supplies is all of a really excessive normal.
In 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 incorrect not less than as soon as once you’re attempting to do a reverse-parallel park in visitors…
The blinker is on the right aspect (proper!) with the sunshine controls, and the wipers are on the left speak. Yes, there’s a rear wiper, too.
In entrance of the driving force there may be additionally a good 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 may be 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 somewhat less complicated to be taught, and you will see that there’s a degree of ease on the subject of attending to grips with many of the menus on display.
Most of us will simply join our telephone and barely delve deeper, certainly… however it would be best to get to phrases with the security menus if you happen to don’t like bing-bongs!
The inside is also extraordinarily sensible for a small automotive 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 telephone charger exists in that area as effectively, in addition to a drive mode dial, and behind there’s a large centre console space with adjustable cupholders, so you’ll be able to transfer them out of the best way if you happen to 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 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 simply need assistance.
In the second row you will see that that there’s more room 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 somewhat little bit of area to spare.
There’s no huge transmission tunnel, however the area will most likely be higher suited to 2 somewhat than three occupants. If you may 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 exhausting plastic finishes (good for youths that kick), whereas the doorways home decent-sized pockets. Between the seats is a flip-down armrest with cupholders.
Further facilities embody a set of USB ports and directional air vents. Nice…
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 flooring you’ll discover a space-saver spare wheel, which is a pleasant plus.
At the edges of the boot space, there’s a mild and a number of buying bag hooks, which is great, 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 |
|---|---|
| Length | 4350mm (4385mm with N Line pack) |
| Width | 1825mm |
| Height | 1585-1590mm |
| Wheelbase | 2660mm |
| Cargo capability | 407L (rear seats up) 1241L (rear seats folded) |
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
The petrol model of the Kona is a good little operator, however the hybrid is the interesting selection for many non-public patrons who desire a fuel-miser. It’s not simply mild on the juice, although – it has a great quantity of grunt!
| 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 sort | Front-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1410kg |
| Fuel economic system (claimed) | 3.9L/100km |
| Fuel economic system (as examined) | 4.7L/100km |
| Fuel tank capability | 38L |
| Fuel requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 88g/km |
| Emissions normal | 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.
In the real-world? It’s nonetheless fairly good. But 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. Still good!
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
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 automobiles (SERIOUSLY!), I discovered it to be a really pleasing expertise.
It won’t be as perky or peppy as Hyundai’s bigger Tucson and Santa Fe hybrids – they each have turbocharged petrol engines as a substitute 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 great quantity of torque once you want it and smoothness to the expertise.
It can drive in totally electrical mode in some conditions, so that you would possibly truly discover that will probably be silent and easy in its operation, past your expectations.
On longer journeys and at excessive speeds once you would possibly anticipate petrol-only energy, it can nonetheless swap 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 generally is a little bit peculiar at first.
It additionally has an EV-like regenerative braking setup, with totally different modes to regulate the texture of that have.
There’s even a single-pedal driving mode that may enable the automotive to be pushed identical to an EV by utilizing the left paddle (press and maintain and it’ll cease the automotive for you on regen energy). Otherwise, if you happen to set it into Level 3 regen mode it gained’t come to a whole cease, it can simply gradual progressively. In the opposite modes, it’s much more lenient.
There is 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 may be odd if you happen to’re not used to it.
It additionally has a number of drive modes together with Eco, Sport and Snow, and so they do have an effect on the powertrain behaviour and likewise the steering weighting.
Speaking of, the steering is definitely pleasant. There’s a reassuring degree of weight to the steering really feel, and it modifications course admirably effectively.
One factor you won’t like in regards to the steering system is the lively lane maintaining help, which may intervene by nudging you round in your lane at excessive speeds specifically. That would possibly get in your nerves, however there’s a steering wheel button to show it off.
The security programs in any other case are affordable, though there’s a driver monitoring digital camera system and will probably be painful if you happen to don’t like annoying chimes. It is overbearing, and it’s important to flip it off each single time you drive the automotive if you happen to don’t prefer it.
You can 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. Very good certainly.
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What do you get?
Okay, right here’s the spec rundown to see if the Elite grade is the fitting choose for you, primarily based on the complete vary.
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2026 Hyundai Kona normal tools highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels (NEW)
- Automatic reflector LED headlights
- Automatic high-beam
- Dark gray roof rails
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- Remote 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 automotive providers
- Leather-appointed steering wheel
- Leather-wrapped shifter (2.0 solely)
- Paddle shifters (Hybrid solely)
- Shift by Wire (Hybrid solely)
- ‘Open-type’ centre console (Hybrid solely)
- Dual-zone local weather management with rear air vents
- LED inside lighting
- Fold-down rear armrest
- Height-adjustable entrance seats
- 2-way driver lumbar regulate
The Kona Elite provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Rear privateness glass
- Silver-painted skid plates
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Leather 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:
- Remote Smart Parking Assist
- LED indicators
- Full-width entrance mild bar
- Sunroof with energy sunshade
- Acoustic laminated/photo voltaic 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 reminiscence
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
To me, the additional $6000 seems like a giant step as much as get into the Hybrid Premium variant, however it actually is a mega improve by way of spec.
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
Is the Hyundai Kona secure?
I wouldn’t say it’s ‘unsafe’, however it does have a four-star ANCAP score from 2023.
| Category | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|
| Adult occupant safety | 80 per cent |
| Child occupant safety | 84 per cent |
| Vulnerable highway person safety | 64 per cent |
| Safety help | 62 per cent |
Standard security tools throughout the vary consists of:
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Cyclist detection
- Junction help
- Blind-spot help
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist
- Multi-collision brake
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Safe exit warning
- Reversing digital camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
If you need extra security spec, Premium variants upgrades issues to a giant extent by including:
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Parking Collision Avoidance Assist Reverse
- Surround-view digital camera
- Side 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 aspect, a entrance centre airbag, and curtain protection for each rows of seats.
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How a lot does the Hyundai Kona price to run?
Hyundai not too long ago added a conditional guarantee program to its possession promise. If you service your new Hyundai with the model’s community of workshops, you’ll be able to entry a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre guarantee plan.
| Servicing and Warranty | Hyundai Kona Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Warranty | 5 years, limitless kilometres (normal) 7 years, limitless kilometres (conditional) |
| Roadside help | Lifetime (service-activated) |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | 5 years |
| Average annual service price | $528 |
| Total capped-price service price | $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: if you happen to do, you’ll get your roadside help topped up every time.
Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, and you’ll both do the capped-price, pay-as-you-go technique, averaging about $528 per go to, or you’ll be able to prepay your servicing for 3 years ($1560), 4 years ($2353) or 5 years ($2977).
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Take on the Hyundai Kona
I actually just like the Hyundai Kona.
With the hybrid powertrain it’s a likeable and habitable selection, and whereas I’m unsure the Elite grade is precisely the fitting value for the usual equipment on provide, it does provide a pleasant mid-point within the lineup.
I’d discover it exhausting to not be upsold into the Premium, although.
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