2026 Hyundai Kona: Market Leader Adds "Elite" Mid-Spec to Expanded Range

The 2026 Hyundai Kona has arrived with a restructured lineup designed to offer Australian buyers more choice and value. A key highlight is the introduction of a new mid-range Elite variant, which sits between the entry-level Kona and the range-topping Premium. This new grade brings premium features like leather-appointed seats and upgraded technology to a more accessible price point.

In a move to streamline the offering, Hyundai has discontinued the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol all-wheel-drive powertrain, meaning the entire range is now exclusively front-wheel drive (2WD).

Pricing

The 2026 range now spans three distinct trim levels with two powertrain choices available across the board. The new Elite grade bridges the price gap effectively, while the N Line Option Pack remains available for those seeking a sportier edge on Elite and Premium models.

2.0L Petrol (CVT 2WD):

• Kona: $32,700
• Kona Elite: $35,700
• Kona Premium: $41,700

1.6L Hybrid (6DCT 2WD):

• Kona Hybrid: $36,700
• Kona Elite Hybrid: $39,700
• Kona Premium Hybrid: $45,700

Options:

• N Line Option Pack: $3,500 (Elite) / $3,000 (Premium)
• Metallic / Mica Premium Paint: $595
• Light Shale Grey / Sage Green Interior: $295 (Premium only)

Note: Prices are Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP) and exclude dealer delivery and on-road costs.

Drivetrain and Efficiency

The 2026 Kona range is powered by two distinct front-wheel-drive powertrains, catering to both budget-conscious and eco-minded buyers.

• 2.0 MPi Petrol: A 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine paired with a SmartStream Intelligent Variable Transmission (CVT). It delivers reliable everyday performance with fuel consumption rated at 6.6L/100km.
• 1.6 GDi Hybrid: A 1.6-litre petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This efficient powertrain features e-Dynamic Torque Vectoring and Smart Regenerative Braking 2.0, achieving an impressive fuel consumption figure of 3.9L/100km.

Note: The 1.6 T-GDi AWD powertrain has been discontinued for 2026.

Dimension

The 2026 Kona retains its practical "bigger in every dimension" footprint, offering substantial interior space for the small SUV segment.

• Length: 4,350 mm (Standard) / 4,385 mm (N Line)
• Width: 1,825 mm
• Height: 1,585 mm (Standard) / 1,590 mm (N Line with 19" wheels)
• Wheelbase: 2,660 mm
• Boot Space: 407 litres (seats up) / 1,241 litres (seats folded)

Servicing and Warranty

Hyundai continues to offer solid ownership backing for Australian customers.

• Warranty: 5-year / unlimited kilometre warranty.
• Service Intervals: Typically 12 months or 15,000km (confirmation recommended at dealer).
• Support: Lifetime Service Plan and roadside support plan availability.

Safety

Safety remains a priority with the comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense suite standard across all grades.

Standard Safety Features (All Grades):

• 7 airbags (including front centre airbag)
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA)
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
• Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC w/S&G)
• Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning

Premium Grade Exclusives:

• Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM)
• Surround View Monitor (SVM)
• Parking Collision Avoidance Assist-Reverse (PCA-R)
• Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA)

Standard Equipment for Each Variants

Kona (Base)

• Wheels: 17-inch alloy wheels (New design)
• Tech: 12.3-inch multimedia system with DAB+ and Bluelink® connected services
• Convenience: Smart Key with Remote Start, Dual-zone climate control, LED headlights and taillights
• Interior: Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob (2.0L only)

Kona Elite (New Mid-Spec)

• Adds over Base:
• Comfort: Leather-appointed interior, Heated front seats, Power-adjustable driver (10-way) and passenger (8-way) seats
• Tech: Rain-sensing wipers, Electrochromic mirror, Shift-by-Wire with paddle shifters (now on 2.0L)
• Exterior: 18-inch alloy wheels, Privacy rear glass, Solar control front glass, Silver skid plates

Kona Premium (Top-Spec)

• Adds over Elite:
• Luxury: Wide glass sunroof with power sunshade (New standard), Ventilated front seats, Heated steering wheel, Heated rear outboard seats
• Tech: 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster, Head-Up Display (implied by previous spec, confirm at dealer), BOSE™ 8-speaker premium audio, Built-in Navigation with Live Traffic
• Convenience: Smart Power Tailgate, Ambient mood lighting
• Lighting: LED 'Seamless Horizon' lamp, LED dual projector headlights, LED indicators

Options and Packages

The N Line Option Pack brings sporty aesthetics and features to the Elite and Premium grades.

• Price: $3,500 (Elite) / $3,000 (Premium)
• Exterior: N Line body kit (bumpers, skirts, wing spoiler), 19-inch N Line alloy wheels, Body-coloured cladding, Twin-tip exhaust
• Interior: Alcantara®/Leather-appointed seats with Red highlights, Perforated leather steering wheel, Black headlining, Alloy pedals

Colour Selections

The 2026 Kona is available in nine exterior colours.

• Standard: Atlas White, Mirage Green (check availability).
• Premium (+$595): Abyss Black Pearl, Cyber Gray Metallic, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, Denim Blue Pearl, Ultimate Red Metallic, Soultronic Orange Pearl, Neoteric Yellow.
• Interior: Standard Black or Grey. A Light Shale Grey / Sage Green interior is available as a $295 option on Premium grades.