2026 Hyundai Kona
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is a five-passenger subcompact crossover that adapts to Calgary's driving conditions year-round. This model offers powertrain flexibility with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine on Essential, Preferred, and Preferred with Trend Package trims, all paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. N Line models use a 1.6L turbocharged engine connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Drivetrain options include front-wheel drive on base trims, with HTRAC all-wheel drive available or standard depending on the configuration. Every 2026 Kona comes equipped with LED headlights, High Beam Assist, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, and a full suite of Hyundai SmartSense safety technologies. Calgary drivers can select from five trim levels.
What's New With the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
Exterior
The exterior of the 2026 Kona combines practical design with functional details. Essential trims start with 17-inch alloy wheels and all-season tires, while Preferred models upgrade to 18-inch wheels. LED headlights and LED daytime running lights are standard across the range, along with heated body-colour side mirrors that help clear ice and snow during Alberta winters. A rear spoiler incorporates an LED brake light, and solar windshield glass reduces heat buildup in summer. Active grille shutters help manage airflow for improved efficiency.
Preferred trims add roof side rails for cargo flexibility, rear privacy glass, and LED turn signals built into the side mirrors. Aero wipers provide better contact with the windshield during inclement weather. The Preferred with Trend Package includes a power tilt and slide sunroof, premium body cladding, a satin chrome beltline, and a proximity-activated smart power trunk that opens when you approach with the key. N Line models feature 19-inch alloy wheels and exclusive styling that includes an N Line bumper, grille, moulding, and emblems. Seamless Horizon LED daytime running lights, body-colour cladding, black side mirrors, and a twin-tip exhaust set the N Line apart visually.
Interior
The interior of the 2026 Kona focuses on comfort and daily usability. Heated front seats are standard equipment on all trims, warming up quickly on cold Calgary mornings. The cabin features a 60/40 split rear seat with recline capability, letting rear passengers adjust their seating angle. A centre console with storage compartment and armrest keeps items organized, and a rear centre folding armrest provides dual cupholders for passengers. Second-row HVAC air vents help maintain consistent temperatures throughout the vehicle.
Preferred trims add a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and leather-wrapped shift knob, along with manual front passenger seat height adjustment and a cargo area cover. The Preferred with Trend Package upgrades the cabin with leatherette seating surfaces, soft-touch door and crash pad materials, and LED interior lighting. Dual automatic temperature control with auto defogger manages cabin climate without constant adjustment. N Line models include ambient interior lighting, N Line-exclusive sport seats upholstered in suede and leather, metal sport pedals, and N Line door scuff plates. The N Line with Ultimate Package adds a power driver's seat with two-way lumbar support, ventilated front seats, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Features
Powertrain
The 2026 Kona offers two engine configurations. Essential, Preferred, and Preferred with Trend Package trims use a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that delivers 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine pairs with an Intelligent Variable Transmission for continuous ratio adjustment. The IVT operates across a ratio range from 2.680 to 0.385, with a reverse ratio spanning 2.822 to 1.822. Essential models equipped with this powertrain include idle stop and go functionality, which shuts off the engine at stops to save fuel during city driving.
N Line and N Line with Ultimate Package trims step up to a 1.6L turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine. This turbocharged unit produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, connecting to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Column-mounted shift-by-wire controls and paddle shifters give drivers direct control over gear selection. The transmission's ratios range from 4.717 in first gear down to 0.635 in eighth gear, with a reverse ratio of 3.239. Essential and Preferred trims come standard with front-wheel drive, with optional HTRAC all-wheel drive available. When the all-wheel drive option is selected on these trims, a multi-link rear suspension is also included. The Preferred with Trend Package and both N Line trims come standard with HTRAC all-wheel drive.
Technology
Technology in the 2026 Kona begins with a 12.3-inch digital infotainment touchscreen on all models. This system includes wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, eliminating the need for cables. A 6-speaker audio system and SiriusXM radio are standard, along with Bluelink Connected Car System for remote vehicle access and monitoring. Over-the-air software updates keep the system current without requiring dealership visits. Four USB-C ports are distributed throughout the cabin—two in front and two in back. Essential models feature a 4.2-inch gauge cluster display, while higher trims include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
The Preferred with Trend Package adds Digital Key functionality, which lets you use your smartphone to unlock and start the vehicle, plus wireless device charging for compatible phones. N Line trims come standard with the full 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The N Line with Ultimate Package tops the technology list with a BOSE premium audio system featuring 8 speakers for improved sound quality. Proximity key with remote start and push-button start come standard across all configurations.
Versions
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is available in five trims, each offering different features and capabilities.
- Essential — Base trim with 2.0L engine and IVT, 17-inch wheels, LED lighting, heated front seats, 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, 4.2-inch gauge display, and complete Hyundai SmartSense suite. Front-wheel drive standard, with optional all-wheel drive.
- Preferred — Adds 18-inch wheels, aero wipers, LED mirror turn signals, roof side rails, rear privacy glass, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and shift knob, manual passenger seat height adjustment, cargo cover, enhanced Forward Collision Assist with junction and oncoming detection, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
- Preferred with Trend Package — Includes Preferred features plus power sunroof, premium body cladding, satin chrome beltline, proximity-activated smart power trunk, leatherette seating, soft-touch materials, LED interior lighting, dual automatic climate control, Digital Key, and wireless device charging. All-wheel drive required.
- N Line — Performance trim with 1.6L turbo engine, 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters, 19-inch wheels, N Line styling package, Seamless Horizon LED daytime running lights, body-colour cladding, black mirrors, twin-tip exhaust, ambient lighting, N Line sport seats in suede and leather, metal sport pedals, N Line door scuff plates, and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. All-wheel drive standard.
- N Line with Ultimate Package — Top trim adding rain-sensing wipers, power driver's seat with lumbar support, ventilated front seats, auto-dimming mirror, BOSE 8-speaker audio, Parking Distance Warning, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Hyundai Kona
What engine choices are available in the 2026 Kona?
The 2026 Kona offers two engines. Essential, Preferred, and Preferred with Trend Package trims feature a 2.0L four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. N Line and N Line with Ultimate Package trims use a 1.6L turbocharged engine that produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission and paddle shifters.
Can I get all-wheel drive on the Kona for Calgary winters?
All-wheel drive is optional on Essential and Preferred trims, which come standard with front-wheel drive. The Preferred with Trend Package, N Line, and N Line with Ultimate Package include HTRAC all-wheel drive as standard. When you add the optional all-wheel drive to Essential or Preferred models, you also get an upgraded multi-link rear suspension.
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