Hyundai Kona

Name: 2026 Hyundai Kona
Brand: Hyundai

CR MPG:

Road Test

Predicted Reliability Details

Predicted Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The Kona has been redesigned and reimagined as a slightly upscale subcompact SUV. We found it an improvement in several ways over the previous model, which suffered from a stiff ride and a cramped cabin. The new Kona, which has grown larger with the redesign (and more expensive), sports a radically styled exterior and offers a roomier interior.

New Models Predicted Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

Hyundai Kona

vs. Similar Cars

Buick Encore GX

Chevrolet TrailBl...

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Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

View all Owner Satisfaction

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Safety

CR Safety Verdict: Best

5 / 5

Meets Federal Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Core Safety Requirements.
Meets all CR Advanced Safety Requirements.

Critical Active Safety Features

AEB-P

Standard

AEB-H

Standard

BSW

Standard

RCTW

Standard

Learn More in CR Safety Guide

Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

Subcompact SUVs Ratings

2026 Hyundai Kona

$25,500 - $34,150

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Buick Encore GX

$26,200 - $33,300

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

$23,300 - $29,500

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Ford Bronco Sport

$31,845 - $40,265

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Honda HR-V

$26,500 - $31,850

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2027 Kia Seltos

$23,690 - $31,390

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Kia Seltos

$23,690 - $31,390

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mazda CX-30

$25,975 - $37,900

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

$27,695 - $31,845

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

CR's
Take

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

$24,995 - $29,695

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Nissan Kicks

$22,430 - $28,160

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Road test

Predicted Reliability

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2026 Subaru Crosstrek

$26,995 - $34,995

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

In Test

2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid

$26,995 - $34,995

EPA MPG 36 mpg

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross

$25,035 - $33,330

CR MPG

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

$28,995 - $33,030

CR MPG

Road test

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2026 Volkswagen Taos

$26,500 - $35,900

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See All Subcompact SUVs Ratings

Features & Specs

4-door SUV

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Front

electric (201 hp)
1.6-liter 4 turbo (190 hp)
2-liter 4 (147 hp)

8-speed automatic
1-speed direct
CVT

Join Consumer Reports cu. ft.

Basic 5 years/60,000 miles
Drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion 7 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Aid 5 years/unlimited miles
Maintenance NA

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Model History

2024-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned Kona feels more mature and substantial than the original model. This generation is larger, with more room for passengers and cargo. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder is shy on power and gets loud and buzzy when pushed, but it's mated to a well-tuned CVT that performs simulated upshifts. The up-level 1.6-liter turbo-four produces more oomph, but suffers from some low-speed hiccups. Front-wheel drive comes standard with all-wheel drive available. We found the firm ride more comfortable than before but the Kona has lost some handling sharpness, although it did well in our emergency handling test. Most controls are easy to use, including the touchscreen infotainment system. The twist-type electronic gear selector on higher trims takes some getting used to, but with practice it can be operated without looking at it. Upscale features such as a power driver's seat and power liftgate are available.

2018-2023

2018 Redesign Year

The Hyundai Kona is playful and inexpensive, making it one of the more appealing subcompact SUVs. The base 2.0-liter engine is adequate around town, but it can feel sluggish under hard acceleration. We recorded 26 mpg overall with this engine in our AWD model, typical for the class. The uplevel 1.6-liter turbo is stronger, but its power delivery is not as smooth or predictable. Nimble handling makes the Kona feel very responsive in corners. The ride, however, is stiff and the cabin gets loud because of road and engine noise. A power driver seat with lumbar support adjustment comes in an option package, rare in the segment. The controls are very easy to use. Forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking are available. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard.

An all-electric version is new for 2019. The Kona electric is as good as the conventional version. Its 201-hp electric motor makes the car quick, with smooth and quiet acceleration. Its range is a robust 258 miles. It takes 9 hours to charge the 64-kilowatt-hour battery from empty on a 240-volt connector. The high performance N, powered by a 280-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine mated to an eight-speed dual clutch automatic, is new for 2022. Styling is also refreshed. Other 2022 updates include pedestrian detection added to the FCW and AEB system.