2026 Hyundai Kona near Conway, SC
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is a compact SUV designed with a unibody structure and high-tensile steel construction. It provides two gasoline engine configurations, multiple drivetrain options, and a comprehensive suite of digital and safety technologies. The platform supports front-wheel drive as standard and offers an available active on-demand all-wheel drive system. The 2026 Hyundai Kona is engineered with a focus on efficiency, structural rigidity, and integration of modern driver-assistance systems across all trims.
The exterior dimensions reflect its compact classification. The vehicle measures 171.3 inches in overall length, 71.9 inches in width, and rides on a 104.7-inch wheelbase. Ground clearance varies depending on drivetrain and wheel size. Front-wheel drive models provide up to 6.9 inches of clearance, while all-wheel drive models increase that figure to 8.3 inches when equipped with larger wheels. The coefficient of drag is measured at 0.302, contributing to aerodynamic efficiency.
Engine Architecture and Output Specifications
The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers two distinct engine families. The standard engine is a 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson-cycle DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder unit with a displacement of 1,999 cc. This engine produces 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm. It uses Multi-Point Injection and incorporates Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing. The compression ratio is 12.5 to 1. This configuration prioritizes fuel efficiency and stable output characteristics.
The available turbocharged engine is a 1.6-liter Gamma II DOHC 16-valve inline four-cylinder with a displacement of 1,598 cc. It produces 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 195 lb.-ft. of torque within a range of 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. This engine uses Gasoline Direct Injection and a turbocharger to deliver increased torque across a wider band. The compression ratio is 10.0 to 1. Both engines operate on regular unleaded fuel and include emissions control systems compliant with SULEV 30 standards.
Transmission Systems and Drivetrain Configuration
The 2.0-liter engine is paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. This system is designed to simulate gear steps while maintaining the efficiency benefits of a continuously variable system. It includes a Shift-by-Cable mechanism and SHIFTRONIC® manual shift mode for driver control.
The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine uses an 8-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter. This transmission includes Shift-by-Wire functionality and paddle shifters for manual gear selection. The gear ratios are calibrated to support acceleration and highway cruising efficiency.
Front-wheel drive is standard across all trims. The available all-wheel drive system operates on an active on-demand basis. Drive Mode Select is included, with front-wheel drive models offering Normal and Sport modes. All-wheel drive models add a Snow mode to adjust traction and torque distribution in low-grip conditions.
Suspension Design, Steering Geometry, and Braking Systems
The front suspension uses a MacPherson® strut configuration with coil springs and a stabilizer bar. Gas-pressurized shock absorbers are standard. Rear suspension differs by drivetrain. Front-wheel drive models use a coupled torsion beam axle, while all-wheel drive models use a multi-link rear suspension with a stabilizer bar. This variation provides improved handling characteristics for all-wheel drive configurations.
The steering system is a column-mounted motor-driven power steering unit. It has an overall ratio of 13.6 and requires 2.5 turns from lock to lock. The turning diameter is 34.8 feet, supporting maneuverability in confined spaces.
Braking components include ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear disc brakes. The system includes Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution. Additional features include Downhill Brake Control and Hillstart Assist Control. The braking system is supported by a 10.5-inch brake booster with a boosting ratio of 9.0 to 1. An electronic parking brake is standard across all trims.
Exterior Construction and Functional Elements
The exterior incorporates active grille shutters to improve aerodynamic performance. Lighting systems include LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, and an LED center high-mount stop lamp. Automatic headlights and High Beam Assist are standard.
Wheel options include 17-inch, 18-inch, and 19-inch alloy wheels depending on trim. Tire sizes correspond to wheel selection, ranging from 215 section width tires on smaller wheels to 235 section width tires on 19-inch wheels. Exterior mirrors include available heating and integrated turn signal indicators on higher trims.
Additional exterior features include a shark-fin antenna, roof rails on select trims, and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof on the Limited trim. The Limited model also includes a hands-free smart liftgate with auto-open functionality. Body cladding, bumper moldings, and door garnishes vary in finish depending on trim level, with combinations of textured black, silver, and satin chrome.
Interior Dimensions, Seating Systems, and Cargo Capacity
The cabin is configured to seat five occupants. Front headroom measures 39.9 inches without the sunroof and 38.3 inches with it. Rear headroom is 38.3 inches. Front legroom measures 41.7 inches, and rear legroom measures 38.2 inches. Shoulder room is 56.8 inches in the front and 55.2 inches in the rear. Hip room measures 54.3 inches in the front and 52.4 inches in the rear.
Cargo capacity is 25.5 cubic feet with rear seats in the upright position. When the rear seats are folded, cargo capacity increases to 63.7 cubic feet. A dual-level cargo floor is included, along with a 60/40 split rear seatback and adjustable head restraints.
Seating materials vary by trim. Cloth seating surfaces are standard on SE and SEL Sport trims. H-Tex® trimmed seating is available on the SEL Premium and Limited trims. Seat adjustment features include manual and power configurations depending on trim. Heated front seats are available starting on SEL Sport, and ventilated front seats are included on the Limited trim.
Infotainment Systems and Digital Interface Integration
The 2026 Hyundai Kona includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen interface across all trims. Standard configurations include an audio system with AM, FM, SiriusXM®, and HD Radio™ functionality. Limited models include a navigation system integrated into the 12.3-inch display.
Wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility are standard across all trims. USB-C charging and data ports are located in both front and rear seating areas. Wireless device charging is available starting on SEL Sport.
Audio systems vary by trim. Standard systems include six speakers, while the Limited trim includes a Bose® premium audio system with eight speakers and an external amplifier. The system configuration includes front door-mounted speakers, tweeters, rear speakers, and a center-channel speaker.
Instrumentation includes a digital display cluster. Lower trims use a 4.2-inch multi-information display, while higher trims include a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. This system provides information such as speed, fuel level, drive mode, and driver-assistance system status.
Connectivity, Convenience, and Driver Interface Controls
Bluelink® connected car technology is standard and supports remote functions and system monitoring. Over-the-air software updates are also standard, allowing system updates without requiring dealership visits for software changes.
Convenience features include proximity key entry, push-button start, remote start capability, and power door locks. Climate control systems include automatic temperature control with an auto-defog function. Rear seat air vents and heater ducts are included.
The steering wheel includes integrated controls for audio, Bluetooth® connectivity, and cruise control systems. Higher trims include heated steering wheels and haptic feedback. Paddle shifters are included with the turbocharged engine configuration.
Limited models include additional features such as navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with curve control, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and a Surround View Monitor. These systems enhance driver awareness and low-speed maneuvering capability.
Comprehensive Safety and Driver-Assistance Systems
The 2026 Hyundai Kona includes a full set of passive and active safety systems. Airbag coverage includes advanced front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensors. Seatbelt systems include pretensioners and load limiters for front and rear outboard positions.
Active safety systems include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, and Vehicle Stability Management. Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides individual tire pressure readings.
Driver-assistance features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, junction-turning, and direct oncoming detection. Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist provide lane monitoring and steering input support. Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist monitor surrounding traffic conditions.
Additional systems include Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Rear Occupant Alert. Limited models include Highway Driving Assist and Parking Distance Warning for forward, side, and reverse detection zones.
Climate Systems, Interior Controls, and Functional Details
The climate system includes automatic air conditioning, a rear window defroster with a timer, and cabin air filtration. All-wheel drive models include a PTC heater. Interior lighting includes LED illumination on higher trims and ambient lighting in selected areas such as door storage and dashboard trim.
Storage solutions include a center console with a storage tray, door pockets, bottle holders, and a cargo-area cover on select trims. Power window configurations vary by trim, with auto up and down functionality for driver and front passenger windows on higher trims.
Visit ALM Hyundai Florence for a Test Ride
We invite you to schedule a test drive of the 2026 Hyundai Kona at ALM Hyundai Florence near Conway, SC. A test drive allows direct evaluation of the 2.0-liter and 1.6-liter turbocharged engine configurations, along with their respective transmission systems. You can assess the digital interface, including the 12.3-inch touchscreen and available instrument cluster, as well as the integration of wireless smartphone connectivity. The test drive also provides an opportunity to review the operation of driver-assistance systems and the available all-wheel-drive system. Our team can assist you in examining each technical feature to determine the configuration that aligns with your driving requirements.